Behind the Microphone - Life as a Voice Actor

[@PigDan]

Your book is a fun read! Life has been difficult so it's taken me a long time to get through books, and all entertainment for that matter. Hope I can see more things from you, you're very interesting!

[@VoiceoverIsland]

Thanks, Zeon. I was your age when I first went on the air, and like you, I had been preparing for a voice career by copying the best announcers I heard on radio and TV. It's a great idea. Also, practice reading out loud every day for at least 15 minutes. Read anything...your school textbooks, a newspaper, magazine articles...as if you have an audience. Make what you're saying interesting to them. Don't just read words, communicate! Support your dream with practice to build an awesome career!

[@VoiceoverIsland]

Hi everybody! Thanks to the 1,000+ of you who watch this video every month! Here's an update as of Sept. 2014: For several months now, I've been concentrating on producing audiobooks. Just go to Amazon.com, Audible.com or iTunes and type in "Chuck McKibben" as a search to see and hear samples of my latest titles. The best of the bunch is "Sell It Online," written by Nick Vulich. If you've ever wanted to make money on eBay, Amazon, Fivver or Etsy by selling stuff, this is an excellent "how-to" course. Plus, it tells you how to get a Kindle book published, become a blogger, start an employment website, and sell the skills you possess through online courses. Nick has actually done all of these things very successfully and I'm honored that he picked me to narrate this and other books. Yep, this is a shameless plug, but honestly, if you want to start a home-based business and become self-employed (like me!) this easy-to-understand audiobook will absolutely get you started on the right foot. In fact, reading this book inspired me to write my own e-book/audiobook about my exciting times working with Mel Blanc! So stay tuned...more news will be coming soon! Again, thanks for the views, and thanks for your feedback! Best wishes - Chuck

[@tomchris60]

Thanks for the video, Chuck. Very encouraging. I had the pleasure of meeting you a few years ago and your I took your tips and vast knowlege of this industry to heart. Good to see you.

[@roycecorey5251]

Happy New Year Chuck. Thanks for reaching out across the globe with your knowledge and expertise. I'm 44 years old and I have been contemplating for a few years now in pursuing a part time career as a voice over artist. I am a blue collar worker by day and I write and produce music for myself in the evenings. I grew up listening to Mel Blanc's voice watching all the cartoons and it had to be mesmerizing for you to work and learn from him. I decided I would make a goal in 2015 to pursue the voice over recording business however I had to be mentored by the best, so finding this video to me was not a coincidence. I am currently using Logic Pro Studio on my MacBook Pro lap top to produce and record my songs and vocals so I have the equipment and I have the time. All that was missing was you- until now. I live in Lakeland Florida which is 40 minutes west of Orlando (you know where the big eared mouse lives, LOL) and I would be honored to begin with you as my mentor. So what is my next move "Coach"?

[@edawg1960]

Hi Chuck, two years ago i saw this video and this video got me started on my vo journey. Thank you for all the videos on VO. For a newbie on a zero budget these really help me out. Wishing you Happy and sucessful New year.

[@Simmymind360]

Thank you Chuck..YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL ...

[@VoiceoverIsland]

I'm very honored to know that you feel that way! Thank you sincerely...I love being a mentor, so a comment like yours is deeply appreciated!

[@CuteGem3]

I've been liking into becoming a voice over actor at home for a couple months n I found this to be great helpful and inspiring. I'm surprised none of you used acoustic treatment to sound proof the room.

[@VoiceoverIsland]

You may not see the sound-absorbing materials, but they are there at work, except for Deena's studio in the video...she was working from her dorm room at the time, so she couldn't really do much with the walls (she has since moved into her own studio, and gets lots of voice work). We use sound-absorbing materials to stop wall reflections from bouncing. Many things are effective for that purpose, including heavy curtains, comforters hanging over privacy screens, moving blankets hung on walls, or in my case, Armstrong fiberglass acoustic ceiling tiles, but with the fiberglass panels hung on the walls, fiberglass surfaces facing into the room, covered in open-weave muslin cloth. The one thing I absolutely DON'T recommend is that charcoal-colored foam stuff. It's over-priced and it under-performs. No better than cheap packing foam. Most walk-in voice booths are lined with it, and owners complain about the "boxy" sound of those booths. That's because foam doesn't really absorb sound at all. It only softens the bounce a little. True sound absorption involves the sound compression waves losing their energy by being dissipated as heat; foam doesn't do that because all of the foam bubbles connect to the walls of all the other bubbles. Foam is not really porous; there are no dead pockets of air, as in woven materials. Actual sound proofing, that is, blocking all outside sound transmission, is a very difficult/costly thing to achieve. Most people can't manage to build a truly soundproof room, but the good news is, they don't have to. . In a previous post, I mentioned using a noise gate, which is an inexpensive device ($130) that eliminates the need to buy or build a voice isolation booth when used in a reasonably quiet room in your home, assuming that it has been sound-conditioned to kill the bouncing sound waves. Isolation booths are costly (around $3,000 new), air circulation/heat build-up is a big problem (even when they're equipped with fans, which contribute to noise), and frankly, very camped. Claustrophobia, anyone? That's why NONE of my successful students need to use them. I teach people a better and far less expensive way to record at home! It's awesome that you found the video inspiring. Thanks for your comment, and best of luck to you!

[@gregb7595]

VoiceoverIsland thank you! Good inf o

[@VoiceoverIsland]

Walter Cronkite, the great newsman, was honored as "the most trusted man in America," and now I've been allowed by Charles River Editors to pay homage to this legendary broadcaster by narrating his biography (often in his "voice" when quoting him). "American Legends: The Life of Walter Cronkite" is available on Amazon, Audible and iTunes, and you can find it simply by typing "Charles McKibben" in their search boxes. "Uncle Walter" was as charming in person as he was on TV. I know, because I had the wonderful experience of talking with him at length back in the 1970's. Now, all these many years later, I get to repay his kindness by telling his life story. I hope you'll check it out. The download is easy and inexpensive, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Thanks!

[@alfredbenelli9842]

That's excellent. They made a great choice to bring a great man back to life... Congratulations my teacher, mentor and friend!

[@RuthForeseActor]

So much valuable information: I am listening, following directions for my homework prior to my first session with Mr. McK.. Am excited about beginning classes and learning, learning, learning! I have ALways wanted to be part of the the magic "BEHIND the mic!" Ruth Forese

[@GingerDoesThings]

I have always wanted to be a voice over artist since I was little and now I finally have the chance! If my grades improve my parents said they will consider me taking lessons with you so thanks for providing them! :)

[@fishtroll6834]

Amazing video, I recently started growing an interest into voice acting, and the more I read about it, and the more videos I watch the more interesting it becomes to me. I am glad I got to take a class on Theater (unfortunately it's my Senior year) but once I graduate I'm now really considering taking acting classes in collage. Again great video and very great influence on my decision

[@nitrochaney1026]

Very nice. I enjoyed this video. I too, have a desire to get into voice acting. I will be visiting your website. Thanks again

[@chasvox2]

Nicely done. I am sharing this link with those are always asking me "How do I get into VO?" They find my link and then think "I can do that!" But then......so now I can refer them to this KZbin presentation. Thanks! This should "shorten" quite a few phone calls. :) And BTW - I remember the days of tape and bleeding fingers...thank The Good Lord for digital...and the internet....

[@VoiceoverIsland]

Hi Charles - 30+ years of cutting tape in my case. I appreciate your thoughts about the video. By the way, I also went through the entire history of videotape as a TV producer (but not cutting it with a blade, of course), from 2" quad in 1977 (still the standard at the time) to 3/4", Beta, Beta SP and finally Mini DV. The change brought about by digital technology is absolutely staggering. Best regards - Chuck

[@amol6242]

Thanks for sharing... Great piece of information. Can you give information on how do you prepare for cold script reading or final script reading?

[@BeatsPlanetMusic]

Great documentary guys

[@AllThingsJUDYTV]

I love this video it helps me to keep hope alive. It's been such a long time. I've been wanting to do voice over acting. I felt like I tried to reach out to others in the industry and ask for constructive help and over time no answers back, so I just left it alone. But something just came over me last week and told me to pick that passion back up and venture more and ask more so I came upon this video. I'm glad I did. Mr. McKibben, I seen your response on another commenter that you are in the Greater Philadelphia area and I am looking for training so may I get in touch with you to talk with you more in depth? I am ready to make a career move into being a Voice Over Artist. Thank you kindly

[@VoiceoverIsland]

Thank you, Bella. Do you know that they call professional voiceover actors? Amateurs who did not give up! I'm sorry that others have ignored your requests for guidance. I try to give everyone the respect they deserve, as you'll see when we speak with each other. I welcome your call after 11 AM any day, at 215-677-2295, as I welcome anyone else reading this to call me with a question. (I work late most nights, so you can call until about 11 PM.) My life is an open book, and its purpose, besides being a loving companion to my wonderful wife, is to help other people to achieve their dreams. The greatest kick I get is to see my students doing really well. I'm proud to be the reasonably-priced, no-hype, no-baloney voice coach in Northeast Philly, with distance-learning students as far away as the Phillipines. Best wishes to you, and thanks again for your comments.

[@VoiceoverIsland]

Hi Battlecam. I use a Behringer Multigate, using 2 channels - expansion gate first, then hard gating. Annoying? No, not when done right. My clients LOVE complete silence behind a voice, & praise my work for it. For one thing, when video VO's must be spaced out with wider pauses, track splits can't be detected. Capturing room tone is essential only in movies, because the actors don't appear in a sound-free environment. I've done Nagra location film sound & know the technique well. Thanks.

[@shamrock6146]

So this poped up on my recommendations

[@battlecamtutorial]

Interesting. What noise gate are you having success with I wonder? Noise gates can be useful, but a recent technique I learned that makes a lot of sense is to sample "room tone" and use it in another track to fill in where the noise gate pulls everything to zero. As you know, going to zero can sometimes be very annoying to the ear and is not a cure all. Cool Edit Pro was purchased by Adobe and is now called Audition.

[@KhaldunQaysi]

Very rich and useful video on the subject matter. Should one's voice be good to do this job. I mean if the voice is not perfect, we can train and become professional?

[@VoiceoverIsland]

If you have any kids in your family, I'd like you to know that "Tumbles, The Turtle That Got Glued Back Together" is now available on Amazon, Audible.com and iTunes. This sweet little 20-minute audiobook is my first children's story ever. I had great fun creating more than half-a-dozen character voices for it that I'm sure your little ones will enjoy hearing and imitating. If you want a nice, gentle bedtime story for them, I hope you'll check it out. Thanks!

[@VoiceoverIsland]

Thank you for the comments! A noise gate is a $140 audio processor that blocks noises below your voice level, eliminating the need for a hot, airless, expensive ($3,000) voice booth. I use Cool Edit Pro, my fav for its power & simplicity. I can to show you how to build a great-sounding, low-cost home studio like those you see in this vid. I'm in Philly but I also teach nationwide via phone & screen-sharing. Call me if you'd like to learn more or just chat: 215-677-2295. Thanks everybody!

[@mhillvo]

Bet it was George Whittam's tip. Saw the same explanation on his interview with "EWABS" made sense. Especially with Adobe Audition 3.0

[@jackedkerouac4414]

1:23 does anyone know which DAW he's using to record?

[@VoiceoverIsland]

Adobe Audition, early version when you could still just buy it outright. It evolved from Cool Edit Pro. Adobe bought them out in 2002. The edition being used in the vid by all of us is 1.5, from 2004. It is STILL the best for VO to this day...better than the later versions. I'm still teaching voiceover, by the way. Message me if you're getting started in the biz. I'd be happy to give you some tips, no charge. You could also email [e-mail], and I'll get back to you. I've had a LONG career, and have always enjoyed sharing what I've learned with guys who are starting out.

[@VoiceoverIsland]

Just released as of August 2015! If you only know Frank Sinatra from his big hit songs like "Strangers in the Night," "New York, New York" and "My Way," then you may be surprised by the man's many outstanding qualities and good deeds detailed in my newest audiobook, "Sinatra Style." It's a very affordable download on Audible.com, Amazon and iTunes. Frank was one of the most fascinating and iconic stars of all time, and I'm very proud to have been chosen to narrate this title...just in time for his 100th Birthday this year! Thanks everyone - Chuck

[@rodneysapyta1374]

Thank you to all who made this video. Now it is time for me to Make this happen!!

[@VoiceoverIsland]

Go for it, Rodney, and good luck. Nothing is ever accomplished just by wishing, only by taking action. - Chuck

[@rodneysapyta1374]

I just need a little help getting the right EQ. for my home studio.I see everyone has different opinions on EQ .

[@VoiceoverIsland]

ATTENTION MEL BLANC FANS! The NEW BOOK about my amazing experience of working with Mel is NOW AVAILABLE! A TV news reporter just interviewed me about it and my career right before Chistmas (2018)!. Here's the link to the story: www.theintell.com/news/20181224/navigating-life-voiceover-specialist-chuck-mckibben/1 (Typing my name in KZbin search will also find the video, "Navigating Life: Voiceover Specialist Chuck McKibben.") My book is titled "Mel Blanc, the Voice of Bugs Bunny...and Me," available as an audio-interactive Kindle e-book or full-length audiobook. Just type my name in Amazon.com "search." Both of these include MEL BLANC'S AMAZING VOICE DEMO TAPE! This is the first time in history that his demo has been available to the public! For the illustrated paperback book, go to thebookpatch.com and type "Mel Blanc" in the "bookstore" search. It makes a nice gift you can hand to Looney Tunes/Mel Blanc fans! This book is one of only 3 ever written about the "Cartoon Voice Grandmaster." The others are his out-of-print autobiography, and a soft-cover book for $40! Now, for a whole lot less, you can discover what Mel Blanc was REALLY like from the ONLY person who has ever written a first-person memoir about actually working daily with him! ENJOY...and let me know what you think! Cheers, everyone! - Chuck McKibben at voiceoverisland.com.

[@mikejohnson6762]

Awesome video! I'm new to Voice Over and voice acting I'm looking forward to this new adventure and any help I can get would be greatly appreciated

[@gregb7595]

Good video..thanks for sharing! One question if i may...i notice you dont use any sound treatments on your walls. With all those hard surfaces in front of you isnt there an issue with this? Thanks

[@scotttmatthews6276]

I live in Newcastle in the UK, I am very interested in becoming a voiceover artist, however after research found that most of the big guys and gals are based in America. is it still possible to become a VOA here in the UK?

[@serei_oque_serei]

Hi! Congrats for the video!! I'd like to know how to make my voice sounds like I were under the water, in distance, on the telephone, using a mask, high above the mountain , inside a coffin, behind the door, in a church robot voice.. etc. How to modifying the sound of the voice to be according to the ambient/atmosphere? What kind of software should I use? How can I learn to make voice effects? What name of the person who work with sound effects? I would like to learn all about this to improve my fandubs! :) Thanks.

[@pete5668]

So you don't really need a preamp, and just go through the preamp in the mixer? I have gotten the impression that a preamp in the $1500.00 range is needed to get started.

[@rumcake19]

I loved this Video

[@johannesstoppels4136]

Hay sir I am setting up a hypnotherapy practice for recordings what software would you recommend Sir and is there tutorials to down load hear back shortly and appreciate your time.

[@GiffIndia]

Hi, you have done great job, i just want to know about mixer. microphone also you did it used.plz inform me

[@wallyoverstreet7380]

Useful info at 1:05 :P

[@THE1POSTMAN]

Chuck.. Do you give any weekend training and what would the cost be? .I need all the help I can get. . thanks for any feed back. R.S.

[@VoiceoverIsland]

Yes, I do teach by appointment on weekends, as well and weekdays, and my fee for a 1-hour+session is just $60, much lower than the average national coaching fee of $100 or more per hour. Also, for those not in the greater Philadelphia area, I do distance learning via ordinary phone and screen-sharing on your computer. My studio number is 215-677-2295, and you can always reach me at [e-mail]. Thanks for asking.

[@THE1POSTMAN]

Sounds great I will let you know when I can get some time off from UPS

[@Nixie1980]

Ya remind me of the guy in the Movie called "The Pursuit of Happiness". No, not Will, silly ..... . . . The Boss man that hires him. I'm telling ya, you not only look like him, ya sound like him too ~

[@VoiceoverIsland]

The "boss" was a long-time spokesman in commercials for Pathmark supermarkets in the New York City area. He must have held that job for 20 years. He's been a fine actor in movies and TV, too, so I'll take that as a compliment. I just wish I didn't have his white hair. Oh, well, I decided years ago to just "go natural" like Bob Barker. LOL! Thanks.

[@rodsapyta7059]

Chuck I am back this time I will make this happen. I have got to get out of that UPS truck.I have got to do this. I will talk soon. Rod Scott.

[@sissytart8536]

I have dreamed of being a voiceover from the beginning of my time. I'll check out your site in hopes that you may be able to help me along the way

[@VoiceoverIsland]

Thank you, Sissy. I look forward to perhaps hearing from you. My email address is [e-mail], and even though I'm in Philadelphia, I can and do teach nation-wide via the net.

[@williss11]

Seems like audio books are becoming a big thing, how will technology advance it this time like they did with book to nook?

[@rodsapyta7059]

Chuck thanks for the call back I will call you later today to see when I can get up to start my studying with you.It's time to be about it and not just talk about it. Talk soon Rod Scott, Sapyta

[@rothshelby8562]

What program that you use to record voice

[@DorvellTStewart]

What's a noise gate?

[@bryansinger8906]

to be good at voice acting what kind of study do you need to do.

[@ApexSwiper]

How its made?

[@maestraviajesprod.2972]

Hi nice voice info. thanks. I am voice over talent for Tagalog and English. Hope to work too in Voiceover Iland.

[@antoniozografski]

Which software you use :) ?

[@aleksander2062]

Hello Voiceoverisland :) I was wondering about the name of the microphone that Joe Looby was using during this video? Reason I'm asking this, Is because I've really been thinking of getting into voice acting lately. It seems so well paid at a certain degree and also It looks like a lot of fun as well. I'm currently 15 and living In Norway. If you would respond to me, I would really appreciate it :-)

[@VoiceoverIsland]

Joe's voice sounds great on his Sennheiser e835 dynamic mic, $100 (part of their "Evolution" series of mics)...not a common choice for voiceover work, but it fits his tone beautifully. The "best" mic is not always the most expensive. What matters most is how YOU sound on it, regardless of price.

[@VoiceoverIsland]

A Behringer Multigate Pro Noisegate, used in "expander gate" mode as I taught him!

[@WuTangBoneThugs]

Go get that dream!

[@tintoparappally9241]

hi...sir....I could see your video. I am an aspirant in this field. I can do narrations and voices. I worked as a news reader for a T V channel, and I want to develop this voice over quality. how can I get the companies who need the voice. How I can I market my voice. My tongue is Malayalamplz help me...

[@johannesstoppels4136]

O I have cool edit pro 2.1 although looking for tutorials and not from hip hop rappers :) provisional tutorials were would I find this

[@VoiceoverIsland]

Cool Edit was great...I still use it. It was bought by Adobe around 2003, they renamed it Adobe Audition, and they ruined it, in the opinion of many people, including me. Plus, they're moving it to "the cloud," thus forcing you to "rent" it by the month forever, rather than making an outright purchase of the software. That's an outrageous rip-off, so I say, BOYCOTT ADOBE and stick with CEP 2.1. It's still the best, and quite intuitive to learn. Some college put a tutorial for it on KZbin many years ago, to benefit their students; you might still be able to find it. I'm sorry, but I haven't needed any tutorials on it for a very long time, so I have no idea what might be currently available online. As a voiceover coach, however, I teach the use of Cool Edit to those who have it. You might want to consider setting up a session with me to do that.

[@sissytart8536]

I may also add , I just realized I'm logged in under my wife's user name.

[@VoiceoverIsland]

So, you don't look like that? LOL! The answer is still valid, of course, and thanks again!

[@gregb7595]

Please disregard my question i found your response to same question below!

[@Valandor_Celestial_Warlock]

"Mel Blanc, the greatest voice artist of the 20th century?" You meant: "The greatest voice artist of all time?!" That would be like meeting Jesus.

[@VoiceoverIsland]

Yes, so true, he WAS the greatest of all time. I've just added info here 12/26/18 about my new book, which tells the story of my working with him. "Mel Blanc, the Voice of Bugs Bunny...and Me." It's on Amazon.com (search my name) and at thebookpatch.com (search Mel Blanc in the Bookstore).

[@marksilvino2083]

Proof you dont need a $1000 microphone!

[@VoiceoverIsland]

True. Lots of great mics are available as low as $100. The German mics, like Neumann and Sennheiser, boast of hand-crafted quality, just like German luxury cars, while automation lowers the price of Japanese and Chinese mics. Are they inferior? Well, consider cars: Is a BMW or Mercedes your best auto choice? Millions would rather drive a more dependable Toyota or Honda, regardless of price. More bang for the buck and all that. However, a luxury badge may make sense if you're a studio for rent. There, customers will ask "How many Neumann U87's do you have?" (at $2,500 each). The studio owner may have a huge mic closet, with some superior mics both more and less expensive, but clients like to "play it safe" with what has long been considered the industry standard and a name they know. By the way, I'm still an active voiceover coach here in 2022, and I welcome inquiries from those interested in getting into VO work at [e-mail]. Thanks for posting the comment, Mark!

[@jmy450]

Have you ever been told you look like Lorne Michaels?

[@janinehenschel4988]

I heard that you have to sound proof your room but I didn't see ANY of you guys really do that at all ? Is it really NECESSARY ? I would like to ask Check what is the best mic and that round thing and I don't want a hanging mic at all I will be sitting down and tell me the names of what I need to buy please How much do I have to pay for Chuch to train me I have a MINOR in theater and can do many VOICES and accents and also I am told that I have a NICE PHONE VOICE ha and am very upbeat in my sounds and tones when speaking. It would be my dream and it seems that Church is a christian as I am also a follower of Jesus and it would be A BLESSING to find someone who follows God . I do live in Caiif so If you are in Phili I think that I would have to live there right ? I like to be HANDS on when someone is showing what to do so I don't know if you can train someone out of state at all. thank you be blessed and Shalom I am disabled right now and just had an auto accident and I am hoping that the money that I make will help me get started in this industry and I also am finishing a book and always wanted to work doing children's audio books and also voices for commercials and other industries like airlines and phone recordings etc. And do voice over for cartoons.

[@gregb7595]

Janine Henschel ...look at replies to cutegem3. He responds to your question...i had same thought as you. :)

[@mhillvo]

Wiki noise gates. It'll explain everything...