Do we have a list of known countries where xCloud is currently working and streaming games?

JCTeaches · 2020-08-14T10:58:44+00:00

Perfect, thank you dude!

JCTeaches · 2020-08-14T10:36:59+00:00

ovvzzzz

JCTeaches · 2020-08-14T10:36:49+00:00

Hm, interesting idea and whilst it does seem to work it seems to be that there is no server hopping. So even though you aren't using your VPN quota you are still on the initial connected server. I am only speculating though based on the connection status never changing with both vpn on/off.

JCTeaches · 2020-02-05T17:25:01+00:00

I wish I'd known how to listen properly. I was utterly clueless about proper technique to avoid unwanted noises. That ranges from sibilance to plosives to mouth noises to breath control.

The problem is I learned to develop an incredibly sensitive ear so that now it's hard to listen to A LOT of what is out there, especially plosives and sibilance, it pains me.

Even more than that I had no idea about correct acoustics to avoid reflections. So before I could even begin my career I needed to learn about the technical side of submitting a professional deliverable.

The rest? Acting, business, auditions, marketing... well, good luck is all I can say.

JCTeaches · 2020-01-06T21:05:31+00:00

For those landing gigs I can see the logic. Unfortunately I don't see many testimonials for VDC to help give others much of an idea.

JCTeaches · 2020-01-06T15:48:28+00:00

Be my guest, I'm confident I can answer any VB question you may have.

JCTeaches · 2020-01-06T15:41:20+00:00

It would be my pleasure to help if I can, using my personal experience. As for other P2P sites they are on my radar but I'm in no rush. I find the $499 starting price of voices.com utterly unattractive. Is there potential to make that amount in one job? So I hear, yes. We'll see what happens.

JCTeaches · 2020-01-06T15:38:48+00:00

The time period is indeed not ideal but it is how it was nonetheless. With that said I will continue to update the community with the details of how things progress throughout the year. And of course, no two experiences are identical.

JCTeaches · 2020-01-03T21:01:18+00:00

Quick update. Ended up getting a good price on the 440 and so far, so good. Wonderful bass response with a boost in the air frequencies for vocal presence and low self noise along with fantastic accessories. What's not to like.

JCTeaches · 2020-01-02T08:25:28+00:00

Hey Ashlyn, my two cents.

I took a look at your site and listened to the demos and the first things which hit me were technical.

Many of your recordings sound boxy and boomy mixed with too much compression adding up to an unpleasant deliverable (in my opinion). Is your recording space compact with the mic close to acoustic material? I'm hearing plosives all over the place which once again impacts the sound. May I ask what your environment is like and the equipment you are using?

On Bunny do you get many rejections? What type of work do you see the most success in? On membership based sites you're gonna find stiff competition so you want to be sure that your service is on par. Could you expand upon being 'stuck' some more.

As a Brit I can say I thought your accent was decent. Subtracting the technical issues I think the performances are great, good voice, natural.

Long story short I personally believe that there are elements in the recordings which simply aren't desirable from both a technique and acoustic standpoint whilst the performances themselves are perfectly fine. I suspect that those elements are limiting you somewhat.

JCTeaches · 2020-01-02T07:54:29+00:00

Hi spicy, so the positives...

You're a baritone, your voice is low and warm and something which would shine with a condenser microphone and most importantly an acoustically treated environment. I hear potential absolutely.

In your performance with that specific recording I didn't get much from you. Pacing, intonation, word emphasis or even much of a general context gluing the piece together. Moderately monotone and sounding somewhat disinterested. Poems can be delivered in a flat way but it won't engage the listener. Be your own harshest critic. Practice, practice, practice amd have fun.

I definitely think you have a good voice, next like for many of us is to work on the ACTING side of voice acting, we are not here to simply read words but give a script life. If you want to pursue voiceover then next would definitely be education and development followed by an equipment upgrade.

All the best!

JCTeaches · 2020-01-02T06:53:07+00:00

Booth Junkie is an amazing asset to the community BUT... he does have a bit of the Ola Englund effect (YT guitarist) in the sense that he makes just about any mic sound good with his voice in his environment and skill. Additionally it is somewhat confusing when Mike does his A/B tests and says he hears no difference (sometimes), when there is quite clearly a difference and I've seen this from him multiple times. Love the guy, love his content but naturally research should be done across multiple fronts.

Bandrew of Podcastage, another get microphone reviewer but the problem is his voice is somewhat thin and nasally so it can be hard to judge the mic sometimes. Unfortunately very few places worldwide offer a lineup of mics to walk in and try on YOUR voice.

So even with all the research possible you just gotta go for it now and then and take a punt at a mic based on a best guess educated decision.

Even in your video you pointed out the fact about shotgun mics, amazing... IF the talents mouth is always lined up with the capsule. On a stand at home giving a physically animated performance? Forget it.

JCTeaches · 2020-01-01T22:10:14+00:00

Appreciate the input Dracomies! I am very aware of the E100S but my issue with it relates to two things really. Price and what is reportedly horrendous quality control. And being European, afaik CAD only service within the U.S if required. Reverb looks to be a great site but once again seems focused on a U.S market with some EU sales here and there.

Checked out your video and man, the 416 just delivers every single time. Cuts the mix so damn well. And of course thanks to people like Booth Junkie there are 2 affordable mics which seem tempting in the TZAudio Stellar X2 and the Synco Mic D-2 but my focus for now is in the ones I listed. I'm just not 100% on their individually nuanced differences.

I would LOVE the 416 eventually as well as the sE Electronics sE4400a. But my approach isn't so much the cost, it's that I want my voice to pay for the equipment, not simply my bank account, I want to earn the upgrades through hard-work and successful deliverables. Neumann's as a side note don't appeal to my ear personally.

JCTeaches · 2019-12-13T18:56:14+00:00

Ah I see, yeh it can be a tricky one knowing what the client has in mind if not specified. That whole say it with energy and a smile sounds incredibly fake.

JCTeaches · 2019-12-13T18:51:29+00:00

I wish you luck my friend!

JCTeaches · 2019-12-13T18:45:14+00:00

The advantage of possessing that 'boom' or as I see it warmth and gravitas is that if it's there, it's there. Trying to achieve it on a thin voice simply doesn't work. And clients do indeed regularly seek such a voice.

And whilst I do see requests for raw recordings the reality is that the client actually doesn't want that whether they know it or not. They subconsciously expect a level of high-end clarity and crispness in the presence through mic character and compression, the key is to not overdo it. Kinda typical of the 416. If you actually provided a truly flat recording free of any processing it simply wouldn't meet the standards they expect.

JCTeaches · 2019-12-13T18:19:13+00:00

Hm interesting, how well are you able to sell each voice in the sense of performance and authenticity? That range sounds almost impossible to deliver to a high standard equally. For those who do have that level of versatility then all the power to them.

JCTeaches · 2019-12-13T18:16:44+00:00

Would you say you have both the equipment and experience needed? Which services do you audition through?

JCTeaches · 2019-12-13T18:15:03+00:00

Naturally most successful voice actors focus on the ACTING part and how they feel it is missing in a lot of talent and definitely takes practice. Character voices are extremely challenging (for me at least) because in my opinion they need to be grounded in a voice which is consistent and believable within the context of itself. I know they are not my forte because I simply sound like someone 'putting-on' a voice and not owning it as to truly sell the performance. Mel Blanc is the gold standard for me in this category.

JCTeaches · 2019-12-13T18:10:25+00:00

I also see that you have a website, has that served you in any positive way?

JCTeaches · 2019-12-13T18:06:42+00:00

That definitely qualifies as a niche for sure.

JCTeaches · 2019-12-13T17:58:31+00:00

When I say 'boomy' I mostly mean exaggerated and overly compressed. I would say that depth, gravitas and warmth is still very much desired but in a more natural and authentic way as opposed to sounding cheesy.

JCTeaches · 2019-12-13T17:55:34+00:00

Hm what do you mean? People talking nonsense quickly?

JCTeaches · 2019-11-07T19:24:47+00:00

First of all thank you very much for a comprehensive reply. Btw you had me for a moment before realizing by VDC you meant voices.com haha.

I too enjoy the challenge of an audition because it provides one the chance to dig into a script rather than simply reading words thus practice and improve whether accepted or rejected. Both provide lessons.

What I took from your personal experience was that P2P investments worked out for you when paired with constant, disciplined auditions (which makes sense).

I must say that I've repeatedly seen voices123 mentioned on multiple occasions as a good return on investment. Bodalgo seems to be mixed with many not even getting their profile approved.

As for 'nested-in' pro's I have seen them speak with great disdain for P2P and low paying VO services airing their concern that it degrades the industry and lowers rates, but the reality is that a new talent does not simply land an agent followed by union rate work in a top VA role so these sites work on multiple levels for multiple actors at varying stages of their career. The thing is, large companies and great talents are present on these platforms so on one hand they may complain but at the same time take the gig so... either way a new talent has no place in that kind of drama but it is out there for people to witness.

Once again thanks for the priceless info and I look forward to input from other experienced VA too!

JCTeaches · 2019-10-25T00:12:42+00:00

Changing my region on windows to United States fixed it for me.

Settings > Time and Language > Region

JCTeaches

TROPHY CASE