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An exclusive Audiocourses feature on leading voice-over artist Beverley Beer including voice recording tips.
My name’s Beverley Beer and I am a freelance Voice Artist who works with Audiocourses.com. Audiocourses.com have asked me to write a short article on voice work to give you a sense of what ‘goes on behind the scenes', to offer a snapshot of how I work and also give any budding voice artists out there a few tips! Now, I’ve been a voice artist for over 10 years and with technology moving as it does, I would consider that I am still learning my trade – but I’m happy to share any small nuggets of experience I’ve gleaned along the way!
I have my own studio and booth, which is where I do most of my recordings, although I sometimes travel to a client’s studio if they prefer. As I work as both the voice over and sound engineer, it means I can be very flexible and responsive to my clients, without booking in a separate engineer to record and edit for me. This also offers a cost saving which I pass on to my clients. However, to wear both ‘hats’, I have to continually keep abreast of new technologies and advancements in the sound world, as it would be very easy to work in isolation and suddenly find yourself using the ‘betamax’ version of a sound desk!
Beverley’s Recommended VO Equipment List
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- A good quality condenser microphone
- Dedicated, high-spec PC with ample free memory (with high speed internet connection)
- Good quality speakers and headphones
- A professional pre-amp + compressor
- A professional sound-card, e.g. M-Audio’s Audiophile 192.
- Industry recognised recording software, e.g Steinberg’s Cubase SX3.
- A vocal booth (you can either buy these as a stand alone item or soundproof a an existing small room with acoustic boarding, foam etc)
- I also recommend an external hard-drive to store finished work, as you need your PC to devote all it’s memory and processing power to driving Cubase which is a fantastic – but quite memory hungry - piece of software!
- Lastly, you need bags of patience, some technical savvy and a healthy slice of acting ability!
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In basic terms, the process is as follows:
I’m contacted by a client who shares their voice recording requirements and script. Once I’m clear on all aspects of the job, I send the client and quote and (hopefully!) they’re happy and want to go ahead. I generally offer a 24hr turnaround (although this depends on the size of the job). I then print off the script, record the job and send it back either via e-mail, FTP upload or CD, depending on the clients’ preference.
Voice work also fits nicely around other ongoing work projects, namely, writing and presenting and I really enjoy voice work and the variation it brings to my working day! Every piece of work is different and even items that could be considered a ‘straight’ read require much preparation and thought around the delivery and inflection of each word. For example, training courses require a different style of voice to, say, a software demo. I could be working on a large-scale, exciting advertising campaign one day – then be voicing some weird and wonderful characters the next. The weirdest of them including a ‘chav’ footballers wife, an intergalactic vampire and a Liverpudlian Bridget Jones!
Beverley’s Top 5 VO Tips
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It’s Got To Be Perfect
Always ensure you check all the details of the script, e.g. including pronunciations, delivery style required recording formats, compression levels before beginning. Unless it’s really obvious – never assume the pronunciation of anything – especially the product name! Also, listen, listen and listen again to your finished piece to ensure your read is word perfect.
To Sit Or Not To Sit
Depending on your training you may wish to sit or stand when recording. As I am a trained actress, I sometimes tend to ‘over deliver’ if I’m standing (as if addressing an audience), so I find sitting is best, as this collapses my diaphragm and keeps the process more intimate and casual. It also prevents popping (see the last tip).
Every Breath You Take
When editing, I tend to remove most of the breaths, but don’t strip them all out, as this can make the recording sound too clinical and unnatural.
Food Glorious Food
The day before recording, I try to avoid chocolate, tea and any dairy products – as these can add to the production of mucus (sorry to be so medical!) that can affect the clarity of a voice recording. Also, I was once advised by the fantastic voice over artist and voice trainer, Bernard Shaw, (www.bernardshaw.co.uk) that pineapple juice can be beneficial – and, as always, he is correct and I can thoroughly recommend it!
Pop, Pop, Pop Music
Finally, it’s very easy to ‘pop’ on plosive consonants such as B or P, so I recommend the purchase of an inexpensive pop shield which goes some way to countering this issue. |
For more information on Beverley please visit her website:
www.beverleybeer.com
You can hear Beverley in action on the Audiocourses Advert on Student Radio.
