So I'm looking to get into some part time voice work for a little extra change here and there and I need to put together a demo for it. My question is can I put together copy with real company names and slogans without it being an official commercial, or should I just make up some company names and slogans to avoid copyright strike? Thank you in advance!

I hear conflicting information, have they worked better than condensers for anyone? Some people say that switching to a dynamic mic helped with the background noise, are there any you'd recommend would be suitable for commercial work when you can't soundproof your room better?

All my non-professional mics are picking up background noise, incl. a headset with a condenser mic (the wired apple earbuds) if I use a DAW (however some apps are able to automatically to remove the noise but I wasn't able to do it as well myself in Adobe Audition). wanted to upgrade, so I was wondering if there are any cheap mics that are good at rejecting background noise that would be an upgrade over the appe earbuds which sounds quite decent, and apparently some people even did lofi albums with them.

There's a wall directly behind me, would getting a portable vocal booth I could put on the desk in front of me work if I'm in a small room? Or would putting a winshield be better?

Putting together my blanket fort in my basement and the blankets are about a foot too short. How much of an effect is 1ft of exposure going to have for sound deadening in the space?

I’m a long time user of Source Connect (currently on Standard version 3.9), as both an engineer and as a voiceover artist. It’s been due a major update for a looooong time, as v3.9 still looks like something designed in the early 2000s and has pretty serious latency. So I was excited to hear they’re releasing a new version which looks a lot more modern and has various improvements, such as much lower latency and no need for port forwarding etc.

I’ve been offered the Black Friday one time upgrade price of $89, which is very reasonable, but then in the small print it says there is a “network access / support” fee of $105/year. I guess I should have seen this coming, as they already did this with Source Nexus, but it’s nonetheless annoying to be faced with another subscription to cover.

So I’m wondering whether people think it’s worth it to upgrade, or in fact if anyone knows whether older versions will work with 4.0? I assume if I stay on 3.9 I’d be able to connect to other users on 4.0, without having to pay the network access fee, but I’ve seen nothing confirming this. I’m thinking perhaps upgrading and paying the annual fee is inevitable, so I might as well take the Black Friday deal - but I’m curious what others here think.

Hello fellow VOs...

I've seen an audition posted today on one of the main 'pay-to-play' sites offering £50 for an estimated 2 hours session. The proposed contract states: 'Perpetual global usage across all media', yet there is no mention of a buyout. This is from a genuine documentary production company based in London who have made documentaries for the BBC, etc. and the proposed project is apparently for Sky Documentaries.

Firstly, £50 is a bit low for a two hour session, I would normally charge minimum $50 per hour for a live session. And the buyout... well it depends how long the piece is, but surely in perpetuity across all global media would be $10k+ ?

What are your thoughts on this?

Is it feasible that an established production company would try to cut costs by putting out an offer like this in the hope that there are plenty of VOs out there who simply don't know their worth and aren't familiar with industry rates? Or is it more the case that they prefer not to discuss such details until they've found the talent and then negotiate after?

Hello everyone,

I’m excited to join this community! I’m looking to enhance my voice-over recordings and could use some guidance. I recently picked up the Rode NT1 5th Gen and have been using Rode Connect for recording.

I’m hoping to get some recommendations on: • The best software or apps for editing and syncing audio with video. • Techniques or settings to reduce background noise during recording. • Essential tips for improving voice-over quality. • Helpful resources (videos, guides, or courses) for beginners.

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

Thank you 🙏🏻.

Hi! I've recently been cast in a small-ish fan project, and it's my first time voice acting. I'm looking to get a microphone (preferably off Amazon lol), but have no idea where to start! I'm going to be both voice acting and singing, and my budget is fairly small (about $130 USD). Any general tips on brands, what to look for or specific mics would be much appreciated! Thank you!

I'd like to try recording on my phone, what are the best DAWs or recording apps you'd recommend?

Is there one that allows you to select a portion of a recording and then re-record over it, with the bit being naturally extended so that it never starts recording over the non-highlighted part that follows, but instead just stretches the highlighted portion to extend its duration if you take more time recording?

Also are there any interfaces that work well with Android (USB-C), so I can use a XLR mic?

Hi guys! I’m just starting out in VO and I’m really enjoying it so far! However, I’m struggling to learn what/how is the best way to steam line the editing process. Right now it’s taking me about an hour to edit a 6-10 minute audio clip! 🥹😰I don’t think that is sustainable in the long run. I’m using Adobe Audition, and I have most of the Waves plug ins. If any of you amazing experts have any tips, favorite plugins, or videos to share that could help me, I would really appreciate it! Thank you! 🙏😁

A voice actor friend of mine has been corresponding with AutoDemo, I think to possibly be added to their roster. It sounds VERY early but I'm wondering... have you ever worked with them? Any good or bad experiences? (Cross posting)

Hey VO community! I've had the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen for a few years alongside the MKH 416 and my wonderful PVC booth. With some pennies to spend I decided that my preamp is the weakest part of my current setup. Up to $1000 and anywhere inbetween, does the community have any recommendations for preamps that have been a great investment (and even better, a noticeable step up in quality from the Focusrite if you previously used one)?

Thanks in advance!

Hi all,

I've been super keen on getting into this line of work for a long time. I have submitted a couple entries in the various freeVO reddits that are kicking around with a little success.

However, after doing a fair bit of research is pretty obvious that Demo reel's are a necessity to take it to that next level being paid work.

Though after watching countless videos and suggestions I haven't found any recent, (2024) reels on places like YouTube and stuff to kind of get a gauge of market trends and what the norm is in this space, aside from commercial ones I.E voice overs for hungry jacks or whatever.

So! with the obvious exception of combing through individual profiles I'd like to turn to my fellow VO artists.

If you've had success Via your demo and you feel comfortable, DROP A LINK TO YOUR DEMOS BELOW! Not only will this be a good place for people to share and potentially clients to pick up different Artists but it could also give all of us "budding enthusiasts" a place to look at different styles and types of demo reels which could greatly help us in taking the next step.

I Apologise if this is taken the wrong way, I'm merely trying to go about some research in an efficient manor.

I'm also more then happy for any comments or links with advice or places to look when it comes to creating and tailoring a Demo.

For context, I'm mostly interested in the fantasy character, cartoon, anime space. not so much the commercial advert space but will willingly look at anything.

I will also probably cross post this across the few other VA sub reddits.

Thanks!

 I have a Yamaha Steinberg UR22MKII 2-Channel USB Interface. Willl this work with Audacity on the Mac?

https://preview.redd.it/rfsmoszb951e1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d55297e7175826e955dacc0f6769327e23b3050d

https://preview.redd.it/ylkalggc951e1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0cc1b3c7e73c55d6925a2e0e6d98a17b35260328

Hi everyone! For context: I'm launching our new audiobook production service, and we are working with authors who value a high quality, high touch service. In this offer, we find the perfect narrator for their audiobook based on interviewing them on their ideal voice over.

What questions should I be asking our clients to get an accurate "casting call" that works best for you, the narrator? I want to attract the right auditions without flooding my inbox with too much irrelevant samples to go through. it's important to us that we work with trustworthy, talented VAs that can deliver and hopefully wont take too long to get a solid short list going.

let me know if there's anything you'd like me to add to this post for better context.

Thanks so much in advance!

Looking for advice on preferred option between the SM7B and the RE20 for voice over work. I have a very deep voice and am looking for the mic that best fits me and the job of recording narration style voice over work.

Hello! I've been debating forever to post here but I gotta know if anyone else is experiencing something similar?

From January 1 - October 12, 2022 - I did 875 auditions and booked 99 gigs. 11.3% booking rate.

January 1 - October 12, 2023 - I did 1092 auditions and booked 91 gigs. 8% booking rate.

January 1 - October 12 of this year, 2024 - I did 1385 auditions and booked 58 gigs. 4% booking rate.

I'm on all the standard pay-to-play platforms and have worked very successfully for many years as a VO. Since April of 2023, when many AI voice products launched, I noticed a significant drop. Since October, I have tripled the number of auditions and have not booked a new gig. Is it AI? Over competition? The fact we were in an election cycle?

What is your experience?

They're not a scam, but they're also offering low rates and requiring two takes of 16 different scripts for them to make a demo for their website.

I am slowly building the home setup,and I have a question for the gallery mixing boards. Do I need an 8-channel board, or would a 2-channel work just as well? Or split the difference and get the 5 channel lol. Looking at Behringer

Hey all! I’m looking to get a portable vocal booth similar to the glide gear sb 150 or the snap studio one, basically one that you can walk into. If you guys have any suggestions, I’d greatly appreciate it. (Yes I know of other ways to build one, but I would like to know of any suggestions for booths to buy online)

WhisperRoom, StudioBricks…what iso booth would you recommend?

After years of enjoyment it’s time to say goodbye to my home studio. We’re moving and due to limited space, I’m moving out of the closet and back into an iso booth. I’ve built booths, owned off-brand custom iso booths, and now I’m ready to invest in the last iso booth I ever hope to own.

For those of you with time in, I’d love your feedback (pros/cons), and your recommendation based on your experience. What’s the best investment in your opinion? Your time and opinion is appreciated in advance, thank you!

Disclaimer: In accordance with the rules - in regards to any conflict of interest, I am not affiliated with any brand or manufacturer nor am I seeking a product review - only experienced industry professionals opinions, recommendations, and advice.

POST UPDATE

Here’s a detailed summary below of what happened:

(I am a new voiceover artist, by the way. So please be kind)

I replied/ “answered” a voiceover project online (voices.com). The client then sent me a message (via voices.com), asking that the sample script I send, be sent as a .WAV file. I believe she requested I email it to her. I then sent the client the updated .WAV file via email, as she requested.

The client then offered me the job, still communicating this to me via email. She had me sign a Voice Artist Service Agreement and complete a W-9 form. As per the client, my payment is expected in the amount of $700. I completed both forms and sent them to the client.

After completing the job, when I went to submit it online (voices.com), the job was removed. I reached out to the client and she requested I email it to her. The file was too large to send via email, so upon her request, I emailed her the job via a Dropbox link.

After submitting the voice submission to the client, the client confirmed receipt, and asked that I send them an invoice so they can go ahead and send the payment via check. She also asked that I state my name as I’d like it to appear on the check.

However, the Service Agreement I signed for the client does not mention that. As per the agreement the client provided me, it only states: “payable upon final project completion and approval.”

It is my understanding that all payments must be done via voices.com only. Can you kindly confirm this and provide me with any advise?

I did reach out to the Voices.com support via their support form I filled out & submitted online, emailed them and called them (but keep getting their voicemail). I’m now awaiting their response.

I’m Nicholas, an enthusiastic and eager voice actor excited to bring my talent to your next project. Whether you need a character voice, narration, or commercial work, I’m ready to deliver quality results with professionalism.

What I Offer • Character Voices (animation, video games, etc.) • Narration (audiobooks, documentaries, etc.) • Commercial Voiceovers • Spanish Scripts • Open to other creative projects!

Rates • 10-30 cents per word • Flat rate: $300 for 1 hour • $400 per hour for projects 2+ hours or longer Here is a link to a little of what I can do: https://youtu.be/QLJYUUoWZdI?si=vlhluT4qOJm8hmo5

Feel free to message me with any questions or to discuss your project further!

I'm using both Adobe Audition and Guitar Rig 7 to record and mix my VO. Contrary to the topic title, I'm very happy with the sound and tone of my voice...as long as I'm listening through my studio quality headphones (designed for studios).

But when I play them back through my cheap computer speakers or ear buds (which I feel is more representative of the average user setup), it sounds hollow or kinda like it's in a fishbowl. I assume this is because I'm losing the bottom because the cheap hardware can't push it that well.

Is there a way to account for this in the mix, so it sounds good on all setups (either pro level or the low-end speakers)?