Whilst Andrew Peters might not be a household name, if you’ve ever listened to the radio or watched TV in Australia, you’ve almost definitely heard his voice. Andrew is an alumnus of world-class broadcast and an authority in the world of high-end voiceover work. As a full-time voiceover artist, Andrew combines over 40 years of radio and TV presenter experience with comprehensive studio recording knowledge. This combination has led him to become one of the most sought-after voice actors across Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia and the UAE.
In achieving his world-class sound, Andrew is very particular when it comes to microphones, offering up examples of hardware he trusts, in the realm of Microtech Gefell and AKG. Andrew owns an AKG 414 EB, the second-generation version of AKG’s acclaimed C414, so it was no surprise that he found a new favourite in the OC818. Manufactured by Austrian Audio- a company comprised primarily of former AKG engineers- the OC818 has been making waves across the world as one of the most exciting new microphones available to the pro audio market.
“The OC818 is the perfect combination of characteristics. It has the sheen of a Microtech and the warmth of the AKG. It’s a fantastic mix,” says Andrew.
“Voice over artists often use shotgun microphones for TV or radio, but tend to favour large diaphragm condensers when it comes to things like Commercials or long-form work and this is where the OC818 really shines.”
In addition to his voiceover work, Andrew co-hosts a compelling podcast known as ‘The Pro Audio Suite’, covering a wide range of topics within the art of voice acting and audio production.
“Often there’s a bit of history- particularly when we have special guests on. We just did a podcast with Nick Tate, who’s well known for his theatrical trailer voice work for films like Jurassic Park and Mission: Impossible- but usually we talk a lot about current and upcoming technologies in the audio field. I imagine we’ll have plenty to talk about with the OC818. Its such a feature-rich microphone.”
Andrew goes on to reveal where the OC818 sits in his workflow: “The additional features are great for people who might get some valuable use out of them, but I don’t need them for what I’m doing. For me, it all boils down to the sonic character of the microphone. Whilst the quality of the performance is always the most important part of voice over work, capturing that performance in the ‘best possible light’ is also critical. The OC818 is a perfect fit for this, as it’s very complimentary to the voice.”
“One of the features I do use, is the pattern control. I tend to favour multi-pattern microphones in general, as I’ll often record my voice with a Figure-8 configuration. It’s a little trick I learned from Bobby Owsinski- a veteran record producer from the US, who was considered the king of voice recording back in the day. It just seems to add a certain special quality to voice capture.”
Andrew says he will be spruiking the virtues of the OC818, on ‘The Pro Audio Suite’ which, along with special guests, also brings together the prominent talents of Darren “Robbo” Robertson (Freelance radio production guru), George Whittam (LA based VO tech) and Robert Marshall (Founder of Source Elements and owner SUM1 Chicago). Learn more about the podcast and listen to episodes by visiting The Pro Audio Suite.
