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Review: Blue Raspberry Condenser Microphone "Designed to help you sound your best no matter where you are." I'm no stranger to Blue products. The early days of using a Snowflake for auditions and last minute pick-ups are hard to forget and a recently purchased Yeti Nano sits on my desk waiting to be used. The Blue Baby Bottle is a household name at this point and can be found at agency booths and casting offices around NYC. Recently, I've been experimenting with the Blue Raspberry Condenser Microphone from Blue Designs as part of my voice over travel rig. While I usually bring a more sophisticated set-up on the road, the Raspberry is compact, hassle-free and delivers impressive studio sound. Not surprising. For years, Blue has been developing cost-effective, high quality products designed specifically with voice talent in mind, however their inventory appeals to a wide range of performers including podcasters, gamers, singers and musicians. While it might be hard to tell from the photos, this little mic is capable of delivering the goods no matter the location. After all, what $200 USB/Lightning mic has an intricate built-in filter? And not just any filter but an IAD (Internal Acoustic Diffuser) that helps "minimize the sound of the room" when you're forced to record at the airport. Well, maybe not ALL the sound. Here's an audio sample: But what about room treatment? No sweat. While using it at my parents' house during Thanksgiving, a bed and two pillows sufficed and the IAD worked its magic. In addition, it works with most iOS/Android devices and went directly into my iPhone. Oh, Technology. Bottom line: small usb/lightning microphone, optimum sound and adaptable to many environments. Not to mention, a collapsible stand/mount and suede pouch, making traveling easy and that pretty much seals the deal. If you're on a budget and in the market for a low maintenance, professional digital condenser microphone, this may make your on-the-go recording life a little easier. Check out the specs below and Get it! Microphone Specs: USB/Lightning Capabilities Cardioid Polar Pattern IAD - Internal Acoustic Diffuser Up to 24 bit/48K No Latency monitoring Gain up to +40DB Mic stand adapter Collapsible Stand Headphone jack #audiogear #microphone #blueraspberry #recording #voiceover #mobile

Perspective: Photographing NYC As a freelancer, I am so grateful to wake up in a city where photographic opportunities can be seen and felt every day. It's one of the many perks of living in a city like New York. On any given day I can walk out the door and find something to document. And I've been doing that everyday since I moved here nearly 14 years ago. One thing remains true: this city is a kingdom of visual artifacts. Joel Meyerowitz knew that as did William Helburn, Carrie Boretz and others. You can travel anywhere and still feel like you haven't seen it all. All these years, there's more to discover - more places restaurants and hotspots, more communities and hidden gems, more people and interesting faces. The best is yet to come, as they say. #nyc #newyork #photography

Ear-Catching: Warby Parker's Commercial Voice Voices are everywhere. There's the voice on the radio, the voice narrating documentaries or the latest ASMR Sensation. Some are pleasant sounding and others are, well, interesting. Nevertheless, in commercial advertising, the human voice is not usually the defining element that makes a campaign successful. VO pros certainly know that by now. But when it's the right voice - and it works brilliantly every time? Sometimes a voice just transports you, as it does in this ongoing Warby Parker ad. And because their creative is always spot-on and the message connects with it's audience, it's easy to fall in love with the brand. After all, I'm a happy customer. #warbyparker #commercial #voiceover #advertising Photo by Saketh Garuda on Unsplash

Studio Experience: Soundtrack NY Over the last few years of working and recording voice over in NYC, I’m always thrilled at the opportunity to visit at a new studio space. It gives me the chance to meet industry and creative folks as well as some very knowledgeable sound designers and engineers. And in this day and age of home studio isolation, any face-time can make a huge difference in chaotic VO life. Recently I’ve been spending time at Soundtrack NY, a fantastic studio located close to the Flatiron District, one of my absolute favorite places to be. The studio is a busy hub for voice over, ADR/Dubbing for feature films and TV, Commercials, sound design, VFX, and more. Owned by Soundtrack Group, there are actually two locations in the city - Soundtrack NY and Soundtrack F/T, both within walking distance of each other. There are even facilities throughout the greater Boston area as well. Both NYC locations have a variety of capabilities and set-ups. Check them out. Upon entering, the space is a delightful mishmash of different styles and genres. At times, it takes on the feeling of a glorified thrift store (And who doesn’t love thrift stores?). One of the engineers at our session mentioned that the studio is going through somewhat of a makeover, however the unfinished areas do give it a little character, as I tend to like imperfections. The ceilings and walls are covered in bright white light, with an overhead neon light cutting through the middle of the upstairs lobby. The walls are decked out in vinyl 45s and retro pop culture memorabilia. Oh, there’s even a popcorn machine. As you walk further, you’ll notice it takes on a 90s vibe with framed albums from some the most memorable artists of that era (and recorded at this very studio). It doesn’t take long to get swept away by the caliber of talent recording on any given day. Pretty soon, the sign-in sheet fills up with celebrities and in walks “that woman or that guy” from “that show”. Truthfully, I was a bit starstruck until I remembered why I was there in the first place. Lastly, no studio is fully functional without its incredible staff. From the receptionists to the engineers and talent coordinators, I was in good hands the entire time. During the recording session, our engineer Mark DeSimone and his assistant Kristin could not have been more gracious and accommodating. Mark went out of his way with kindness from start to finish, making sure the levels were good and I felt right at home. If you're looking for new places to record, solid people to work with and a variety of recording options, give Soundtrack NY a try. #soundtrackny #soundtrackgroup #NYC #recordingstudio

Ear-Catching: UHC TV Spot "Something For Everyone To Like" In recent years, Leo Burnett has been behind some memorable advertising campaigns. Whether health and auto insurance, cosmetics or technology, their creative instincts bring to life some of the most engaging, clever and, often, hilarious work. They keep things consistent and more down-to-earth in a recent TV commercial for UnitedHealthcare aimed at the Minnesota market. The basic idea? That health plans are available for all Minnesotans, no matter the individual, family size or specific need. What I particularly love about this spot (aside from the VO) is its welcoming tone. And while it still address the complexities of healthcare, it stays playful while driving home a message of community and connectedness. And that is what we need now more than ever. #commercial #unitedhealthcare #advertising #minnesota

Review: Sennheiser Ambeo Smart Headset "Now you can capture and share the world just as you experience it." A while ago, after watching a commercial for the GoPro Hero 4 video camera, I finally went out and bought one. This was going to be the defining moment for me to capture HD video of my daily NYC activities hassle-free. The only problem was that the advertisement and product description didn’t match my actual experience. To this day, I’ve only used the GoPro Hero 4 a few times and now it mostly sits in a case in my closet. My purchase of the Sennheiser Ambeo Smart Headset, on the other hand, was the complete opposite experience. Finally, I can go out into the world and record video directly from my iPhone that not only looks good but sounds equally amazing. It's hassle-free, easy-to-use and delivers clean beautiful audio. Watch the geeky train video below (preferably with headphones) and hear for yourself. Headphone Specs: Lightning cable connection Built-in 3D mic App connection Transparent audio blending Active noise cancellation Additional telephone mic Signature Sennheiser sound Apogee’s proprietary Soft Limit and mic preamp plus precisely tuned A/D and D/A conversion Buy it here and have a blast! (Worth the investment, I promise) #sennheiser #apogee #ambeosmartheadset #Headphones #audio #binaural #sound #recording

Queens & Kings of ASMR I used to fall asleep to Bob Ross videos. His soothing voice as he painted "happy little trees" calmed my mind and end-capped my day, even after listening to voices for hours. But I didn't really have words for what was helping me fall asleep - that lulling feeling of a beautiful voice creating soft sounds. Now, this phenomenon is trending big time, and it's called ASMR. A recent piece by New Yorker (see below video) profiled several popular ASMRists and their soundscape journeys, and I'm so glad we're talking about it! Wikipedia defines ASMR as Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. In more abstract terms, it's that "tingling" running down the spine when hearing specific sounds. ASMR isn't voice over in the traditional sense. It's not always recorded in a pre-treated room or vocal booth, isolated from any outside noise, and it doesn't necessarily sell things or promote an outside concept. With ASMR, sounds within a space, or "room tone" are part of the appeal. All the little imperfections and blips that we in the 'professional' recording world work to eradicate from our day-to-day recordings are key to an ASMRtist's success. Types of ASMR Staged - a person faces the camera with a background in a setting of their choosing, used to fit the mood of the video. (example, WhispersRed ASMR channel) Accidental - a voice or channel which happens to bring about ASMR simply by being or having the qualities aforementioned. (examples: Bob Ross, this delightful woman who runs a bat sanctuary!) ASMR Artists to check out... Gentle Whispering WhispersRed ASMR Bob Ross Videos Jojo's ASMR Fairy Char ASMR ASMR Nerd Find channels you love, subscribe to support creators, and start falling asleep to amazing voices...! Video credit: The New Yorker #asmr #voice #sleep #online Photo by Kazuky Akayashi on Unsplash

5 times to shut up during a session One should expect a certain etiquette from talent during a recording session. The type of pro styling that comes when we do our jobs carefully, thoughtfully - purposefully. Gone are times when "Ernie Anderson-esque" outbursts were acceptable in a workplace environment - though it's hard to understand how they ever were. Vanishing quickly too is the notion that a "great" actor requires the space to be rude, inconsiderate, or higher maintenance than those around him or her. To be truly "great" requires an ability to work well with a creative team, take direction quickly and without feather ruffling. So with this in mind, I'm working on my own Inner Diva checklist, starting with - Things to make sure a producer or director never hears during a session: My too-actual personal life: "Last night I got so hammered..." Complaints about the script: "Did they have spell check? Basic typing skills?" Refusing direction: "No, I'm not doing another take for safety. If you don't have it by now..." The Backout: "Look, maybe you need someone else." ie. I suck. Get someone else. Also - this doesn't seem to be working? Premature demands prior to recording: "Can I get a copy of the spot once it airs? I need it for my website..." And yes, things that appear to be self-explanatory upon reflection are all things I have done. We live, learn, and try to get as much growth out of ourselves as possible. What I know is that, as a voice talent in a booth, working with incredible creative teams, it helps to check that inner diva at the door. More soon... #voiceover #recording #producer #advertising

customer service | the brand experience I don't fly often, but when I do, my airline of choice is Delta. Their customer service, in-flight experience, and general policy towards safety is one-of-a-kind. {End Script} - but really - this is how commercials actually kick off, right? The essence of the actual customer experience... So Here's mine: In April, I was on the way to L.A. for some much-anticipated voiceover connection fun. The ride from JFK to LAX was on time and a complete breeze. The trip home was one of THOSE TRIPS. The ones that cause people like me to become the paranoid, anxious travelers we now are. But as the initial flight (already a late-night one) was delayed over four hours due to maintenance issues, I found myself completely without an urge to complain, rage against the machines, or call anyone's customer service hotline. Why? Because I watched the captain and crew of our flight remain gracious and accommodating throughout what was probably a pretty rough few hours. The captain kept us updated on the progress of our situation, explaining in detail what was happening to our plane, while the crew served refreshments and opportunities to rebook on other flights. They taxi'd the plane back to a gate and let us de-plane to grab some food while we finished waiting. So, as a person who experiences anxiety on a regular basis, I felt relieved, calmed, and particularly grateful. To be fair, there were definitely people panicking and being generally hostile as people can be - of course we each have our own, personal "must-get-here" issues, mine included. And I wasn't happy to be stuck in the airport. But I felt calm, and confident that whatever the problem was, it would be fixed and we'd be on our way eventually. Big steps for a travel-freakout guy like me ;) The whole experience pretty much ended me up in an airport lounge for awhile, thinking about brand experiences in general, and this one with Delta specifically for me. How a brand delivers on a promise, and what that means for us in marketing, maybe? But that's pretty deep. Simpler, perhaps. That in this case, for this customer, I felt that the campaign Delta was running (and featuring the inimitable Viola Davis, BTW) measured completely up to what it hyped. Anyway, even airlines & travel aside - the point for me was being reached by an experience that matched an expectation. And it felt great. #delta #customerservice #travel #voiceover #brand #marketing

Trends to Takeaways When I first began my career, the conversational trend was just beginning to trend. As a guy without that "big booming announcer" voice, I was excited that nationally-advertised products were requiring less of an over-the-top sound, and developing into a more genuine connection with consumers. People weren't looking for a cheesy voice anymore, and while that style still had its place within certain markets, the general consensus became focused on nuance and understatement. As brands became ever more engaged, they realized that audiences demanded transparency; a great ad spoke directly to people instead of at them. Because of this trend and its impact, my own voice found its position, and I've been able to parlay the "conversational" style into career success. Today, as the trend morphs into the standard, and conversational-type voices saturate the playing field, standing out can be tricky. Still, it's the consideration of "conversational" that matters, and breaking it down remains less about trends and more about what started the trend in the first place. The brass tacks of conversational itself. When working with voice talent, conversational is more than just talking to a friend at a bar. It's more than applying a smile to your read. It's more than "having fun with it" or "being laid back." The truly conversational voice over is engaged with the subject matter as it relates to others. It speaks to someone in a way the ad agency or producer hasn't expected, because it is genuinely how you would connect! It involves being human. And isn't this the true beauty of working in commercial entertainment? Booth director & acting coach Hugh P Klitze makes the case for a more "refined" and "real" read, claiming: "It’s a read connected to the emotions underneath the copy. It’s a non-sell. It’s letting the words work for you. All the stuff that makes a great commercial read great. Just more subtle and unique than ever. " TAKEAWAYS Be genuine. Bring yourself to the read. Engage with the brand's audience. Be unexpectedly YOU! Below: an example of the conversational read in an online spot for Intel. Produced by Space Junk Media. #conversational #voiceover #voicetalent #nyc #commercialvoiceover

Less Worry, the Better It's been months since our last voice over booking.  We've had many auditions but, much to our dismay, we're not booking a whole lot.  We double up on coaching, work with someone new, read our fare share of industry blogs, and even experiment in new genres.  Still, nothing seems to be happening.  We think to ourselves: maybe it's time to go back to the drawing board.  Give that demo a facelift, revamp our marketing plan, take some time off to get some perspective. However, there seems to be no easy fix to this interruption and impatience quickly settles in.  Pretty soon the ruminating and comparisons start.  Although we're well aware that this kind of negative thinking can impede our progress, it still bugs us.  Hold it right there.  In reality, this is an all-too-common case of audition fatigue.  No matter where in our career, we aren't impervious to creative struggles.  The ups and downs are an integral part of this business and they prepare us for the next challenge. Self-Resistance is silly.  We're only getting in our own way. Good news: audition fatigue can have a low shelf life.  With a clear strategy in place as well as confidence in our talent and abilities, bouncing back is easy.  Once we stop caring about whether or not we're going to book, the spontaneity of the business comes into play.  And if we're on the right path, there's no giving up.  Some of the best advice I've received isn't from a Tony Robbins seminar or a book of Zen odes but from more experienced talent.  Those who have stood the test of time and rode the waves of uncertainty. As my friend Jack says, "Keep doing what your doing.  Give yourself more credit.  You're already there." #acting #audition #voicetalent #motivation

Reviewing the custom vocal booth for solid voice over recording I wouldn't exactly call myself a techie or an audio junkie but I do know quality when I hear it.  Optimum sound exists.  Several months ago I upgraded my home studio with a custom vocal booth from QC Acoustics, a company in California.  As I had been wanting to do this for a while, you can imagine the huge sigh of relief as we finished assembling this booth and setting up all the equipment.   Finally, after years of make-shift isolation booths, my very own whisper room had arrived.  That potentially meant the following: No low rumble from city subways or trucks No screaming children playing ball in the streets No thundering jet engine during take-off or landing Bye bye ice-cream truck! The results? Absolute perfection and all of the above no longer an issue.  I can now audition and record without having to worry about any distracting outside noises that would break my concentration.  By the way, this is the dream of a NYC voice over artist. What does that mean for you, the buyer? Relief, confidence, and assurance, knowing that not only did you hire the right voice but that you will also be getting a professional sounding product as well. Hear for yourself. #audio #homestudio #review #vocalbooth #voiceover