Edge Studio

more Voice Over Today past issues

This VOICE OVER TODAY Issue Includes:

1.) Edge Studio Is Hiring

2.) Interested? Seats Are Going - The Get Greater Event

3.) Audiobook in DC, Promo in NY, and more Monthly Events

4.) Choosing An Appropriate Microphone

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VOICE OVER TODAY – September 20, 2005

Helping Voice-Talent Build Careers.

Published by EDGE STUDIO
www.edgestudio.com
     New York training - 212-868-edge
     Washington DC training - 202-398-edge
     Connecticut training - 203-374-edge
     Tele-Training - 888-321-edge

SINCE: 1988
RECOGNIZED: Voice and Speech Trainers Association
MEMBER: Better Business Bureau
SPONSOR: National Public Radio, Recording For The Blind & Dyslexic

VOICE OVER CAREER BUILDING
- training, evaluations, demos, marketing resources, guidance

PRODUCTION STUDIO & CASTING
- commercial and narration productions

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1.) EDGE STUDIO IS HIRING

If you love speaking and want 40-work-hours a week that range from fun to interesting to challenging, consider this position.

Edge Studio’s New York studio is interviewing candidates for a full-time office career position. Like the voice over industry, we are growing quickly, and need to add another member to our team.

We prefer someone who wants to stay in one position for a long time. And, (we say this with great admiration for voice-talent and actors), we prefer someone who will not need to leave throughout the workday for auditions.

Job responsibilities include coordinating voice over production jobs, seminars, and training schedules. Hours will be approximately 9am-5pm weekdays. Pay begins at approximately $32K.

Necessary skills include the ability to multitask, proficiency with computer skills, and wonderful communication skills. Non-smoker preferred.

Please email resumes and questions to jobs@edgestudio.com. Please include your telephone number as we may choose to respond by telephone.

Thanks.

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An essential tool for those working in audiobook narration-the Audiobook
Reference Guide is worth checking out. This comprehensive sourcebook to
the audiobook industry has over 375 listings for audiobook publishers,
producers, and directors-with their contact information.

To order your print copy now for only $49.95 (inc. s/h), call AudioFile at
800-506-1212 or visit www.audiofilemagazine.com

Be sure to check out the section on Voice Talent-and sign up for YOUR
listing in the online edition. For info on the Voice Talent listings email
guide@audiofilemagazine.com or visit www.audiofilemagazine.com

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2.) INTERESTED?

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO…
ECONOMICALLY AND PROFICIENTLY ADVANCE YOUR VOICE OVER CAREER!

The “3-Day Get Greater” Event

Some of the top voice over producers and educators, and the most beneficial tools for voice-over talent in one event.

This is simply a smart, economically, and proficient way to advance your career.

Objective: With its straightforward approach, increase your expertise and gain enough business know-how to recoup your investment and benefit long-term.

Edge Studio is known for current, candid, and personalized attention. Learn more below or call us 888-321-edge.

SEMINARS
• Business
• Marketing
• Home Studio Set-Up
• Website and CD

WORKSHOPS
• Audiobook
• Promo
• Foundation for Commercial & Narration
• Character & Animation
• Telephony

STUDIO PRODUCTION
• Assessment Of Your Marketable Niches
• Studio Recording, including Demo Excerpt
• Microphone Experience, Copy Reading
• Direction and Career Guidance

Classes are small (we do not believe you will benefit well with large class size)

INSTRUCTORS

• Roy Yokelson
What if you could learn from the voice over producer for Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Dom DeLouise, Bebe Neuwirth, Whoopie Goldberg and Michael J. Fox? You can, as Roy's celebrity credits include them and many, MANY more. Working with Roy is the closest thing to working with celebrity voice-talent.
• Paul Liberti
Here's a chance to be instructed by Paul Liberti, one of the country's most favorite character voice-actors. Paul’s voice is heard on Nickelodeon, Blues Clues, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, Disney Cartoons, VH1's Behind the Music, MTV, Professor Elm on Pokemon, PBS, Nickelodeon, Sesame Street, Noggin, Saturday Night Live cartoons, Fisher Price, Whack-a-mole, Claritin, Starbucks, Wendy's, Lowes, Bud Lite, Clean Shower, NJ Lottery, Informix, 1-800-Fed-Info TV spots, Mapquest CD ROMs, and many more.
• Tom Filogomo
Learning is most beneficial when your instructor is well-rounded. Topping Tom is tough. His voice over credits include MCI, AT&T, Minwax, Pixar Films, Pathmark, Showtime, Toys'R'Us, ESPN Sports Center, Budweiser, Fuji Film, Joint-Ritis, Hess Trucks, Weight Watchers, Disney, Anacin, American Movie Classics. His music credits include Diana Ross, Sting, The Grateful Dead, Leon Redbone, Dr. John, Jimmy Webb, Eartha Kitt, Richie Havens, The Persuasions, Columbia Records, Ain't Misbehavin', Ken Burns, Radio City Music Hall, Barbara Walters Special.
• David Goldberg
As director of Edge Studio and the Voice Design Group since 1988, working with David combines experience and passion. Candid, clear straightforward discussions and production. His name is valued on your resume.
• Grover Gardner
With respect to audiobooks, no one can top Grover's ability to instruct and direct audiobooks. With over 550 narrated audiobook credits, as well as sincere knowledge and experience, you will be taught in the best possible way.

DETAILS
• October 28, 29, 30
• Located at Edge Studio’s acclaimed midtown New York production facility within 3 blocks of major hotels, Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, and great restaurants.
• We suggest some prior voice over experience...including our evaluation program • subject
to change • seating is approximately 12 • please read The Fine Print below
• SCHEDULE: www.edgestudio.com/3-Day.htm

PRICE
• $999
• Receive $100 off any of our Demo Production Packages to help further your voice-over career.

$$ DISCOUNTS
• SAG, WIFV, AFTRA, APA, AEA, EQUITY members = $100 discount
• Training with another school or instructor? = $100 discount
• Completed another school's program within 30 days = $100 discount
• Refer someone = $100 discount
• In college? = $100 discount
• In the Military? = $150 discount

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3.) AUDIOBOOK, PROMO, and MORE EVENTS
Refer someone, and receive a free ACT-UP! Workshop. Call for details.

TELE-TRAINING
call 888-321-edge to participate

• ACT-UP! $25 – Promo Focus, September 21, 7- 9pm, ET
• Intensive Technique Evaluation Workshop, $99 – October 7, 3pm-6 pm ET
• Marketing ‘Get Me Work Now!’ Seminar: $79 – October 11, 5pm-7pm ET
• ACT-UP! $25 – Documentary Focus: October 26, 7pm-9pm, ET
• Intensive Technique Evaluation Workshop, $99 – November 2, 6pm-9 pm ET

NEW YORK STUDIO
call 212-868-edge to participate

• Marketing "Get Me Work Now!" Seminar: $79 – September 28, 7pm-9pm
• Intensive Technique Evaluation Workshop, $99, September 29, 9 am–12 pm
• ACT-UP! $25 – October 3, 7-9 pm, or October 15th 3pm-5pm
• Promo Workshop: $79 – October 5, 7pm-9pm
• Intensive Technique Evaluation Workshop, $99, October 6, 6pm-9pm
• Audiobook Intensive Workshop, $99, October 15th from 5:30-9:30 pm
• Audiobook Marketing and Home Studio Tools class, $99, October 15th from 11 am - 2 pm
• Private Audiobook Training, October 16th from 12-6 pm with Grover Gardner
• Character and Animation Intensive Workshop, $99, October 10, 6-10 pm
• Character and Animation Advanced Workshop, $99, October 17, 6-10 pm
SPECIAL! BOTH WORKSHOPS FOR $179
• 3-Day Get Greater Event: $999 – October 28, 29, 30
• Do VO From Home: $79 – December 7 from 7-9 pm

CONNECTICUT STUDIO
call 203-374-edge to participate

• Intensive-Technique Evaluation Workshop: $99 – October 25, 3pm-6pm

WASHINGTON DC STUDIO
call 202-398-edge to participate

NEW! - Please call to get dates for private in-studio training and demo recording.
• Audiobook Intensive Workshop: $159 October 8th from 10am – 2pm
• Audiobook Advanced Workshop$159, October 8th from 3pm-6pm
SPECIAL! BOTH WORKSHOPS FOR $275

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Commercial Voices.com 5th Anniversary Sale September 15-30th includes
expansion into the UK with Commercial Voices.co.uk

CommercialVoices.com is a global leader for professional VO talents and we
are now celebrating our 5th Anniversary and announcing our expansion to the
UK. Join us as we celebrate with Sale prices on VO talent memberships for
both our North American and UK web sites. Free VO talent membership
giveaways, cash and prizes. Click here or copy and paste to see all the
exciting details: www.CommercialVoices.com and
www.CommercialVoices.co.uk

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4.) CHOOSING AN APPROPRIATE MICROPHONE

Choosing the right microphone is a critical part of recording. This article will walk you through the process of choosing the most appropriate one for you.

DEFINITION: Microphone (also known as a “mic”) — The microphone is a transducer, which converts sound waves into electrical energy. Sound waves leave the mouth of the voice-over artist, are converted into electrical energy by the microphone, and then travel through a microphone cable (called an XLR cable) into the audio-recorder.

PRICE: “You get what you pay for” is generally an accurate assessment of microphone quality. However the best quality microphone is not necessarily the most appropriate microphone for you. Decent microphones can be purchased for between $300 and $3,000. Following are some common voice-over recording microphones, as well as specifications:

- Neumann U87A: $3,000, condenser, switchable, open shape
- Neumann TLM103: $1,000 condenser, switchable, open shape
- Neumann KM184: $800 condenser, switchable, pencil shape
- AKG 414: $1,000 condenser, switchable, open shape
- AKG 451B: $400 condenser, switchable, pencil shape
- Shure KSM44SL: $1,000 condenser, switchable, open shape
- Shure SM81: $400 condenser, switchable, pencil shape

There are many, MANY microphone choices today. Unfortunately, most recording books tell you which microphone is the best for you. But they do not take into consideration variables (following).

Therefore when choosing a microphone, find one that you are comfortable with, test it at the music store (record and playback and listen to which one captures your voice the best), and most importantly, read the following so that you purchase what is best for you.

TYPES: Different types of microphones have different characteristics, making each one appropriate for different recording applications. There are three general types:

- condenser (also known as “electret condenser”) — Condenser microphones are the only microphones that are electrically powered. This allows them to respond quickly to sound transients and subsequently produce a very clear sound. While condenser microphones are more sensitive than other microphone types, they are also more fragile and expensive. Condenser microphones are generally used for vocal recordings, such as voice over and singing.

- dynamic (also known as “moving coil”) — Dynamic microphones use magnets to generate electrical signal. Yet magnets are cumbersome and hinder the speed of the microphone, thus making this style microphone more appropriate for drums and guitars…not voice over. However their sturdiness and durability make them great for traveling (a portable home studio) and live recordings (concert recordings, etc.). Dynamic microphones are generally less expensive than condenser microphones.

- Ribbon — Ribbon microphones use ribbons, similar to a rubber band, instead of magnets to convert electrical signal into energy. They are the most fragile type of microphone. Their most common application is recording sharp, smooth, and full sounds, such as horns (trumpet, saxophone, etc.), as well as live sounds in large open spaces, such as symphony orchestras. Ribbon microphones generally are medium priced and are rarely used for voice over recording.
PATTERN: Microphones come with different pick-up patterns. Choosing the right one is most important when purchasing a microphone. Pick-up patterns control what direction the microphone picks up sound waves from. Some microphones have switchable patterns, allowing you to choose which pattern is appropriate for you. Other microphones are built with only one pattern. There are three general patterns:

- directional A directional pick-up pattern means that the microphone only picks-up sound waves from the front of the microphone. This is ideal if only your voice needs to be recorded, and if there are unwanted noises behind and to the sides of the microphone, such as an air-conditioner unit humming, a computer humming, noise outside your window, and so forth. In the event that there is unwanted noise, face the microphone with its back to the unwanted sound source, so that you face the direction of the unwanted noise. With this set-up, the microphone will record more of you and less of the unwanted sound. There are three kinds of directional patterns: cardioid, super-cardioid, and hyper-cardioid. Each offers a slightly different control of the side and rear rejection. Cardioid is the most popular.

- bi-directional (also known as “figure-8”) — A bi-directional pattern microphone picks-up sound from the front and back of the microphone, while rejecting sounds from the side. This pattern is used when two people are recording into one microphone (one person would be in front of the microphone, the other in back). Unless two people are being recorded simultaneously, this pattern is not ideal.

- omni-directional. An omni pick-up pattern means the microphone picks-up sound waves emanating from every direction. Since this is how humans naturally hear, this pattern obtains the most realistic, natural sound. However, since the pattern picks-up sound from every direction, any noise in the room will be recorded. Therefore, this pattern should only be used when recording in a totally sound-proofed room. This pattern should also be used when a group of people record around a single microphone.

SHAPE: The shape of a microphone is also a determining factor when choosing a microphone. There are two main shapes:

- pencil shape. Pencil shaped microphones (similar in shape to a roll of quarters) have the pick-up screen at the very tip (front) of the microphone, allowing sound to enter from only one direction. Therefore facing the tip of the microphone records you while decreasing the pick-up of other unwanted sounds. This is ideal if recording in a room that has any reflections (echo, reverb, etc.) or that is not totally sound-proofed. Due to their shape, these microphones often capture a real “clean” sound making them ideal for applications where clarity is a must, such as web and telephone audio.

- open, round shape. Large, open diaphragm shaped microphones (like you often see singers singing into on MTV) tend to pick-up sound waves from different directions. Even when set to a directional pattern, they pick up sounds from other directions more than most pencil shaped microphones – therefore they should be used in totally sound-proofed rooms. Due to their large diaphragms, these microphones have a very natural sound, do not “pop” easily, and often capture the bottom end (bass) very well…making them ideal for rich, resonant, deep voices.

YOUR VOICE and THE SCRIPTS YOU RECORD: Your voice and the type of scripts you record have an influence on determining the most appropriate microphone for you. For example:

- fat, resonant, deep, smooth voice. If your voice is big, fat, smooth, and or resonant, choose a microphone that enhances these characteristics, such as an open, round shaped microphone, or a ribbon microphone.

- thin, crisp voice. If your voice is thin and crisp, use a microphone that highlights the clarity of your voice, such as a pencil shaped condenser.

- telephone. If you record telephony, a thin, clear sound is generally more desirable, such as pencil shaped condenser.

- promo. If you record powerful, deep promos and trailers, consider an open, round shaped microphone.

Final suggestion. When purchasing a microphone, be sure to also purchase a “popper-stopper.” This is a piece of material, similar to a woman’s nylon, that is rapped around a disc and placed between the microphone and your mouth to prevent large bursts of air (from your mouth) from overloading and “distorting the microphone. If not for a popper-stopper, you may hear “pop” sounds upon playback on words that begin with plosives (“P”s and “B”s, such as “popcorn” and “balloon”).

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HAVE A DEMO?

We're always searching for new voice-talent.
Please email your MP3 demo to: demosubmission@edgestudio.com

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HAVE A WEBSITE?

Adding active links on your website can expand your profile while
increasing search-engine results. Take this opportunity to add a link
to Edge Studio. Visit www.edgestudio.com/link.htm

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WANT TO ADVERTISE in Voice Over Today?
Results have been great!
Email info@edgestudio.com or call us weekdays 9-5 EST at 888-321-edge

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Copyright 2005, Edge Studio, LLC. All rights reserved. This article is
protected by United States copyright and other intellectual property
laws and may not be reproduced, rewritten, distributed, re-disseminated,
transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast, directly or
indirectly, in any medium without the prior wri