Time for Another Look At Microphones

It has been some time, since I scanned the web concerning microphones. In my own studio, I have my favorites. However, even surprising to me, one of my favorites can be found at a very low cost. As with every piece of equipment out there, opinions will always remain subjective.

In the world of voice-overs, there are a few choices that are less subjective than others. I think most would agree, if finances are no issue, two safe bets would be:

Sennheiser MKH 416

Neumann TLM 103

And of course, there's one of my personal favorites.

Sure SM7B

I recently moved into a new home studio setting, one that provides a little more working room. I found one of my first microphones, the AKG Perception 220, that had been tucked away in a closet. Maybe for sentimental reasons, I decided to give it another whirl. Still sounds good, still remains one of my favorite budget microphones and will now remain outside of the closet.  

AKG Perception 220

Happy Mother's Day

Aflac dumps duck voice actor for tasteless tweets

Columbus, Georgia

Aflac Inc. said Monday it has fired Gilbert Gottfried, the abrasive voice of the insurer's quacking duck in the U.S., after the comedian posted a string of mocking jokes about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan on Twitter over the weekend.

The tasteless tweets are particularly problematic for Aflac because it does 75 percent of its business in Japan. One in four homes in Japan buys health insurance from Aflac. The insurer's CEO, Daniel Amos, flew to Japan on Sunday to show support for the company's employees and agents.

Aflac said in a statement Monday that Gottfried's jokes do not represent the feelings of the company, which previously announced it would donate 100 million yen ($1.2 million) to the International Red Cross to help with disaster assistance.

"There is no place for anything but compassion and concern during these difficult times," Chief Marketing Officer Michael Zuna said.

The tweets in question were removed from Gottfried's Twitter feed Monday after Aflac announced it would stop working with the comedian.

Source

Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks : Mac Conversion

For as long as I can remember, I have been a PC fan. However, for the greater portion of that time, I only used a computer for typical, day-to-day applications.

Along the way, during my radio career, computers started to make their appearance. Usually, they were specially put together for the station's intended use.

Once I began setting-up my home voice-over studio, I not only noticed the debates over microphones, recording software and related items, but of the computer platform as well. Of course while getting started, I planned on using every PC I had on hand in some fashion to keep additional costs down. That was, until I purchased:

I love the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra, except for the driver conflicts in Windows. I uninstalled, re-installed and everything in between. However, I continued to experience the "blue screen of death" once in awhile. I cannot place sole blame on either the M-Audio or PC, but the two do not form the best union when it comes to drivers. Add a heavy Adobe Audition session in and get ready.

So, I made the switch to Mac. So far, so good! Have you experienced any issues with either PC or Mac? I am always interested in hearing your experiences.

Adobe Audition For Mac

A Peek At Ted Williams and Kraft Mac & Cheese Superbowl Commercial VO

'Golden-Voiced' Homeless Man Lands Radio Spot

COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Internet video of a homeless man showing off his self-described "God-given gift of a great voice" has landed him a spot on a local radio show.

A reporter from the Columbus Dispatch came across Ted Williams while Williams was panhandling near Interstate 71 recently. Williams was carrying a sign explaining he was a former radio announcer who had fallen on hard times.

"Any help will be gratefully appreciated," the sign said.

A roadside interview on YouTube demonstrates the homeless man isn't exaggerating. He's as smooth as any announcer heard on radio or television.

Source and Video

Happy New Year!