VO Creative Mindset: Framing Things – Tuesday Studio Tech Tip

Working with a solid framework will serve to compliment workflows. Frameworks provide structure and a consistent approach. However, as artistic individuals, we sometimes feel that a formal structure might be stifling to our creative process. That can make us feel a need to change approaches, or try to shake things up. It can feel as though there is a battle going on between those two ideas.

My sense is that a framework gives direction to the creative moments. The framework handles the mechanics of operation, providing a stable stage from which to launch.

One benefit when I switched to reading scripts from an iPad was the ability to use the same type of formatting for every audition script. Something as simple as the text being in the same type style and size means less load on the brain. Breaking lines up allows me to find flow visually, rather than penciled-in breaks or arrows. That consistent framework allows more focus on what I want to do with the script, rather than simply deciphering the words.

With rare exception, I batch my auditions at the same time each day. That time becomes part of my practice so it’s expected and consistent. There’s no real need to suddenly shift attention and focus away from another task. It’s part of what I “normally” do at that time. That reduces the stress of the day’s other “to-do’s”.

There’s a consistency to each step of the preparation: opening Twisted Wave, saving and naming the files, setting levels, and stepping into the booth. It’s this repetition of the familiar which can both ground and focus, providing a familiar lead-in to the moment behind the microphone.

And that’s when we get to play.

Batch Processor Tip – Saving multiple copies
Following some recent posts, I’ve had a few follow-up questions about Batch Processing. I’d referenced the idea of saving multiple versions of the same file – for example a “pre-processed” version for safety, then a full spectrum WAV file with all processing, and finally an MP3 version for upload to ACX. Not all Batch Processors can be set up that way.
While you can save multiple format versions using RX10’s Batch Processor there is a discrete final “Output” step where this occurs. Adobe Audition only lets you save one type of file per batch – so you’d just have to create a “Save as MP3” batch to run in a follow up step.
That is one of the reasons I tend to prefer the Twisted Wave Batch Processor. Twisted Wave allows almost any function to be added multiple times, and at any point in the process you desire.

Audacity Meter Issues in Sonoma OS 14.2 –
(Note – this was emailed to subscribers 1/24/23 – posted here for reference)
When we are running a production studio (which we all are), downtime is best avoided. A slightly older, fully functional computer operating system is much better than the newest/latest/greatest which is likely to fail in ways we have not conceived. I typically keep my studio computer about a year back on OS’s.
A few weeks ago, I started encountering other voice actors who were wondering where their Audacity input and output meters had gone. That’s kind of a vital function. It turns out that the MacOS 14.2 (Sonoma) update had caused the metering to disappear. This does seem to be more of an Apple system issue than an Audacity glitch. Luckily, Apple has just updated the OS to 14.3 which appears to fix this issue. If your meters are not visible, and you had updated to Sonoma (or it came with a new computer), then I would recommend updating to the newest version.
But, as always, if things are working fine, there’s no compelling reason to change anything.

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