Subject:How do I richen a voice-over

Posted by: joejubee

Date:11/4/2002 2:33:44 PM

What is the easiest way to richen a voice over? I am trying to combine two voice overs, one by a pro with rich , thick voice, and one by an exec with a hollow, thin voice. When I combine them, the difference is just too much to bear.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Joe

Subject:RE: How do I richen a voice-over

Reply by: joejubee

Date:11/4/2002 2:34:53 PM

oh yea, you can email me at joe@joefreelance.com ... thanks

Subject:RE: How do I richen a voice-over

Reply by: Ted_H

Date:11/4/2002 2:51:37 PM

The best possible thing you can do is start with a good microphone. Something with a lot of low end response would be best for what you are doing. It doesn't sound like that's an option in your case, so you will need to use an EQ to boost the lower frequencies. The EQ's in Sound Forge are in the process menu. You will probably have to do some dynamics processing (compression) as well. The dynamics processes are located in the effects menu.

Ted

Subject:RE: How do I richen a voice-over

Reply by: watson

Date:11/5/2002 10:43:17 PM

In sound forge you can lower the pitch and keep the same time. A little bit goes a long way. Then you can add some lower end to the file.

Also in the future build a voice over box. Basically make a box about 1 1/2'x 3' of 3/4" plywood. leave one long side open. line with thick foam and place a mic at the back. You can even use a decent lav mic. This really adds to the bass response and gives light voices some presence. The next trick is dynamics and style. Can't build a prop for that.

W

Subject:RE: How do I richen a voice-over

Reply by: Bush

Date:11/6/2002 11:59:46 PM

How do you lower the pitch?
Thanks

Subject:RE: How do I richen a voice-over

Reply by: rraud

Date:11/7/2002 7:16:18 PM

I would start by EQing out some lows on the "good" VO, and adding to the other to even them out... EQ-wise AND loudness-wise.... Use your ears, more than the meters.
No way can you make an amature sound like a pro. If it's an interview type thing... What it is, is what it is.
Beware of too much bass if this is for video/TV.

Subject:RE: How do I richen a voice-over

Reply by: speakeasy

Date:11/9/2002 8:43:44 AM

I'm assuming you already have the recordings of each person (one reply suggested re-recording). But if re-recording is not an option, you are in a dilemma. When the original voice-track is as you describe, you usually have to subtract from the good one to make it sound more like the "tinney" one; I've been there. I recently found an interesting application on the web that you might like to experiment with; PSP Audio's Vintage Warmer. The free demo download protects them by allowing you only 30 second intervals of editing, but whoever these guys are who wrote the compression program, I applaude them. Try it, but before you get excited and spend the 150 bucks it costs, try simulating what it can do using Forge's Plug-In Chainer (takes 2 or 3 treatments to equal 1 of theirs). Good luck, "Speakeasy"