Cold hands, warm heart. Is that a medical fact or just a figure of speech? ‘Cause my heart should be way overheated by now. Fortunately, I received a really cool (albeit “warm”) gift from my dad last Christmas that I continue to find “handy” throughout the winter months. USB powered heated gloves! So far, this Mid-Atlantic winter has been relatively mild and dry, but today we had snow and lots of wind. As I write this, it is 16°F (-9°C) outside and dropping! Of course I have heat in my office, but it still gets pretty chilly in here, especially when it’s sub-freezing outside. Yes, today was the day to break out the “indoor” gloves.

This Christmas gift from my dad has been quite useful in the winter -- heated USB-powered gloves!

They have long USB cables that plug into the front of my computer and 2 heat settings. At first I thought it would be awkward, but the cables don't get in my way at all.

Or, you can flip the mitten over your fingers when just web-surfing to warm up your whole hand. : )

Adjustable heat settings. These are really cool
(or should I say really warm?).

I’m not a fan of winter and cold, but these little blessings will help me through!

Tweet  Follow @DianeBeanVO

The latest addition to my studio is a big help when editing in ProTools (although it works with MANY other programs as well).  This would be the ShuttleExpress by Contour Design. By using the Shuttle with my left hand and the mouse with my right, I rarely need to use the keyboard shortcuts, thereby saving me time by no longer moving my hands back and forth on the keyboard and looking down to be sure I’m hitting the correct key.

While it comes with some presets for using with ProTools, every button, wheel and knob is completely programmable, so I have mine customized with the features I use the most during playback and editing.  Once I decided on how I wanted to set it up, it took practically no time to get the hang of using it.  It makes editing so much easier and faster.  I’m hooked.

Actually, there was one little problem.  I have a rather small keyboard tray at this desk, so the Shuttle just barely fit with room for my mouse and over-sized keyboard.  So…I shopped around and found a nice, compact, minimalist keyboard, and all is good.  : )

BTW, as I said earlier, the Shuttle has the ability to work with many applications — it’s not just for audio.  It comes with presets for pretty much every Adobe program out there, including Photoshop, and most every Microsoft Office application, too.  The list is huge, so it’s pretty likely there is some program out there that would be made easier with a ShuttleXpress.  It comes highly recommended by yours truly.  : )

Tweet  Follow @DianeBeanVO

Winter doesn’t agree with me. For more reasons than you care to hear, I am not a big fan of cold and snow and gray and darkness. It can also take a toll on my voice as well. From sometime in November until, oh let’s say the end of April, the climate where I live is colder, and the air is drier, and my sinuses are stuffier. I remember a couple of years when I worked in radio that I lost my voice on December 1st — just like clockwork. I would just wake up that morning, and it had left me overnight sometime. Nothing is more frustrating for someone who talks for a living. And, it will, of course, happen when you have that big project to complete, or perhaps more work waiting for you than you’ve had for the past 6 months. For some reason that I haven’t figured out for sure, December is my busiest VO month of the year. Maybe lots of businesses are getting in those final expenses of the tax year, I don’t know. Oh yeah, there is also lots of singing for our church’s Christmas program, too. Anyway, it has caused me to be extra careful with the way I treat my voice as the winter settles in.

So, here are some products and tips that have helped me, and may be of help to you, too. I’ve provided links (in red) for some of the products so that you can check them out for yourself.

Throat Coat Tea from Traditional Medicinals — This tea does exactly what it says. You can actually feel it coating your throat, soothing it at least temporarily. It’s not my favorite flavor (it contains licorice), but it is tolerable, and when your throat is sore and scratchy, it is downright pleasant. : ) I have gotten through some projects by downing a few mugs of this tea during recording sessions.

Olba’s Pastilles Herbal Cough Drops — Wow, these are by far the best cough drops I have ever tried. They are also the nastiest tasting drops I’ve ever used. But they work so well, you become accustomed to the taste and don’t really mind it. These not only help to suppress a cough, they actually clear out your sinuses and clear out any mucous or drainage you may be experiencing in your throat. They soften up some in your mouth, and I often just sort of stick it to the roof of my mouth and let it dissolve there. I have found that I can sing and talk with one in my mouth usually without any problem. The other trick is to drink some water either while it is still in your mouth or after it has dissolved and the cool menthol washes down over the throat helping to clear it out.

Olba’s Natural Inhaler – Another great product from Olba’s that I use regularly in the winter before I go to bed, and sometimes during the day to help relieve stuffiness. I also use the Olba’s Oil sometimes, but the inhaler is more convenient.

Olba’s Herbal Tea – I guess by now you’ve figured out that I am a fan of Olba’s. This is an instant tea, which is very different from what I am used to, but it is a nice soother when I’m feeling like a cold may be trying to get a hold of me. Very pleasant tasting.

Neti Pot — I finally was desperate enough last year to try one of these. It looks completely gross, but I needed to get my sinuses open or I was going to mess up a big job. If you aren’t sure what this is, do a search for it online.  The link I included here is for the neti pot I use (and some essential oils I use with it).  There are many different brands, but it’s all pretty much the same thing.  It actually isn’t bad at all. It takes a couple of tries to get the hang of using it, but it does help to clean some yuk out and it moisturizes the sinuses. I can’t say that I suddenly felt open and that I was breathing a lot better after using it, but I do believe it helps. It is something that I should do more often to keep my sinuses moisturized, which in turn would eliminate or at least reduce some of the other problems.

Oregano Oil – Just a few drops of this potent oil in a small amount of water can be downed quickly and you’ll feel a slight warming sensation in your throat.  For me, it feels like it is cleansing.  This medicinal oil has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.  I really believe it has kept me from getting a cold, or at least stave off some of the worst symptoms.  The link here takes you to an explanation of the health benefits of oregano oil.

My main mantra in the winter: Don’t Cough! I have learned the hard way to do everything in my power to not cough when I feel that irritated tickle prompting me to do so. I have discovered that the more I cough, the less voice I have left. If I can keep from coughing, then I can most likely keep my voice.

Humidity helps — I run a humidifier all night near the bedroom which does help aid in breathing. I don’t usually run one in my office / studio, since I can’t have the noise, but I do often leave it running most of the day upstairs in the hallway where the bedrooms are.

Stay Hydrated — This one is kind of tough for me. I don’t like to drink a lot of water (or I just sort of forget to do it), but I know it is important. I drink a lot of hot tea (all year long, not just in winter), and sometimes iced tea or fruit infusions. One positive is that the more VO work I have, the more water I drink, since I do keep a glass in the studio with me at all times.

I had a really tough December last year and nearly lost my voice completely, so I was sort of panicked this year and bought some new products in case of emergency. Fortunately, I haven’t had reason to use them so far this season, so I can’t really review them for you. I like to use natural and homeopathic remedies when available. The two I purchased this year (but haven’t used) are NatraBio Sore Throat homeopathic tablets, and Herb Pharm Propolis Echinacea herbal throat spray. I’ll post a review once I need to use them.

I am soooo looking forward to spring, but in the meantime these products and tips are helping me (or at least my voice) get through the winter. Hopefully they may help you, too. I think I’ll go raise my glass and have a cup of tea “to our health”!

Tweet  Follow @DianeBeanVO

I mentioned in my previous post how tricky it can be to produce just the right voice over demo.  We have only a minute (maybe two) to demonstrate our skills and range of delivery styles.  And, realistically, it is quite likely that no more than 5 to 10 seconds will get heard before the producer or voice seeker moves on to the next one.  Unless they are “wowed” by the first piece, or at least hear something close to what they already have in mind, they probably won’t bother to listen to the whole thing, even though the exact read they want was the very next thing on the demo (which they didn’t hear, of course).

There is no way to please all the producers all the time.  And I’ve had to realize that I can’t and shouldn’t take it personally.  This business is quite subjective, and just because you weren’t picked for a job doesn’t mean you aren’t good, or really even that you weren’t right for the job. It just means that they heard something that was closer to what they had in their head that day.

So, how do I make my voiceover demo count? As I said in my last post, make the first thing on the demo something you do well, and hopefully it will be enough to get your voice listened to throughout the other samples. It would be an understatement to say that I put a LOT of thought into what to use on my demos and what order to place each piece. On my website, DianesVoice.com, I’ve actually created videos to go with my audio voice over demos. Sometimes having something to watch makes it a little more interesting, and I’m hoping that it keeps people watching (and therefore listening) a little longer. It’s an experiment, but I’m hoping I’m right. : )

I have more voiceover demos in the works now, but a few of them are good for a little while.  I try to re-evaluate them a couple of times each year, and update them as necessary.  These “generic” voice over demos have gotten me quite a number of jobs, however, most producers today would like to have “custom” demos or auditions of their own script instead.  I’ll give my thoughts on producing these custom voiceover demos in future post.

For now…check out my latest video VO demos. For more samples of my work, go to the demos page on my website, or to my YouTube Channel.

Tweet  Follow @DianeBeanVO

OK, the World Wide Web isn’t all work — but it has been lately.  I have done some redesigning of my website and of this blog, too.  I have also been searching for ways to improve my web “presence”.  It’s all about being found by the right people.  That’s why I’ve categorized this entry under “VO Tools”.  The Internet is one of the biggest tools in the business now.  It is so important for a voice talent to be web savvy.

Once again I am blessed to have help in this area.  My website has evolved over the past few years into something I am pretty pleased with, especially considering that I’ve paid practically nothing for it.  Yup, doing it yourself is lots of work, but it is also super rewarding, and a huge savings on my budget right now.  Of course, I can in no way take full credit for this site, since I’m no web programmer.  However, thanks to a good friend who is, I’ve learned a lot (well, enough to get me through the basics anyway).   The site isn’t anything real fancy, but it is functional, and overall I think it represents me pretty well.

Obviously, even the fanciest website is worthless to a voice talent without some well-produced demos to be heard on it.  So…that’s the other thing that has been keeping me busy in recent months.  Please check out my newest demos (each complete with its own video) on my demos page.

VO Demos are such a tricky thing.  You’ve got 60 to 90 seconds to showcase your voice, but realistically, it’s more like 5 to 10 seconds.  Voice seekers and producers are often so busy that 7 seconds might be all they will listen before deciding you aren’t what they want and move on to the next person.  But…I AM what they want, and they would have known that if they had only listened to 30 seconds of my demo, because that’s where I did that style of read.  Hmmm, so what to use first?  What order should all of these pieces fit together?  Well, that’s the tricky part.  Your first piece can’t be the perfect read for every job, so at least make it something you do well.  Even if it isn’t the style a seeker has in mind, if you’ve done it well, it just may get your full demo heard (or at least more than 10 seconds)!

So, I do my best and then hope for the best.  But I never rest (not for long anyway).  Marketing is so important.  There is more competition out there every day, so I need to stay on top of my game.  Keeping my demos updated and fresh is one way.  Befriending the World Wide Web is another.   And then there is the networking…

I’d like to recommend a couple of people in my personal network.  In case you were admiring my way-cool logo, it was created for me by Erin Fike of Erin Fike – Graphic Design.  She came up with so many excellent logos for me to choose from; I had a really hard time deciding.  If your business could benefit from a personalized logo, contact Erin, she’ll fix you up with the perfect image.  : )

I also appreciate the expertise of audio engineer, Jim Mikles.  Jim is the designer of my home studio and has been a consultant on many audio related topics.  In addition, Jim is now offering web programming services, and he has been invaluable to me as I set up my own website.  When you need a top-notch audio engineer, or someone to create a functional website for you, contact Jim at jimmikles@audio-simplified.net.

When you contact Jim or Erin, tell them that I sent you.  I can’t say that it will get you anything, but maybe I’ll get a few brownie points!  ‘Cause you know, it’s all about the networking…

Tweet  Follow @DianeBeanVO

Well, I been having so much fun using my new microphone that I forgot to come back here and tell you about it!  The Rode NT2-A won.  Actually, I won the auction on eBay.  I got what I feel is a good price for a used, but excellent condition, quality mic.   One benefit to this microphone over the AKG, is the fact that it has a three position variable polar pattern – Omni, Cardioid or Figure 8.  I have already used this feature in recording a three person spot.  Of course, I typically keep it on cardioid while I’m recording (no need to pick up anything but my voice), but being able to use it as an omni-directional mic was perfect for recording three people at one time.  They all sounded equally great.

I’ve gotten some great input on microphones, and when I have more money to spend, I may consider others, but I really think I’d have a hard time finding one that would be significantly better for my voice and my studio than this one.  Unless, perhaps, I should come into some large sum of money and need to spend it all on a microphone.   : )

Tweet  Follow @DianeBeanVO

Today I recorded a little mic comparison (thanks, Jim, for allowing me to borrow your mics for this test).  I have been using an MXL 990 Condenser microphone, mostly because it was recommended as a good basic microphone for voiceover.  It does have a nice sound, it’s pretty sturdy, and is not expensive.  Mine actually came “free” with the purchase of my preamp from Musicians Friend.  I’m sure the price on the preamp was just bumped up a little so that they could say the mic was being thrown in for free — whatever.  So, overall this has been a good microphone for the past 3 years.  Now that I am moved into my new sound-proofed studio, the MXL’s flaws are a little more noticible.  Again, it’s not bad, but there is definitely some low volume electrical noise on my recordings that is coming from the mic.  Hence, the comparison test.

Audio engineer friend, Jim, recommended a couple of microphones and has allowed me to borrow two of them to pit against my MXL and against each other.  Being put to the test we have the Rode NT2-A and the AKG C 3000-B.

Both the Rode and the AKG are noticeably quieter than the MXL during periods of silence.  The overall sound may be a little richer with these two mics as well, although the sound quality of MXL isn’t bad.  When I first tested the Rode and the AKG against each other, I set the filter switch on the AKG, and my voice sounded much “thinner” than with the Rode.  I recorded a second test with the filter off and I have a hard time hearing much difference between the two.  I have sent my samples to audio guru friend, Jim, for his professional opinion, which I will post along with some audio samples, for those who may be interested.

For now, my eBay watch list has both the AKG and the Rode in it.  We’ll see what ends up being the better deal for me.

Tweet  Follow @DianeBeanVO

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am the Queen of product research and reviews.  I often agonize for weeks (or longer) before making a purchase for fear of finding a better product or a better deal somewhere.  I read every review I can possibly find before making that final decision.  So, some may be interested to know about which tools I have chosen to use for my VO business.

For recording software, I’m a Pro Tools user.  I realize there is some debate about whether or not Pro Tools is overkill for Voice Talents, and I agree that it probably is for some, but for me, I love all of the options it provides.  It is definitely a powerful program and it has a somewhat steeper learning curve than other, simpler programs.  But if you are interested enough, the learning becomes less frustrating and can instead be fun and challenging.

Many voice talents use Audacity, which is a really excellent recording program.  It is always what I recommend to someone new to the business, or anyone who needs recording or audio editing software.  Not only is it simple to use, but it really does all that most people need and it’s FREE! However, since I am often required to provide professionally recorded, edited, mixed and mastered files, I appreciate the additional power I have with Pro Tools.  I’ve learned quite a few shortcuts now, so I’m getting much quicker with the whole process.  I’ve even produced some instructional videos and recorded and added the VO to the video myself, which is actually pretty simple with Pro Tools.  So…those are some reasons why ProTools is my recording software of choice.  There are lots of good programs out there though, and most of them are pretty similar, so it really is a matter of personal preference and job requirements.

My favorite part of recording now is my Frontier Tranzport Remote Controller. If you record and don’t have one of these, I highly recommend you get yourself one!  The Tranzport works with most DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), and makes recording sessions much quicker and simpler.  I no longer waste time going between microphone and computer.  Once my session is set up, I can control everything while at my microphone.  I spend a lot less time editing now as well.  Of course, this tool will be invaluable to me once I’m in my new sound booth, as I’ll control my computer through the glass door of the booth.  Which leads me to my latest, greatest thing…

For my birthday, I got a fabulous new 28 inch monitor!  This thing is huge!  It was worth admitting I’m another year older for!  : )   ProTools is beautiful on it, so it will be great to view from inside the sound booth in my new studio.  It is also wonderful for my general computing, since I tend to have a lot of windows open at once (it’s called multi-tasking).  Here is a picture of my new baby.  I’m sure I’ll be able to give you a better perspective on it once it is in the new office.

Tweet  Follow @DianeBeanVO