Off-Mic

Off-Mic means talking without a mic in the voiceover world. It lets voice actors meet others in the field away from the mic. They can meet at places like Fire Maker Brewery in Atlanta, GA.

At these events, voice actors can learn and share tips. They can also find out about courses and workshops. It helps them get better at what they do and sound clearer.

Glossary of Voice Acting Terms

Voice acting is a special field with its own terms. If you want to be a voice actor or just learn about it, knowing these terms is key.

1. Buy

A buy means the best take chosen by the client in a commercial. This is the performance used in the final product.

2. Bleed

Bleed happens when unwanted sounds from headphones or the environment get into the recording. These sounds can ruin the audio quality. We try to avoid them.

3. Bandwidth (BPS)

Bandwidth is how much data can move through a device in a second. It affects the quality of voice recordings. So, it's important for voice acting.

4. Cadence

Cadence is about how voice actors space out words. It's the rhythm and timing they use to deliver lines well.

5. Buy-out fees

Buy-out fees are paid once for voice-over work in ads and other projects. It's a payment to the voice actor for their voice in a specific project.

6. Casting

Casting is picking actors before making a recording. It includes auditions and finding the right actor for a project.

7. Call Letters

In the U.S., radio stations east or west of the Mississippi have different names. Call letters are unique names for each radio station.

8. AFTRA

AFTRA is the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. It's a union for radio and TV actors, including voice actors. It protects their rights and interests.

These terms are just a start in the voice acting world. Knowing them helps you talk with others in the field. It shows you know your stuff.

The Evolution of Microphones in the Voiceover Industry

Microphones have been key in the voiceover industry from the start. Over time, new technology has led to many types of microphones. These are made to meet the needs of the industry.

In 1924, Germany made a big step with the ribbon microphone. This was thanks to Walter Hans Schottky and Dr. Erwin Gerlach. This invention changed the industry a lot.

Years went by, and new microphones came out. One was the dynamic microphone from Western Electric in 1931. It was small and worked well, making it a hit in voiceovers.

Back in 1916, Georg Neumann and Co. in Germany made the first condenser microphone for everyday use. This was a big deal because condenser mics pick up a wide range of sounds and are very sensitive.

Some microphones became very popular, even if they weren't made for voiceovers at first. The Neumann U87 was meant for music and vocals but became a favorite in the industry for its great sound.

The Sennheiser MKH 416 was made for film dialogue but became popular in voiceover studios too. It's very directional and lasts a long time. Sennheiser then came out with the MKH 8060, which is even better in sound quality.

Choosing the right microphone is very important in voiceovers. Things like sensitivity and self-noise affect how clear the sound is. The Sennheiser MKH 8060 is better than the MKH 416 in these areas.

Other microphones like the Rode NTG 5 are also good choices. They perform well in sensitivity and noise levels, giving pros other options.

Dynamic and condenser microphones both have their uses in the voiceover world. Dynamic mics are tough and can handle loud sounds. They're often used in broadcasting.

Ribbon mics, a type of dynamic mic, have been around since 1931. They capture sound from both sides, which is great for recording with more people.

Condenser mics need power but are great at picking up high and low sounds. RF Capacitor mics are a type of condenser known for their clear sound and low noise.

When picking a microphone for voiceovers, think about things like durability and how much noise there is. Lavalier mics are small and give consistent sound. Shotgun mics work well in loud places because they block out background noise.

The voiceover industry keeps changing, and so does microphone technology. This means pros have many options to choose from. They can make sure their performances sound clear and full.

FAQ

What is Off-Mic in the voiceover industry?

Off-Mic means talking without a microphone in voiceover work. It lets voice actors meet others in the field. They can share tips and learn from each other. It also helps them get better at their craft.

What is the importance of understanding the glossary of voice acting terms?

It's key for voice actors to know the special words used in the field. This helps them talk better with others and understand voice acting well.

How have microphones evolved in the voiceover industry?

Microphones are very important in voiceover work. They have changed a lot over time. Knowing about these changes helps voice actors pick the best equipment. This leads to better sound quality.