Session 1

Having a top-notch studio quality is super important in the voice-over biz. It's all about showing you're a pro, making sure your voice comes across crystal clear, and being flexible for different gigs like commercials, video games, or audiobooks. When you've got a killer studio setup, you stand out from the competition, keep clients happy, and can really let your unique voice shine through. Plus, it gives you room to play around with different styles and effects during recording, and it makes post-production editing a breeze. So, invest in good gear, set up a sweet recording space, and practice those recording tricks for top-notch sound!

The difference between Sound Proofing and Sound Treatment.

1. Soundproofing: Soundproofing is the process of preventing sound from entering or leaving a space. It aims to isolate a room or space from external noise or to contain sound within a specific area. The primary goal of soundproofing is to reduce the transmission of sound, whether it's airborne sound (like voices or music) or structure-borne sound (like vibrations). Common soundproofing methods include adding insulation, using heavy materials, sealing gaps and cracks, and installing double walls or soundproof barriers. Soundproofing is essential for spaces where noise control is critical, such as recording studios, home theaters, and bedrooms.

2. Sound Treatment: Sound treatment, on the other hand, is focused on improving the acoustics within a room. It deals with managing how sound behaves within a space to enhance clarity, reduce echoes, and control reverberation. Sound treatment is about optimizing the sound quality within a room for specific purposes, such as recording, listening, or speech intelligibility. This is achieved by using acoustic panels, diffusers, bass traps, and other acoustic materials strategically placed to absorb, scatter, or diffuse sound waves. Sound treatment is commonly applied in recording studios, home theaters, conference rooms, and live performance venues to create a controlled acoustic environment.

Industry-standard microphones and why you would need them.

These microphones have gained recognition for their exceptional audio quality, reliability, and versatility. Here are few examples of industry-standard microphones and why you might need them: 

1. Neumann U87: The Neumann U87 is a legendary condenser microphone known for its warm and clear sound. It's a popular choice for recording vocals, musical instruments, and voice-over work. Its versatility and ability to capture detailed audio make it a staple in many studios.

2. Shure SM7B: The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone famous for its versatility and durability. It's widely used in broadcasting, podcasting, and music production. Its ability to handle a wide range of sources, including vocals and instruments, makes it a valuable tool for professionals.

3. AKG C414: The AKG C414 is a versatile condenser microphone with multiple polar pattern options. It's commonly used for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and drum overheads. Its adaptability and transparent sound make it a go-to choice for many engineers.

4. Sennheiser MD 421 II: The Sennheiser MD 421 II is a dynamic microphone ideal for capturing the sound of drums and amplifiers. It's often used in recording studios and live sound reinforcement due to its robust build and ability to handle high sound pressure levels.

5. Rode NT1-A: The Rode NT1-A is a popular budget-friendly condenser microphone known for its low self-noise and clear sound. It's commonly used for vocals, acoustic instruments, and podcasting, offering excellent audio quality at an affordable price point.

Industry-standard microphones are great, but you never feel like you need one to be a professional actor; always work your way up.

The difference in Characters and Performance.

In acting, characters are the made-up folks you play in a story, like the hero, the villain, or the funny sidekick. They've got their own personalities, backgrounds, and motivations based on the script. So, to do a great job, actors need to really get into their character's shoes, understand how they think and feel, and bring them to life on stage or screen.

Performance is like the whole package deal of acting. It's not just saying lines; it's about how you say 'em, showing emotions, and moving around like your character would. A good performance isn't just about getting the character right; it's about making the audience feel something and keeping them hooked. So, when you see an actor really nailing it, they're not just reading lines; they're making magic happen on stage or screen.

. The 4 things that go into a voice (Homework 1: write these down).

1.     Pitch- High, Medium, Low, etc. (What's your variety in range?)
2.     Accent- American Southern, German, Scottish, etc. (How many can you do?)
3.     Rhythm/ Cadence- Fast, slow, stutter, etc. (What's your variety in range?)
4.     Noise- Raspy, lisp, whistle, growl, etc. (How many can you do)

Pick one character from the sheet to voice, then upload it to the Google Drive folder! Keep track and write down the 4 basics for yourself: what was your pitch? Did you use an accent, what was the cadence, and what was the noise you used? Each week, you pick a new character to voice from the sheet and choose a different option. This will help you keep track of your progress and enable your instructor to provide feedback and guidance. Remember to choose a different character and approach each week to enhance your versatility and skills in voice acting.