Voice recording for beginners!

[overkillcoin]

^{DISCLAIMER: I'm an amateur, and this is simply what has worked for me.
Feel free to offer opinions/constructive criticism!}

Barebones audio recording

For a long time, I was hesitant to record my voice to narrate for animations. If you remember my overkillcoin video from 2014, I paid a colllege-trained voice over artist $150 to come up with a voice over that was simply terrible. I decided to take on the task myself and got some decent results. If you feel that you're on a project that needs YOUR voice, that only you can get things the way you want it, then you should jump right in. Hesitation is paralyzing. Getting started is easy and you can fine tune over time.

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My "studio" is my vehicle

I've recorded in carpeted closets with lots of clothes, which has worked well. However, many homes have echo-y closets. Thin doors, high ceilings, bare wood floors all create echos that can ruin your recording. I've been recording in my vehicle for years now and my musician/audio engineering friend says that it's the best recording environment I've voiced in. It's well insulated with few surfaces that reflect sound back into the microphone.

I sit in the back seat, centered when I record. The tricky part is that recording is best done while standing. I do my best to sit at the edge of the seat for better breathing. The struggle is real! Some day soon I hope to have a small home studio, but this is my temporary fix.

Obviously, keep your engine off, have your windows rolled up and try to park in a quiet garage. Be aware of any noise around you. Stupid birds, traffic, planes flying overhead, lawnmowers and dogs can ruin your recording. If you're indoors, be aware of fans, ventilation, laundry machines, your noisy roommates and soforth. These can wreck your efforts.

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My equipment: Zoom H2n Portable Recorder Value Pack ($199.95)

I've probably recorded ten different times with a blue snowball mic. While it's a decent microphone for beginners:

• It's a bit bulky for small spaces
• It has to be connected to a pc to capture audio
• Pros have told me USB microphones are for hobbyists only(?)
  

  The Zoom H2n

  The H2n is a self-contained recorder with a high quality mic. It's battery operated, but energy efficient. Being small and hand-held, I can record in an office, closet or, of course, my vehicle. This saves a lot of hassle and allows quick re-takes. I highly recommend the accessory kit. The windshield/pop-filter in itself is worth the extra money.
  

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Software: Audacity (FREE)

The interface for Audacity is pretty intuitive and I've found it to be all I need for trimming up audio recordings. You may need a separate bit of software to export to mp3 format though. I think it's called "LAME" mp3 encoder.

Ask your mom if it's okay, then download Audacity here

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Hope this can inspire anyone who's been thinking about recording!

Thanks for reading!

Comments

[wandrnrose7]

This is a great how-to. Thanks for sharing your experience. <3

[overkillcoin]

I figure it can be useful for poets and writers, not just for comedy or video narration :)

[david777111]

Recording in the car. That makes sense. Only hard surfaces are the windows and they are close by with everything else pretty soft. I guess you can even hang towels from the inside of the windows.

[connecteconomy]

So where is your voice? I clicked all over the post but couldn't hear it... 😳

[overkillcoin]

right HERE:

[saffisara]

That's really awesome dear 😆 hey my dad has the same mic.... Lol it's a great tool and he uses it a lot.
I love the voice you do and this is how you do it
Thank you for sharing. Cheers

[overkillcoin]

Does your dad also talk crazy like me??? XD

Yes, most homes aren't designed with voice recording in mind, so there's so much echo.

Have a great day!! (morning!)

[saffisara]

No he sings and plays his guitar and writes songs 😆 but sometimes he talks but only about the songs.
Really cool to se and congrats on the shout out
So well deserved 🤗 cheers

[rehan12]

The usage have already been great in your video and that is nicely explained buddy :)

[ufxpression]

This is a Great move made... with your extensive explanation, this tool is very very useful. I would place my order for one. Weldone.... the world needs more of techs like this.

[overkillcoin]

• ______ •

[robert31]

hey @overkillcoin,
Voice recording technology post is great and good information.

[overkillcoin]

You need to buy the microphone, it's a good price.

[intelliguy]

I've recorded in carpeted closets with lots of clothes, which has worked well

What a novel (strange, but yet effective) idea. Thanks for sharing it.