Would you audition...

[Swift]

I think (though I'm not sure on this point) that it doesn't really matter how good your microphone is. What's more important is the software you use, because if your software is incapable of removing background noise, then having a good mic is useless because no matter how hard you try to record it, you'll still pick up some background noise. Also,  to quote Brassfire,

Also, if you're using the mic input, use the line-in instead if your soundcard has a line-in. The mic input is usually lower quality, and can fool you into thinking it's the mic that's bad. It's just for internet voice, really, whereas the line-in is for real recording of stuff.

Two free recording softwares you can use are Goldwave and Audacity
 

[Silverbolt]

"Stay on topic...stay on topic...AHHH! *Boom*"

Anyway, what kind of microphones would be good? Anyone have any recomendations?

Well, it was semi-on-topic...

However, while the recording quality is important, you need quality voices first.

I would recommend Trey Parker and Matt Stone    

[Paladin0707077]

Ah, but don't they cost a little something called "money"? Something in short supply for a free game?

I think it would be time to send some informal auditions. Maybe send some short scripts out...    

[Silverbolt]

Ah, but don't they cost a little something called "money"? Something in short supply for a free game?

I think it would be time to send some informal auditions. Maybe send some short scripts out...  

Who said anything about paying them? I know where they live    

[Ignus_Draconus]

I'm sure they're real scared

[Corsair5]

Mouse Commandos are coming into your room, Iggy.

The advantages to using a chat system would be that it is convienient for both recorded and recorder because for one, the recorded doesn't have to do the sending and stuff. Also, it would allow for rapid discusion between whoever will be deciding whether his or her voice is applicable.

[Paladin0707077]

Ah, but how would you set it up so that it is only one-on-one? More then one at a time would, of course, become garbled.

[Corsair5]

Taking turns. It works everywhere ELSE in the world, why not in there?

[Swift]

Again, a chat system will not be suitable in this case. You want individual files for specific voices and characters, and one line per file, something which a chat system cannot differentiate on its own. Furthermore, the recording quality in a chat system will be inferior than that of the recording software, since it records background noises as well. If we're really going to have an audition, the team would prefer that the cast be able to record their files of a suitable quality to minimize editing. It would take far too much work to edit from the chat system.

[Paladin0707077]

Well, then, they'll need to release spec requirements in order to tell auitioners what they need to put it together. Like what kind of program, what format to save the files as, how long, etc.

[EvilSandwich]

I am both willing and able to audition for the voice pack (That is, if you decide to include one). I have a pretty decent sound set up on my system. As for my voice, I have a nice, smooth baritone which would be best suited for characters which you want to give uber-serious personalities and/or straightmen if your game is has a more funny tone. I can also pull off a gameshow host/sleazy car saleman type character pretty well or just about any kind weasely-sounding characters really.

But as far as accents are concerned... not so much...  

PS- I also wouldn't mind trying out for the HotIK sequel if you guys decide that it's worth making.  

[Raforever]

I could also help out.  

Just gotta learn how to use this audio program that I got last christmas    

[Kailkay]

The regular recording software that comes with Windows works fine for this, provided you are in a quiet, controlled environment. I have used it to create audition files for all sorts of programs including Honor Band and University, with my trumpeting. I have also used it to impress my friends! If you would like some files of the quality of it, I would be happy to email them to you, or send them over a messenging service.

I use the mic that came with the computer, too, so don't expect it to be one of those billion dollar studio recording mics either.

Microsoft is amazingly efficient and high quality... I don't understand why so many people dislike Windows besides, y'know the crashing. But Mac's have worse problems in my experience.

Anyways, in short: For a quieter environment (And I mean, I get yelled at and yell at other people in my house... It's kind of our form of communication, and the mic is fine with the recording software), if you have a Dell bought computer or something along those lines that came with a microphone, it will be fine enough.

Of course, remember, like Brassie said, to hook it into the Line In slot, rather than the mic slot, or you'll get that scratchie recorded sound. Then again, I managed to record another file with this and it works fine as well.

[Ignus_Draconus]

so it's the method of input and not the microphone! There's a plot here somewhere.

really though, It's looking more and more plausible for a guy like me to contribute to this voice file thing. provided I can get a hold of a more modern computer than the one I'm on now.

[Alliance]

Heh, I'd like to audition for this.
If you need a creepy sounding evil master, I'm your man.
If you need a villager, I'm your man.
And if you need a funny Irish lerpecaun, I'm your man.
I can do a wide variety of voices, so if you guys want me to, just pm me.