Is anyone having issues with the new upload system?
When it converts my file it seems to distort it, both when I listen back and download the file. the original file is perfect my end. I'm uplaoding 44100 16 bit 128kbs mp3 files.
Editorial Comment Hello everyone,
Thank you all for your input and feedback, as we develop our service all feedback is gratefully received.
We have been collating and listening to all feedback surrounding our new Demo Read feature and we are pleased to say that our alternative upload option is now up and running.
You will still be able to use the quick record feature via Demo Read. However, with this update, you will now be able to upload high-quality pre-recorded files (as long as they stay under 200mb) without file compression causing a difference in quality, should you choose to upload your own.
Simply use the "select a file" button located underneath the Demo Read box to use this option.
If you have any further questions over how to best optimise your applications please do contact emails@mandy.com
When it converts my file it seems to distort it, both when I listen back and download the file. the original file is perfect my end. I'm uplaoding 44100 16 bit 128kbs mp3 files.
So when I listen to the audio via my computer speakers it sounds fine. However if I listen with headphones through my interface it is distorted not just of lower quality. I note that another Voice Actor has mentioned this on the forum too. My concern is if an Employer is listening through higher audio quality than a computer, they may also be getting distorted audio.
I am trying to help. I understand that new systems have flaws and take time. Has anyone listened to the audio through a higher audio output than a laptop?
I would be happy to speak with the tech team directly, and share with them the audio.
Oh I see you got the same condescending response from Mandy's Admins as my post got... That's really not acceptable to merely try and brush their paying customers genuine issues and concerns about these changes aside.
My question is why change something that wasn't broken? My guess is to try and save money, like the recent dropping the artist's websites feature... surely they are making more money than ever now every actor under the sun is trying to get in to voice work?!
Thank you for your feedback, firstly I am not complaining, I am trying to help.
I am actually uploading my files recorded through my interface and edited on software and I’m not using the record feature you offer. So your suggestions, as helpful as they are too those using the record option, do not help me.
My email and posts come with genuine concern and I am trying to help flag up an issue. New systems always have teething problems and that's fine as long as they are fixed.
Are your team aware that when I upload an already recorded file to the new system it is being distorted if listening through anything other than the computer speakers? And if so are you telling me that this is acceptable to you?
Please try it. Upload a file that you have already recorded, not using the record audio feature. Then listen to it back through a decent audio device. It will be distorted, and others have mentioned tinny.
I will happily discuss/ demonstrate and help in any way I can but this seems to be a flaw that isnt being addressed.
Hi there, it totally works for me, I use 32bit wavs at 48khz and have my maximum peaks at no more than -3 and it sounds fine. At least it's a step in the right direction from only being able to have 30 files uploaded
I really dislike the new system. The sound quality is distorted, whether I upload in mp3 or WAV format. Please bring the old system back where we can choose to upload our own files and where they are not converted to mp4 format. I really think the new system is jeopardising my applications.
I completely agree with you Emily. In fact I think it's even more potentially harmful to getting work now, as any professional media company's casting director looking for a VO who can record remotely in full broadcast quality will definitely be listening to application through higher quality studio monitors or proper monitoring headphones to double check the audio quality coming out of our home studios. And personally the current system makes the quality of my audio sound like thin, tinny, trash.
I am completely unable to upload mp3 or WAV format -- it stalls at 100%. I'm deeply frustrated as I can't even contact the client to offer an alternate location at which to listen to my file, as the demo is required to complete the application.
Not sure if it has been fixed. I uploaded a file today as Tom Wylde suggested use 32bit wavs at 48khz and have my maximum peaks at no more than -3 and it sounds fine. No distortion to it at all.
I had the same problems with distorted audio. It feels Mandy is going backwards with this option. I don’t really understand why it had been introduced. Especially as on one job I want to audition for it says “Audio only recording is not possible on iOS” and there is no other option to upload the requested script demo requested.
I finally just got round to trying the new upload system again and while 32bit 48Khz "fix" does indeed seem to help the sound quality of the file from completely distorting once the system has converted it, through my studio monitors and my monitoring headphones it still adding a ton of sibilance to my original recording.
Mandy, this new system just sucks! Can we please just go back to the old one that wasn't broken?!?
I've tried the 32bit 48Khz "fix" but it makes no difference for me, the sound quality is awful and tinny. I'm going to have to resort to putting a comment in my application to state that the sound quality is due to the websites conversion and not my recording.
I don't understand why you would want to convert an audio file in to a video file???? Makes no sense to me and is very frustrating as I've just spent an hour trying different export options in Adobe Audition to try and resolve the problem that this website is creating!
I tried to report it on the 'video is broken' link but that is also broken as it keeps saying that I can't add more than 300 characters to the comments, even though there are less than that. Really disappointing at such a crucial time for voice actors.
I completely agree Lauren, the new system is not fit for purpose.
I fear reasoning may be because Mandy have decided to "update" all of their platforms with the self same interface, as that would be much cheaper and easier than running and servicing issues of the different systems of their multiple platforms that they have had up to now, if that is the case then the reason for the ridiculous use of MP4 formatting of our audio files is so they can also use the same system for self tape video audition on Mandy Actors site.
I've already started adding a note in to my cover letters about the low quality of the converted files on the site, but honestly, If all this doesn't get fixed properly soon or, I for one will be cancelling my subscription and moving over to Bodalgo or Voice123.
I wrote a complaint to Mandy about this issue before seeing these threads - so glad that it's not just me. I can't believe they take your subscription money and then jeopardise the quality of the audition by not allowing the artists to make a simple 'attachment' of their own file and instead force a conversion that sounds frankly TERRIBLE. I will be cancelling my subscription if this isn't resolved next month. It is not worth my time and energy.
Same here. I've just spent ages getting the sound of my audition just right, to have it bastardized when uploaded. I've had to put this in my audition cover letter, but there's no guarantee it will be read.
"I'd like to let you know that the Mandy Player seems to degrade the recording quality somewhat and so it is not a true representation of the actual overall audio quality. If you would like to hear the original recording please let me know and I can send it to you."
What is going on with the new upload system? It is embarrassing to present my auditions on it and to be quite frank, I feel it could be damaging our careers rather than helping them.
As VOs, all we have to work with is the sound of our voice and the quality of our recordings, and we work tirelessly to present these in the crispest, clearest way. To be forced to present our recordings in this hideously degraded way to potential clients is no doubt ruining our reputations as artists - And it can't be that fun for the clients to have to listen to all the crap-sounding auditions either.
You have made a couple of points in your response to this forum post but then you've gone completely radio silent, as more people have jumped on explaining their own issues and frustration. You haven't offered any help or explanation at all.
The player may work well for video on your actor sites, but for audio recordings it is sub standard and I can see its continued use leading to a lot of VOs leaving - and a lot of potential clients. They will just favour listening to clean recordings on another site.
This may seem like a small issue, but our auditions are our first contact with a potential client. It would be like you turning up to a business meeting with a new client in shorts and T-shirt.
That's good to know, thank you Kelly. But I've literally never been asked to provide a stereo file from any client ever and personally I'm kinda sick of having to do these ridiculous work arounds to try and fix Mandy's broken system for them.
I honestly feel that they really just need to ditch it now or invest in a better system before they start hemorrhaging subscribers.
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