? Voice Over Techniques ?

1. Get a template for what you are expecting? i.e., if you could design it? And have Yoda in-studio to do the reads? Well is that your baseline? If so, use it in track1...
 
2. Get your talent on-board... I.e, are you looking for "them?" Or are you looking for a tribute version? Or are you looking for an amalgam? If the requirements aren't' well defined, you'll never achieve success.

"I'm putting together my first video project. It's time to record the audio and I could use a list of helpful hints on doing spoken vocals."
 
Effective V.O. for motion picture requires insightful casting.
 
There are a few people that have voices that have the natural quality of sounding "radio ready" with just about any good mic you use.
 
Once you have defined a subset of people that form a pool of voice talent then you have to select just the right character that makes the content of the voice track gel with the story you hope to convey.
 
Casting is the most important aspect of incorporating voice tracks into a sound design. In fact, great casting decisions can defy the idea that some voices are radio ready and some are not. Sometimes a gentle or ephemeral voice is just the right thing. Accent plays a role as well. It's one of those you'll know it when you hear it sort of experiences.
 
Voice over services provide access to "stables" of talent to make it convenient for producers to make appropriate and effective casting decisions.
 
 
An individual, no matter how naturally blessed with a special voice, can only serve certain stories effectively.
 
 
Having said all that, I would not purchase an expensive microphone until after you have investigated the suitability of your voice for the project at hand.
edit: I misinterpreted and thought you were saying you were thinking about buying a AKG214 for the project. I reread your first post and realize that you already have it. :-)
 
I mean, you can't go wrong with a fresh new mic to learn about, but don't expect the selection of microphone to make or break the way an audience receives the choice of voice talent assigned to any particular project.
 
If your voice is going to be the one to use, then you'll get an appreciation for that way before you worry about which mic to use.
 
Harsh, but fair.
 
best regards,
mike

 
Good for you!!!
 
I can't wait to watch the videos.
 
The only other tip I can give you is too write a script, edit it carefully and follow it closely. Ad lib will make editing difficult no matter how well you know the subject.
 
all the best.
mike

Thanks Mike. The shoot first approach was my first mistake.

Any decent condenser mic I use a AT 2035 and AT 2050,
But run these into a Digital MPA II (A.R.T. tube preamp)
The combination purchase won't break the bank and will give you
a much wider choice of production sound.(and since the ART is a dual channel
you have one left open for a guest )Also the VLA Pro (ART) will smooth things out.
costs nothing to check these out at a local store.
 

yorolpal
Plus you can drive nails with it when you can't find a hammer or use it to bludgeon into submission any unwanted intruder or client who won't pay his bill.

LOL, that gave me a nice chuckle. Gotta love the durability of dynamic mics.