Hello...
I'm Paul, a British voice artist and presenter, with over 40 years' experience in spoken word recording...
...I’m also an accomplished audio and video editor...
...I can provide any audio file format required, and...
...master recordings to industry standards, e.g. ACX for Audiobooks.
My vocal style has been variously described as warm, friendly, authoritative, calm and reassuring. My playing age is 40+
My experience dates back to the early 1970’s when I trained as an engineer in a West-London voice studio, recording on ¼" tape and editing with razor blades, (ahh, the joys of analogue!)
I've engineered and produced sessions ranging from radio ads to film soundtracks, airline in-flight announcements to corporate presentations, a monthly medical digest for doctors and even, (as a diversion from voiceover,) an album of classical favourites and jazz standards performed on solo banjo!
My career path has brought me through audio and video editing, directing and producing.
I gradually transitioned to “the other side of the glass”, from control room to voice booth,
to use my own voice for projects. I also offer in-vision presenting.
I regularly narrate audiobooks and other long-form projects, but I'm always looking to turn my hand and voice to other areas...
My U.S.P...
(what makes me so special?)
A number of factors including the advent of computer-based recording, the availability of affordable, high quality audio equipment and increased working from home, driven by recent global events, have revolutionised the voiceover industry.
Whether its radio or TV commercials, web programmes or a wide range of other applications, around 65% of voice recordings that you hear today are made in home studios. The days of clients needing to hire a studio, an engineer and a voice director as well as the vocal talent, are a dim and distant memory.
.....But technology hasn't replaced the need for those skills, (and can't!)
Performing, directing and engineering are discrete, individual talents, and they are just as necessary today as they ever were. During my career, I’ve been a studio engineer and a voice director as well as a voice artist and presenter. I bring all of these skills together in a way that makes me at least unusual, if not completely unique, in the industry today.
..."So?"... you say, "...that's all very well, but how does it benefit me...?"
With expertise in Voice, Directing, Editing and Media Management, I can provide a one-stop voice recording and production facility, bringing you the benefits of:
-
Time saving...
...I provide recording, editing and mastering,
under one roof... -
Cost saving...
...You're paying one person, not three (or more)... -
Sound Quality...
...It's a home studio, but it's broadcast quality...
-
The correct format, no matter what...
...I manage media at large scale, you need 200+
8 bit WAV files at 22,050 Hz, today? - no problem. -
Increased productivity...
...You get the results you need, faster... -
Reduced stress...
...Due to all of the above...
Voice Reels...
Here are some examples of my work...
Not sure yet?
I'm always happy to record a short demo for your project,
just click the button below, message me and let me know what you need....
Audiobooks...
I've narrated audiobooks on subjects ranging from self-help to science fantasy, from political science to parables for children, biblical battles to medical conspiracy.
Here are a few samples...
...and a few kind words from some of the Authors I've narrated for...
"…voice and your professionalism, unmatched in my experience with narrators… …look forward to working with you on my many other projects…"
Wayne Reed
"… really pleased with the narration,
just how I'd hoped it would sound…
...perfect - nothing I'd change!"
Louise Braithwaite
"… heartfelt gratitude for the love and compassion infused into this book…
…Your talent truly shines, and it's evident that you are the perfect person for the job."
Fredlyne Evbuomwan
Whispers of Wisdom: Soulful Creatures
Thinking about having your audiobook recorded?
Use this button to find a few suggestions to think about
"… really appreciative of the work…
…the job you’ve done is fantastic…"
David Playle
The Famous Three - The Saving of Kaylah
Testimonials...
Steve Fonseca,
Publisher
“...It was a pleasure to work with Paul. He read greatly and advised on interpreting sections of the medical-biographical-historical book..."
Peter Lander,
Pathfinder Events
"Very professional voice over talent. Was happy to re-work ... the voice overs to make them exactly right."
Audio Services
Editing, Production, Mastering…
Editing and mastering for audiobook production are not particularly difficult or complex tasks, but they can be daunting. Some people struggle to meet the technical requirements, some would prefer to use their time elsewhere.
With my long and varied track record in audio recording and engineering, together with my experience as an audiobook narrator, I’m ideally placed to produce audiobooks. I use cutting edge audio tools, including Pro Tools and Adobe Audition to edit and master recordings for audiobook publication. If you’d rather narrate than edit, I can quickly and cost-effectively master your recordings, leaving you free to narrate your next project. If you don’t feel confident in your abilities to master audio to the specification required, don’t stress – let me handle the production for you. I’m fully conversant with the tech specs of the major audiobook publishing platforms,* so you can be confident that the files I provide will pass tech inspection by the publishers including:
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ACX/ Audible **
-
Author’s Republic **
If you have any questions, or want to discuss a project,
please use the contact form using this link:
-
* Technical requirements can vary from publisher to publisher,
so it’s important you tell me which one(s) you’re submitting to. -
** For current technical specifications for file submission,
please use the links below:
For the technically minded...
Studio:
My studio has a custom-built voice booth, equipped with a Focusrite Scarlett audio interface.
My microphone inventory includes large diaphragm condenser mics by Sontronics and AKG for voiceover work, a Sennheiser ME-66 Shotgun mic and Rode lavalier for to-camera recording.
DAWs and Software:
I record and edit using Avid Pro Tools (my go-to DAW,) or Adobe Audition, (for some audiobook projects.)
I have a Presonus Faderport 8 DAW controller for editing and mixing
I use Audacity for checking files are ACX compliant, (and ONLY for checking ACX compliance.)
As standard, I record at 48KHz in 24 bit WAV format, though this can be varied if required to meet clients' specific needs. I can provide files to any format specified, edited or unedited (though I normally record "Punch & Roll" so editing is minimal,) either raw or mastered to clients' individual requirements. Basically, I'll do whatever you ask for.
File Formats:
Typical file types include:
-
.WAV (Waveform Audio - the most common studio standard)
-
.AIFF (Mainly used by Apple owners)
Both of the above are UNCOMPRESSED formats, normally used in the production process.
The following are COMPRESSED consumer formats:
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.MP3 (The most widespread consumer format - ubiquitous)
-
.M4A (The Apple alternative to MP3 - widely used and almost everyone can play)
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.AAC (The standard format for Apple devices - not widely used elsewhere)
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.WMA (Windows Media Audio, also not widely used)
If you don't see the format you require listed, ask - I can almost certainly provide it!
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