• Amateur/Non-Professional Voice Actors (VA) General! v1
    107 replies, posted
After seeing this thread: [URL]http://facepunch.com/threads/1176478[/URL] I realized that there were a lot of people on Facepunch like me. People who were not only lonely and friendless nerds but hopeful amateur VAs. [B]As long as you aren't spamming the thread with posts every 5 seconds, [I]POST YOUR WORK FOR REVIEW AND CRITICISM![/I] Be it soundcloud clips or youtube videos, we encourage it![/B] Here's a thread where we can exchange tips, whether it'd be vocal coaching or what kind of mic to buy. I'll update the OP with more info when I get back EDIT: Oh, and if you're going to post a GOOD VA sample, for the love of Zeus DON'T USE VOCAROO. The audio quality is terrible. Take the time to record in audacity and post it on Soundcloud [QUOTE][B]THE VOICE ACTING HALL OF FAME[/B] [B]Billy West[/B] [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/vrYVB.jpg[/IMG] Even to those of you not really in the VA scene, you probably know Billy West. He has voiced cartoons that have been a part of many childhoods. So far, his credits include both Ren and Stimpy, Doug, Fry, Zoidberg, Professor Farnsworth and Zap Brannigan amongst others. [B]Tara Strong[/B] [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/UXGuQ.jpg[/IMG] Has also voiced a buttload of childhood cartoon characters. Her credits include, but aren't limited to: The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter, The Fairly Odd Parents, various Batman shows and games and even Family guy [B]Phil LaMarr[/B] [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/wtDYn.jpg[/IMG] Most famous as the voice of Hermes Conrad on Futurama. He can do a wicked good Orson Welles (and has voiced Welles on Futurama and The Critic). He does voices in a LOT of video games [B]Mark Hamil[/B] [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/4SxHO.jpg[/IMG] Luke Skywalker's been Joker pretty much since the wonderful Batman: TAS from the 90's. Let's not forget M[B]ark Ham[/B]il [B]Don LaFontaine[/B] [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/YOCht.jpg[/IMG] Aptly known as "The Voice of God". Is incredibly famous for being [B]the[/B] voice of movie trailer narration. Sadly, he passed away in 2008. [B]John DiMaggio[/B] [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/TAb4v.jpg[/IMG] The voice of Bender, the penguins in Madagascar, Jake from Adventure Time, Aquaman, Mr Freeze, the new voice of the Joker, Brute (Halo), Marcus Fenix (Gears of War) and oh so many more. [B]Steven Blum [/B]Seen any anime from the past 10 years? Steven Blum's probably in it somewhere. Outside of Anime, he's Jamie in Megas XLR, Yankee Doodle and Clamhead in Harvey Birdman, among other credits. [/QUOTE] [QUOTE] [B]THE NEWBIE'S VA RESOURCE[/B] [B]Microphones[/B] [U]Entry-Level Microphones:[/U] Dolphin Snowflake USB microphone [I]$99[/I] [IMG]http://musicianstools.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/snowflake.jpg?w=327&h=327[/IMG] Website: [URL]http://www.bluemic.com/snowball/#/buynow/[/URL] [QUOTE=Combin0wnage;35564129] Also, some really good/affordable USB microphones: [B]Audio-Technica AT2020:[/B] [IMG]http://www.at2020.org/AT2020.jpg[/IMG] [URL]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AS6OYC/[/URL] [B]Blue Yetti[/B]: [IMG]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Hn2kuUbWL._SL500_AA300_.jpg[/IMG] [URL]http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Yeti-USB-Microphone/dp/B002VA464S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1334383925&sr=8-2[/URL][/QUOTE] [B]Websites[/B] Scripts to practice Voice Acting with (requires registration): [URL]http://www.edgestudio.com/script-library/unregistered[/URL] [QUOTE=Combin0wnage;35564129]Here's a good place if you want to audition for small online projects: [URL]http://voiceactingalliance.com/board/forum.php[/URL] It also has some pretty good voice acting tips and microphone suggestions. [/QUOTE] [B]UNDER CONSTRUCTION: PLEASE POST MORE SUGGESTIONS IN THE THREAD[/B] [/QUOTE] Thanks to Lithifold for the various suggestions!
Here's what equipment I used to have before it was stolen: Xenyx802 [img]http://www.behringer.com/assets/802_P0575_Reflective_web.png[/img] [url]http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/802.aspx[/url] ISK BM-700 [img]http://www.iskmic.com/bm700_main1.jpg[/img] [url]http://www.iskmic.com/iskbm700.htm[/url] I can't remember what my USB soundcard was, I think it was a cheap one for about £30 Here's what my setup used to look like for all my voice acting: [img]http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254388_10150225496983105_538358104_7527105_2832849_n.jpg[/img] Yes, that is a trophy I won that is in the shape of the hulk acting as a counterbalance to my homemade microphone arm stand. I'll probably post some recordings on my new headset in this thread tomorrow after work! I'm working in telesales at the moment, the voice helps so much. I read something out to my team during training and got a round of applause, and then some people offered to be my manager (not that they'd know what that involves!). But it's definitely the industry I'm trying to get into.
[QUOTE=Lithifold;35556742]Here's what equipment I used to have before it was stolen: Xenyx802 [img]http://www.behringer.com/assets/802_P0575_Reflective_web.png[/img] [url]http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/802.aspx[/url] ISK BM-700 [img]http://www.iskmic.com/bm700_main1.jpg[/img] [url]http://www.iskmic.com/iskbm700.htm[/url] I can't remember what my USB soundcard was, I think it was a cheap one for about £30 Here's what my setup used to look like for all my voice acting: [img]http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254388_10150225496983105_538358104_7527105_2832849_n.jpg[/img] Yes, that is a trophy I won that is in the shape of the hulk acting as a counterbalance to my homemade microphone arm stand. I'll probably post some recordings on my new headset in this thread tomorrow after work! I'm working in telesales at the moment, the voice helps so much. I read something out to my team during training and got a round of applause, and then some people offered to be my manager (not that they'd know what that involves!). But it's definitely the industry I'm trying to get into.[/QUOTE] Damn that was a nice setup. Too bad about the cunts that stole it. What would you recommend for an entry-level VA? Perhaps a mic that could also double as a shotgun mic for a DSR?
[QUOTE=Dr. Fishtastic;35557033]Damn that was a nice setup. Too bad about the cunts that stole it. What would you recommend for an entry-level VA? Perhaps a mic that could also double as a shotgun mic for a DSR?[/QUOTE] I'd always recommend a good condenser mic for voice work, but if you want some entry level stuff, I started with some Dolphin USB mics like the snowflake: [img]http://musicianstools.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/snowflake.jpg?w=327&h=327[/img] [url]http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/product/36374-blue-microphones-snowflake.html[/url] They're pretty cheap, have a good audio quality but fragile as hell, if you're good with audacity you can make most recordings sound fantastic. For your DSR, look for something like a Stagg, if you can afford a Shure SM58, then that's the best mic you're looking at.
Updated the OP with some basic stuff
Hall of Famers [B]Mark Hamil[/B] [img]http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTY3Njc5ODc4OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwNjY5MTU0._V1._SX214_CR0,0,214,314_.jpg[/img] Most known for his role in Star Wars, and more recently the Joker in pretty much EVERYTHING [B]Don LaFontaine[/B] [img]http://www.freeinfosociety.com/media/images/2932.jpg[/img] The man who came up with the stereotypical movie announcer voice. If you ever hear someone say 'coming this summer' or 'in a world', it's because of this man. A shame that he died in 2008. [B]John DiMaggio[/B] [img]http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/0/4495/193547-bender_super.jpg[/img] The voice of Bender, the penguins in Madagascar, Jake from Adventure Time, Aquaman, Mr Freeze, the new voice of the Joker, Brute (Halo), Marcus Fenix (Gears of War) and oh so many more. When I think of more I'll post them!
-snip-
Some old recording I did when I was bored, for shits and giggles. [media]http://soundcloud.com/roberthooley/cats4gold[/media]
Is it easy to audition for voice acting gigs if you have no previous experience? Also, do people get paid to record laugh tracks?
[QUOTE=Col. Mandrake;35558487]Is it easy to audition for voice acting gigs if you have no previous experience?[/QUOTE] I've personally never audionted myself, but from what I hear it ISN'T easy at all. You'll be pitted against people who've had professional training. VAing isn't just about funny voices, it's about acting. So if you suck as an actor, you'll fail as a VA. [QUOTE=Col. Mandrake;35558487]Also, do people get paid to record laugh tracks?[/QUOTE] ...No. Most shows are shot against a live audience. Shows with laugh tracks use laughter recorded from other shows or stock libraries.
I use blue snowball microphone. Best microphone I ever used[IMG]http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/musical_instruments/detail_pages/c26-BLUE-B000EOPQ7E-2-sm.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE=Dr. Fishtastic;35558608]I've personally never audionted myself, but from what I hear it ISN'T easy at all. You'll be pitted against people who've had professional training. VAing isn't just about funny voices, it's about acting. So if you suck as an actor, you'll fail as a VA.[/quote] Depends, if you're going for amateur VA, going on somewhere like Newgrounds is a good start just to get out there and try it.
[QUOTE=Lithifold;35558766]Depends, if you're going for amateur VA, going on somewhere like Newgrounds is a good start just to get out there and try it.[/QUOTE] Well it's great to help you build a portfolio but theres rare transitions to professional
I've been thinking of doing VAing stuff for a bit now, so I just wanted to know if the Blue Snowflake is good for beginners. How easy is it to use? I already know most of the basics for Audacity. [editline]13th April 2012[/editline] Would the Snowball be worth the extra $40 from the Snowflake for a beginner?
[QUOTE=cardfan212;35562388]I've been thinking of doing VAing stuff for a bit now, so I just wanted to know if the Blue Snowflake is good for beginners. How easy is it to use? I already know most of the basics for Audacity. [editline]13th April 2012[/editline] Would the Snowball be worth the extra $40 from the Snowflake for a beginner?[/QUOTE] It's a microphone. You plug it in and use it
Here's a good place if you want to audition for small online projects: [URL]http://voiceactingalliance.com/board/forum.php[/URL] It also has some pretty good voice acting tips and microphone suggestions. Also, some really good/affordable USB microphones: [b]Audio-Technica AT2020:[/b] [img]http://www.at2020.org/AT2020.jpg[/img] [URL]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AS6OYC/[/URL] [b]Blue Yetti[/b]: [img]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Hn2kuUbWL._SL500_AA300_.jpg[/img] [url]http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Yeti-USB-Microphone/dp/B002VA464S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1334383925&sr=8-2[/url]
Got an AT2020 just a few days ago with pop guard, good investment.
I've always wanted to voice act, unfortunately I was born with the world's shittest voice. Reality is cruel.
[QUOTE=Painseeker;35567710]I've always wanted to voice act, unfortunately I was born with the world's shittest voice. Reality is cruel.[/QUOTE] Post samples of your voice yooooo
My normal voice isn't really all that special but I can do a bunch of impressions.
[QUOTE=Dr. Fishtastic;35567777]Post samples of your voice yooooo[/QUOTE] Okay then, here's some random snippets from my youtube channel: [quote][media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydyRes2N7BA[/media] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_Z_vFFmrxs[/media][/quote] The videos themselves aren't anything special but there's my voice. Nothing special in the least and I have virtually no flexibility with it, I'm always fairly monotone and any strain at all has it cracking.
[QUOTE=Painseeker;35568507]Okay then, here's some random snippets from my youtube channel: The videos themselves aren't anything special but there's my voice. Nothing special in the least and I have virtually no flexibility with it, I'm always fairly monotone and any strain at all has it cracking.[/QUOTE] Your voice isn't too bad to be honest. You should try exaggerating your accent or sounding like a Chav.
if any of you guys think you have a bad voice you've never heard someone with a finnish accent trying to speak english
[QUOTE=AlphaGunman;35571686]if any of you guys think you have a bad voice you've never heard someone with a finnish accent trying to speak english[/QUOTE] FUCKIN LET US HEAR IT
I'm into making videos and I personally have an awful voice - Very strong English accent and a lisp which becomes more noticeable on a microphone. I couldn't voice act to save my life, and I seem to always need to. I basically just came here to say, Voice actors are fucking useful and Im jealous of you
No Steven Blum in the hall of fame? What?
hello I was wondering if you could help me figure out an acronym for "voice actor" [editline]15th April 2012[/editline] oh pardon me theres one right in the thread title! (VA) how silly of me!
[QUOTE=ColdWave;35576168]No Steven Blum in the hall of fame? What?[/QUOTE] It's open to suggestions, I'll update the OP
Was waiting for one of these to turn up [IMG]http://i39.tinypic.com/24z8v15.jpg[/IMG] I have both an SM7b and a AT 4071a for vocal work, both work great. Granted it is almost all in the voice, the gear helps :)
I would like to do voice acting as a fun hobby. Always try to see what I sound like when I record myself saying something from a game. Recently I was just messing about with my USB mic (couldn't be bother to use my Zoom H2N) and just started doing all the lines from Resident Evil 4's Merchant. The whole "Got alota good things on sale stranger!" Though I just sound really stupid :/ Maybe it's because I'm listening to my own voice so it just sounds weird.
Sorry, you need to Log In to post a reply to this thread.