Recording Tips: Compressors

I have been asked many times to share my insights into creating better audio. It’s no secret that many more people today than ever before are doing some sort of recording on their own. The truth to this is that it is a great thing for those of us in the professional audio world (although some disagree). I receive innumerable projects across my desk from those that have recorded something on their own and want to improve it, add to it or work from it. Knowing how to use the basic tools to make better recordings allows these people to spend more time on the creative aspects of what they are recording and less time trying to figure out how to work all of the gadgets that are included in the recording software/hardware they purchased. Over the next few weeks, I will be writing about the usage of some of the most common audio tools used to achieve more professional recordings. I will be writing these as if the reader knows absolutely nothing regarding the tools, so if you are a little more seasoned, stay with me.

When working with voices, there are two pieces equipment that I almost always use, a compressor and an EQ. There are of course a whole host of other pieces that can be added to the audio chain, but these are the basics. For now, I will focus only on the compressor and save the EQ discussion for another day.

While probably the most commonly used audio tool, the compressor is a stumbling block for many people. For some reason, it just seems overly complicated when in actuality it is an extremely easy to understand tool. A compressor is essentially used to even out the volume of a sound source. Naturally, words that are spoken or sung using inflection and pitch will have areas that are louder and some that are much softer. A compressor, used correctly, will bring the space between the loud parts and the soft parts closer together by automatically turning down the loud parts and turning up the soft parts. In order to do this, you have to be able to tell it how to do its job. Before proceeding, I must first tell you that a compressor can do a lot of things and function in many different ways, today I’m only going to focus the most basic settings and controls. I will delve deeper into the other functions another day. The most basic user influenced parameters on a compressor are as follows:

• Threshold – This tells the compressor when to start working. The compressor will start increasing or reducing volume when the audio signal reaches the specified volume of the threshold. If the volume of the sound never reaches the threshold limits the user sets, it will not be affecting the audio at all.
• Ratio – The setting of the ratio determines how much the volume of the compressed areas will be affected. 1:1 being no affect at all, 20:1 being a very considerable amount of affect well past the point of acting as a limiter (also discussed further later). A ratio of 4:1 would mean that if the audio increases 4 dB above the threshold limits that were set the, volume increase would now only be 1 dB.
• Attack – This setting determines how quickly the compressor starts working after the set threshold has been reached. Attack times set to a very fast setting, say 1 millisecond, will almost instantly have compression applied once the threshold is reached, longer attack times will apply the compression more gradually. Remember, the goal when using these audio tools is not to be able to tell that they were applied, just to improve the sound, adjusting the attack time helps with this greatly.
• Decay – This tells the compressor how quickly to release the compression once the sound has crossed back under the threshold. Again, this is used to make this tool subtler. A fast decay time will release the compressor immediately while a slower decay time will gradually decrease the amount of compression.

Since every vocal recording is different, it is hard to give you a defined setting to use, but the compressor is actually very easy to manipulate and knowing what each control does should aid you in tweaking the effect until it sounds right. Your ears are the best tools you have; use them to compare your effected recording to others that sound good to you.

Voice Acting Studio Performance Tips

It’s amazing how a microphone can transform a person. For some people, myself included, it brings out the goofy, over the top entertainer; for others it can turn even the simplest of lines and phrases into insurmountable feats of frustration. There are pros and cons to both of these but both are easy to correct and/or accentuate with a few simple steps.

For those of us who view the microphone as a magic wand that makes us the ultimate actor and comedian, we have to really focus on the task and hand and consider what we are recording. It is essential to stay on task and channel the energy into delivering a controlled performance that is appropriate for the material. I have found that I often have to provide much more production guidance to the client when this is the case. For those not working with a producer, spend an extra few minutes reviewing the recording and looking at it from many different perspectives. It’s often helpful to begin the reads from a much more subdued standpoint and work up the intensity from there. Also, pulling the volume down in the headphones can prove helpful in taming down an overactive read. It’s important not to loose the inhibition in the recording session as this has produced some of the best voiceover sessions I’ve ever had, but too much of just about anything is not a good thing.

For those that struggle with intensity in front of a microphone, it can get complicated. I have found that often people are just concerned about making fools out of themselves. From a producer’s standpoint, it’s especially important to convey exactly what they are looking for in the performance. When producing, I will often read the line myself very much over the top and follow up with, “that’s probably a bit much, but you get the point”. Usually this helps put them at ease as they have gotten a good laugh at my expense. Also, it may help to increase the headphone volume in their case as it makes them more aware that they are portraying a character or playing a specific role in the studio. This group of performers typically takes direction very well and can be easily molded into creating the perfect performance. For those of you who fall into this category and are working without a producer, start your recordings out with an intensity that you think is over the top and dial it back from there. Also, sit back and really listen to the recording after the fact and take the role of producer, if you think it is acceptable for the topic and would give it the green light as a producer, send it on for review. If not, don’t be afraid to go back to the drawing board and really develop the character.

Spending time working on your general delivery in front of a microphone is just like practicing anything; the more you do it, the better you become at it. Remember that you are your own worst critic in many cases and don’t be afraid to experiment within your environment. Turn off your lights, close your eyes, turn your headphones up, turn your headphones down, use hand gestures, make funny faces and don’t forget that what you are doing should be enjoyable.

Business Usage of Recording Studios

There’s a pretty good chance that the first things that comes to mind when you hear “recording studio” are images of guitars, drums and an engineer at a mixing board nodding his head to the beat. While this image rings true in many cases there are other sides to the recording studio, sides that people tend to forget about or what some of my friends like to call “the unsexy side of recording”.

Many organizations tend to miss out on a key marketing element that could both help build their credibility and give them a much more approachable image. This element is the voice of the business and can be used in several capacities throughout the marketing initiatives. Integrating audio into the marketing mix helps evoke emotion, increase retention of information and helps leave a more lasting impression on your target audience. In conversations with organizations and businesses, I am amazed at how often the scope of using the recording studio to facilitate marketing needs seems way outside the spectrum. There really are many ways professionally recorded voiceover; music or sound effects can be integrated into just about any business. Below is a short rundown:

• Audio for presentations – Presentations don’t have to be large scale productions, but the addition of custom music and carefully selected voiceover can really help set an overall tone for a meeting. We have added audio to quarterly company meeting Power Point presentations and more complex product launch presentations.

• Audio for websites – Done correctly, a short audio intro to a website can speak volumes for your business. These intros don’t have to be long and drawn out it can be as simple as thanking you web-visitor for stopping by, it can also serve as a virtual traffic director, quickly outlining some helpful hints for navigating the website. This can help your website feel more friendly and welcoming to the visitor and may help them linger on your site longer.

• Audio training manuals – While most companies use hardcopy, traditional training manuals, many have found it more effective to incorporate a recorded version as well. This allows trainees to both listen to and read at the same time the vital information that they are to consume. This will lead to a swifter absorption and longer retention of the information that they are being provided. Training processes can be lengthy and expensive; anything to speed the process can decrease boredom and place the trainee in real-life situations faster, saving the company money.

• Custom voiceover and/or music for slideshows – We are seeing more and more slideshows to be given to clients depicting previous work and achievements by companies. While many times this is simply a series of pictures, it is more entertaining and engaging when there is a spoken explanation of the image and music is used to set the tone. This provides a much more professional and polished product to clients.

• On-hold messaging programs – Business that have any amount of telephone traffic have a unique opportunity to market to a captive audience that wants to hear what they have to say. Taking advantage of the time a client is on-hold by supplying them with information about the company, directing them to the companies website or featuring a lesser known product or service will both enhance image and decrease the likelihood of a hang-up.

There are many other business services recording studios can offer such as radio spots, jingles and audio for video. These and others tend to be the obvious thoughts that businesses have relating to studios. Audio usage by businesses and other organizations can be an amazing tool when used properly and could be what sets a company apart from competition in this global economy. One word of caution to this process; professional voiceover and properly mixed productions are extremely important. You want these audio productions to sound their best and convey professionalism. Hopefully these thoughts have sparked some creative juices and provoked some new ideas. Please do not hesitate to ask or comment if you have any questions or thoughts.

Making Your Voiceover Demo Stand Out

Going back through numerous emails and CD’s of voiceover demos recently, I realized that many of the names I did not recognize. In fact only a hand full rang a bell and only 1 or 2 did I use regularly. I reviewed those individuals demos again as well as some of the others that I did not recognize. It became apparent quite quickly why I had chosen the ones that I had based on their demos and why I produced voice demos for actors the way that I do.

In most cases, it was not necessarily the voice (although sometimes it was) that prompted my call, but more often it was the fact that there was a wide range of material displayed in a very short amount of time. Almost none of the ones that I selected sent me separate demos displaying different styles, but one short demo displaying the best of the best across the spectrum. There was almost always a humorous section and in all cases they made me smile. The demos that were selected all evoked an emotion in me of one kind or another and made me feel a genuine connection with the artist. None of the demos that I selected contained an intro or exit that gave me the artist name or booking information, but the demos that were selected all contained the artist name in text on the file itself.

One of the most memorable demos that I remember hearing was from a voice actor that was very good with many dialects. He performed a roundtable discussion with each of his voices playing a different character. It was well written and was absolutely hilarious. I still refer him to studios to this day and submit his demo for him.

Demos are subjective to anyone listening to them, I am simply sharing what “sells” me on the voice actor. Some of my likes are different than what is considered the norm, but I’m sure that I am not alone in some of my demo preferences. Here is a list of what I consider a standout demo:

• Quick and to the point - I receive many demos and want to get the most from them in the shortest amount of time possible. I generally prefer no longer than 2 minutes maximum.

• Establish an emotional connection – Demos should be done in a fashion that the person listening to it is really getting to know the voice actor. After all the hope is that you will work with the person you are sending the demo to, they need to like you.

• Make them smile – Whether it’s cute, cuddly or funny, the listener needs to smile when they hear the demo.

• Use a music bed – Don’t go overboard, but music helps create the emotion. I especially liked the ones that felt well thought out in music selection for each section. Don’t just throw a generic sound bed down for the sake of having one there.

• Don’t oversell yourself – I don’t know why, but when I hear demos that say the artists name more than once (or at all), it turns me off. A good cover letter should cover this aspect. I’m not writing down the booking information from the demo itself.

• Use Metatags if sending mp3s – This will display all of the information needed about the artist in text in most computerized players. Many of the demos I received as mp3s simply said “voice demo.mp3”.

Finally, of the ones that I selected that might not have initially caught my attention, I realized another fact; they had all called me over a period of months and built a relationship with me before I had ever used them. They made me know them before I used them. I knew that they wanted to work, they were serious about their craft and really had an interest in the type of work that I was doing. This speaks volumes about marketing yourself and branding yourself as a voice actor. In many cases, I didn’t even go back over their demos before calling them to work on a project with me.

The craft of voiceover is truly a beautiful one and one that does a lot for many enterprises in today’s world. Demos are the entry point into any project or studio and need to be as strong as possible. Please feel free to share your comments as well below.

How Does Music Generate Action?

I have spent years playing, researching, recording, writing and analyzing music and am always interested regarding the "whys" behind it. Things like; Why is one song more popular than another? Why do some songs never seem to get old? Why are the same songs played at almost every wedding reception you attend? Why is music used in marketing? Why do we hear music in retail stores (and why does it always seem to be a watered down version of the original)? Some of these questions seem pretty obvious, but when you really think about it, the answers don't come so easily. Obviously, record producers have figured out a "method to the madness" of spinning out a hit, even through the changing climate of digital vs. physical music sales. Hits, however have a definite and fickle life span. Not all #1 singles will be well recognized even 2 years down the road, and not all songs that barely crack the top 20 will be forgotten in 2 years.

Popularity of music is driven in several ways; one way is through synch licensing within a movie. I immediately think of the revitalization of the 1994 single, "I Like To Move" it by Reel 2 Real thanks to the 2005 hit movie "Madagascar". Since then this song has become a stadium anthem across the nation and is known by almost every child in the U.S.A.. Another way music is made popular is through long-term advertising programs. In this instance I think of "We Like To Party" by the Dutch group Vengaboys. You may not know this song by name, but when you hear the music and see the old man dancing, you realize you are listening to a Six Flags advertisement. "We Like To Party" has been used for nearly 6 years in a row now. Finally, there are just some artists that have a brand so well established that popularity of their music is almost guaranteed. In this case brand management has done the leg work for them, I think Black Eyed Peas in this instance. They have done an amazing job at creating a brand that both trusted and well recognized by the music consumer.

Then there are the "evergreens", the songs that may have a very specific genre, but no one seems to care. You will be hard pressed to not see almost everyone in a room take notice when "Sweet Home Alabama" or "Don't Stop Believing" start to play. Not many of these songs are "born" year to year, but when they are, they become iconic songs that can be used in almost any situation.

So how can we use these facts to our advantage? How can music be used to call people to action? Make that puchase, donate money, time or spend just a little longer in a store. First, I have never heard anyone say "I don't like music". Everyone likes some type of music and that music will generate emotions. Sometimes, for products at least, the right song is obvious. For example, you are marketing a pre-paid calling card many songs will spring to your mind that would make sense ("Call Me" by Blondie was what immediately jumped into my mind). Even easier are items designed as romantic gifts, there is any number of love songs out there that would work perfectly. Other products can prove to be more difficult, but the joy of music is there is usually several choices of well known songs that fit well for just about any product or service. You can then begin to filter down song choice by the age, gender and socioeconomic groups you want to market to. Maybe it's not a product you are trying to sell, but an emotion you are trying to generate. Ever notice that many times political advertisements use a grandiose patriotic arrangement as a sound bed? These ads are attempting to portray trust and nobility. Music is the perfect ingredient to accompany a strong voiceover to generate interest and create a sense of urgency, because it establishes some sort of emotional bond with the listener.

Music truly is the "soundtrack" to our lives, we listen to it at birthdays, graduations, weddings and funerals. We use it to get through workouts, to make that flight a little more enjoyable, to wind down before bed and to pump us up before the big game. Music is a crucial additive to just about any media project, without it the project will most likely feel dull and lifeless. Same is true with meetings and presentations. I discovered sometime ago that playing music for a group before I spoke to them and inserting some music throughout my presentation drastically improved the responsiveness of the crowd. Music is not something that should be simply thrown into a project, it needs to be well thought out and edited correctly. The right professional should be able to come up with multiple song recommendations or references in very little time as a starting point. If you are not using music correctly in your media projects, you could really be missing an important opportunity to bond and build trust with your target audience.

Making The Most Of Your Sessions

I am often asked by clients "what do I need to do before I come to record". Now, if you are a seasoned voice actor or a musician that has been in the studio many times before, you probably have your own ritual that you go through prior to recording and you probably have a list of things that you like to bring into the studio. That is great, we all have our practices that make us utilize our craft better and certainly different recording sessions mean a different set of needs.

For voiceover sessions, it's always helpful, although not always possible, if the voice talent has gotten scripts in advance as well as some sort of scope on the vocal style that will be used. There is not a lot of other things that a voice actor needs to bring to a session. While most studios have water, it's always smart to bring water or whatever specific needs your voice has to perform at its best. A pen or pencil is also a good idea, just in case. Finally, voice actors need to understand that they are there to please the client and be open minded to the requests and willing to try many different reads and inflections.

I always tell musicians that are coming in to record that the most important thing is that they know the material and know it well. The studio is not a place to iron out the chorus or get your guitarist up to speed on the bridge. That needs to be done in advance. Studios are a place to get your absolute best performance recorded and let the producer and engineer work their magic. Guitarists should always have extra strings, drummers should have extra sticks and everyone should come prepared to focus on their music. There should also be a well defined plan for recording ahead of time. Musicians should know the order of songs and have a clearly defined goal for the recording session. Make those hours in the studio count.

Clients that are brining in songs or albums for mastering need to clearly communicate their desires for their final masters. It helps to provide the studio with reference material of songs they admire the sound of. Also, it must be understood that mastering is not a magic process that corrects poorly recorded or mixed songs. While many things can be corrected and improved through the mastering process, not all issues are correctable. Make sure that you are happy with your mixes prior to contacting a studio to master your project.

The studio can be a magical place but I have seen sessions that could have been much smoother with proper communication and basic understanding ahead of time. Always visit with the studio prior to the recording session and let them know what you want to achieve. Most studios will do all that they can to ensure that you are happy.

Key Audio & Sound Design is always happy to answer your questions and we would love to hear about your pre-recording routines as well! Feel free to post below!

What is On-Hold Messaging?

As obvious as on-hold messaging may seem to many people, many more people are not real sure what it is when I tell them that we do On-hold messaging for businesses. I get all types of responses ranging from the "deer in the headlights" to "Oh! like right before I leave a message?" I wanted to clarify for those that are unsure what on-hold messages are.

When you call a business and either ask to speak with someone or are placed on hold while the business representative is looking up information, you typically hear something. What you are hearing, generally is one of four things:

Silence - Not good. Most callers will hang up if they are left in silence for more than 60 seconds.

Radio - Also, not good. Suppose you own an AC repair company and while your customer is waiting for your quote, an advertisement for a competitor comes on offering $100 dollars off their next service call. You've just done some effective advertising for another company to your client.

CD - Simply put, this is illegal. You have to obtain a license to be able to "broadcast" someone else's music.

On-Hold Messaging - By far the best option. This is a professionally recorded work that utilizes the captive audiences attention to talk about your business. Many of my clients will answer FAQs, discuss why their service is the best choice, advertise specials or direct clients to their websites. Beneath these powerful messages clients enjoy nice selections of fully licensed music and between the messages they are thanked for their time and patience.

If you own a business and handle any amount of call volume, you should heavily consider taking advantage of on-hold messaging. This not only gives your business a polished and professional image, but it also leverages a captive audience who is obviously already interested in what you have to offer.

What is Key Audio & Sound Design?

When talking about Key Audio, I get asked a lot, "What exactly do you do?" There is a short answer and a long answer to that question, each response depends on the person asking the question. The short answer: Key Audio does anything that has to do with recorded audio, in any medium. The long answer is a little more involved; Key Audio records artists from seasoned bands, solo acts and songwriters to Karaoke singers and people just wanting to record something for their families. We create and record music, we master albums and we provide production guidance. Now, that's the music side, but we consider ourselves excellent multi-taskers and can't stop there. Key Audio also creates and produces sound for consumer products (this may require an entire separate discussion), creates custom on-hold messaging for businesses, records audiobooks, creates sound design for picture and video games, records corporate narration and helps build business identity through sound. Finally, we are able to provide CD duplication/replication and assist in distribution of both digital and physical albums.

Key Audio and Sound Design has a vast network of musicians, composers, copywriters and voice talent to meet any and all of our clients needs. Providing unprecedented support through our clients projects, we have been able to build a very strong pool of repeat and referral business. We love what we do and it shows. Please keep us in mind next time you or someone you know is looking for quality recording services.