Don Whalen's Weblog

Mind mapping a voiceover plan

voicesinsidemyhead — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:45:19 +0000

When I was brainstorming about voiceovers I used a mind map to help me get started. I am more of a visual person so it helps to map things out in a ‘picture-like’ format. I find brainstorming with a mind map makes it easier for me to focus on brainstorming without getting distracted. I use FreeMind which is open source ‘free’ software.

I am attaching the mind map I created

My recording stuff

voicesinsidemyhead — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 02:39:47 +0000

Last year I bought some equipment to begin recording and I just set it up about 10 days ago.

List:

Mic: Rode NT1-A

Audio Interface: Edirol UA-25 Audio Capture Device

Monitors: M-Audio BX% Studio Reference Monitors

Headphones: Behringer

Misc: Pop Screen

Mic Stand

Voice Over Box (I created this after seeing a link on the Internet for something similar)

I have a MacBook Pro with GarageBand and Audacity (open source recording software) and I have a Lenovo Thinkpad T61 with Audacity

At this point, I am leaning towards using the MacBook Pro with GarageBand and also testing with Audacity.

Voice Box Pictures: (plywood, handles, sound proofing foam, adhesive, screws, paint)

Starting out in voiceovers

voicesinsidemyhead — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 02:08:36 +0000

I have always been the guy doing voices, impressions, noises, cracking jokes, etc.. and for as long as I can remember I have always been that way. I have considered trying voiceovers in the past but I felt it was an extremely competitive field and I do not have a great ‘announcer’ type voice.

Last year, I bought some equipment to set up a small home studio – well not really a studio per se but it would let me practice at home. I never set anything up until about 10 days ago

For Christmas, my wife got me a one hour consult with a Boston based voiceover artist, John Melley http://www.johnmelley.com/ Two weeks ago today, John and sat and I asked questions and John answered everything; he provided so much great info and really got me excited about starting into voiceovers. Two days later, I set up all my equipment and tested it out. Now I just have to find the time to record and practice.

I guess it will take me some time to become comfortable with my own voice. No one is instantly comfortable hearing themselves – it is a little like making a presentation/public speaking, it takes time to get good at it. Getting comfortable with my own voice will take some time.

I am going to blog a bit as I work into voiceovers. I have always found writing as another way of thinking – if you write it down it helps ideas become more real. And, maybe someone out there will have learned a little of what I am going through as I get started in voiceovers.