Voice over sounds flat

[taormina]

I am recording a narrator's voice directly into one of my audio tracks. The sound is crisp and accurate, but sounds kind of flat or canned.

What non realtime audio effect is best to apply to give it more...body? More of a presence?

Any help appreciated!

 

[Michael Friedman]

The sound is crisp and accurate, but sounds kind of flat or canned.

It might be helpful to post a small sample.

 

[Mark Harris]

yeah, post a sample.

but on the short I've just been editing, for male voices, I've had some good results applying the graphic EQ, and the the pre-set for "boost base." It gives it just a little fuller sound, and a little more body.

 

[David Jimerson]

Yeah, you can try boosting the base.

But I'm guessing you used a small computer microphone for the recording? Not a good idea. Use something bigger, with a larger diaphragm which can pick up more bass frequencies.

 

[TheMacB]

my secret is to use the Wave Hammer Surround "voice" preset. It really kicks it up a notch.

 

[taormina]

Yeah, you can try boosting the base.

But I'm guessing you used a small computer microphone for the recording? Not a good idea. Use something bigger, with a larger diaphragm which can pick up more bass frequencies.

Actually I did. It was about a $80 mic, but still a computer mic. I think I'll record audio on the camera with my Audio Technica and see how it sounds.

Thanks for all the help, guys - much appreciated!

BTW - the voice is a female voice. I will try and post a clip.

 

[Mark Harris]

oh yeah, for sure, I always hook up my good shotgun, or a good lav. That is key.

 

[Matt Grunau]

Applying a true compressor for voice as TheMacB suggested is really the way to go. Eq'ing will only take you so far.

A good mic is crucial, but that is obvious.

There are other vocal compressors out there, BBE Sonic Maximizer has a vocal preset, Isotope Ozone has more than one (as well as a crapload of other presets), and you can get those kinds of plugins that will work directly in Vegas.