Microphone levels

[steveh]

Greetings!

I was wondering if any listeners think that Tom's voice/mic often sounds "distant" and "thin" during the show? Almost like he's a couple feet from the mic. This is usually most evident during the Half Hour of Power or when there are other guests in studio - other voices sound fuller, more up-front, and just louder (sorry for lack of technical terms here, and obviously Dudio is a bit of an exception having the perfect booming radio voice). I often have to keep adjusting my volume while listening as different guests take turns talking.

Someone called a couple months ago (Geneva?) to recommend the use of a compressor which I believe was to partially address this issue. That should squash the moments that are loudest but not necessarily make Tom sound bigger.

I have nothing but respect for the new Best Show studio setup but I think things would be even better with Tom sounding louder and fuller. He needs to be the loudest thing!
 

[buffcoat]

I don't know about that, but a few people have called over the years suggesting that Tom should stop using his Voice Modulator.

[fonpr]

I don't know about that, but a few people have called over the years suggesting that Tom should stop using his Voice Modulator.

Where's Joey Levels when you need him?

[Carver]

There's one guy whose levels are so messed up it sounds like he's saying "boppabippawopparockadiggaboppa".

[fonpr]

"boppabippawopparockadiggaboppa".

Rename this thread!

[FredN.]

Greetings!

I was wondering if any listeners think that Tom's voice/mic often sounds "distant" and "thin" during the show? Almost like he's a couple feet from the mic. This is usually most evident during the Half Hour of Power or when there are other guests in studio - other voices sound fuller, more up-front, and just louder (sorry for lack of technical terms here, and obviously Dudio is a bit of an exception having the perfect booming radio voice). I often have to keep adjusting my volume while listening as different guests take turns talking.

Someone called a couple months ago (Geneva?) to recommend the use of a compressor which I believe was to partially address this issue. That should squash the moments that are loudest but not necessarily make Tom sound bigger.

I have nothing but respect for the new Best Show studio setup but I think things would be even better with Tom sounding louder and fuller. He needs to be the loudest thing!
 

Absolutely agree. He seems to back off the mic for HHOP.

[Chad from The Woodlands]

I absolutely agree to rename this thread as well.

[mustardking]

my guess is that that they only have a few mics and one may not be as top quality as the rest.  Tom takes that one during half hour of powerrr.
just a guess

[heliumsocket]

Someone called a couple months ago (Geneva?) to recommend the use of a compressor which I believe was to partially address this issue. That should squash the moments that are loudest but not necessarily make Tom sound bigger.

Somewhat of an audio nerd dude here. I was wondering if they implemented the compressor suggestion, as it seems like some of the audio levels evened out shortly after that episode.

If it hasn't happened already: compressor, yes!

[hairdryer]

Dudio should have his own "half hour of morning zoo power" show

[cameron]

I have no idea what the setup is in the studio (live and if/how the podcast version is mixed), but I have noticed this issue. It's not so big, and I haven't noticed it much with Tom as with guests. I think Tom knows what he's doing, and knows how to use his vocal dynamics to achieve certain effects. 

As for guests, for example, every time Julie Klausner is in studio I cry because she needs a compressor/limiter so badly... the dynamic range between her speaking voice and her laughter is huge. I have to crank up the volume to hear her speaking, then spring for the volume whenever she laughs before my eardrums explode.

I am a sound tech, so I might notice or have more problems with such things than the average listener.

[erg79]

The only time it was really a problem going from normal volume to something where I thought my eardrums were going to burst was when Nellie McKay was in the studio with Hayes and Jo Firestone, and she started playing her harmonica.

[sonicdork]

Tom is still using the same setup for HHOP. It's just a bit more relaxed so he might not be as close to the microphone.