Voice actor Megumi Ogata creates a custom IEM for Onkyo's "Evangelion" collaboration! I heard the sync rate! !! He also talked about "Eva", the new album, her autobiography, and Mr. Ogata's present and future.

On March 8, 2021, the long-awaited "Evangelion" series latest work "Shin Evangelion Theatrical Version" was released. Since it is a popular animation that has become a social phenomenon, many companies have been planning various collaborations before and after its release, and from the audio maker Onkiyo, a collaboration model custom in-ear monitor (hereinafter referred to as custom IEM) is available for a limited time in 2020. It has been on sale since December of the year. (December 1, 2020-August 31, 2021 15:00)

By the way, a custom IEM is a custom-made earphone that allows you to create a body from a mold that fits your ears and design the exterior to your liking.

This time, I heard that the voice actor, Megumi Ogata, who is famous as the main character Shinji Ikari, actually made this "Custom IEM Evangelion Collaboration Model", and to hear his impressions, it is an Onkyo directly managed store. I visited the head offices of both countries where "ONKYO BASE" is located.

Actually, this interview was originally scheduled to be done at the timing of handing over the product when the custom IEM was completed, but the schedule was changed due to Megumi Ogata's sudden illness.

After that, regarding this custom IEM, it has already been delivered and used due to the request from Mr. Ogata who wants to use it first in the recording of TV programs, and it is actually used even if it is not measured in this interview. We will be able to talk about such things.

ONKYO DIRECT "ONKYO Custom In-ear Monitors Evangelion Collaboration Model"

ONKYO Cusotm In-ear Monitors Evangelion collaboration model

I'm pleased to meet you, today. First of all, how are you feeling?

Megumi Ogata: I'm sorry. She originally had back pain since she was in junior high school, and this time her overwork has accumulated and she has relapsed. She's okay now. It was resurrected! (Smile)

Please take good care of yourself. Now, let me tell you a new story. The "Custom IEM Evangelion Collaboration Model" released by Onkyo this time, Mr. Ogata created it with the following contents.

・ Shell type design: Type EVA-01 (right ear: Ikari Shinji, left ear: NERV)

・ Driver: IE-M3 EVA (model equipped with a newly developed magnesium diaphragm, one for high and middle tones, one for dual woofers, a total of two drivers)

-Connector jack terminal: T2 (cable connector standard developed by Estron. Characterized by high durability and reliability)

-Wearing feeling [sound insulation]: Professional musician type (high degree of sealing and excellent sound insulation)

Megumi Ogata: Mr. Onkyo asked me if I would like to make a custom IEM for the "Evangelion" collaboration model at the timing of the movie release.

Regarding the design, I originally liked black, so I wanted to choose black for both ears, but I can't help but choose Shinji's design (laughs). I could have chosen another character, but I didn't do that because some people might rub it with the coupling of both ears (laughs).

I listened to all the drivers that are the key to the tone, but I intended to use them at my own concerts, so I chose a type that is natural and does not get tired of listening. As for the fit, the professional musician type has come to my ears.

Are you already using this custom IEM?

Megumi Ogata: Yes. There was a recording of singing a song in Space Shower TV's program "Special Plus! Precious STAGE ~ Megumi Ogata ~", and I used it.

Actually, during live performances, I basically don't use ear monitors (commonly known as earphones. Earphones used for audition confirmation. Also called custom IEM) if the scale is about 1,000 people or less. I used it only when I couldn't use a foot monitor for listening confirmation at a music festival or the scale of Yoyogi Gymnasium. In that sense, this time it was used in a special situation, but it was very helpful to be able to use the earmoni (custom IEM) in a limited situation where big actions could not be done.

Another thing is that this is an essential impression of using earmoni (custom IEM), but in fact, until now, I was a little weak at using earmoni (custom IEM). That is because "the feeling of air is not transmitted." From customers and members.

When I think about it again, even when using earphones (custom IEM) at big music festivals, if the number of songs I sing is small, I was reluctant to ask the PA team to fine-tune the sound and so on. One is that my song has a considerable difference in sound pressure even in one song, and it is difficult to balance. It's a hassle, but if you can hear it for the time being, it's just like that. Because of that, I couldn't hear the sound very well, which may have been the cause of my weakness. now? (Smile)

If you make proper adjustments in the program this time, the sound of the high frequencies coming out will be transmitted properly! Not to mention PA's arm, I think it's because the performance of the earphones is good. The air came through. And the space expands. In the end, I felt as if I hadn't attached it. This use was a very good experience.

Do you use custom IEMs in your daily life?

Megumi Ogata: In everyday life ... (laughs). In the living room, it's a speaker, and earphones are mainly used for running and singing practice while moving before recording, but it's better to hear the surrounding sounds, so I wear cheap earphones at such times. Custom IEMs are completely live for me.

Custom IEMs are originally professional products, but these days they are very popular with general users, especially those who are particular about sound.

Megumi Ogata: That's right. Recently, I've heard that many people buy such good earphones in order to distinguish the voices of idols and other voice actors. My voice is especially low-pitched overtones, but people who bought a good earphone said, "I can hear all of Mr. Ogata's voice!" (Laughs). Especially when it is a high resolution sound source. This product is an Evangelion collaboration model, so even if you haven't been interested in it until now, I think it's okay to have it made to commemorate the completion of Eva? (Smile)

By the way, we have prepared a high-resolution sound source for Ogata's new album "Dramatic Medicine-" released on April 21, so please listen to it using your custom IEM.

Megumi Ogata: Thank you. External sounds are blocked and each song can be heard clearly. I remembered the sound I heard when mastering the studio. Sounds good.

"Dramatic Medicine-" released on April 21st

High resolution sound source is on sale at e-onkyo music. Price ¥ 3,850

Rock, J-POP, jazz, classical, anime song, electro. We are delivering various genres at high resolution. Various formats such as WAV, flac, and DSD can be selected. If you want to listen to high resolution, e-onkyo music!

1. 1. Never, ever [Lyrics: em: óu Composition / Arrangement: HISASHI] 2. Pandora [Lyrics: em: óu Composition / Arrangement: Katsuhiko Kurosu] 3. Prayer [Lyrics: em: óu Composition: Kayoko Kusano Arrangement: Takahiro Furukawa] 4. Buster Master [Lyrics: em: óu Composition / Arrangement: ANCHOR] 5. Laboratory Marionette [Lyrics: em: óu Composition / Arrangement: Kyoichi Miyazaki (KEYTONE), Ryota Iida (KEYTONE)] 6. Precious Shinin'Star [Lyrics: em: óu Composition / Arrangement: manzo] 7. Like a human [Lyrics: em: óu Composition: Masaya Haga Arrangement: Tomohiro Nakado] 8. Try Out, Go On! [Lyrics: em: óu Composition / Arrangement: Ken Ito] 9. Breaking Dawn [Lyrics: em: óu, ASH DA HERO Composition / Arrangement: ASH DA HERO] 10. Repeat [Lyrics: em: óu Composition / Arrangement: Junichi Sato (fhána)]

From here, please tell us about this album. What is the concept of the album?

Megumi Ogata: The production period of this album just hit Korona-ka. It was also a period to think about how to live again because I had to live in this inconvenient situation and I felt death close to me. Also, in such an inconvenient life, I was indignant at various things. The theme of the whole is such various thoughts and the supportive feeling of "surviving" even in such a situation.

I think Mr. Ogata has been working with "Ale Rock" for the past few years, but can you think of this as a work that basically follows that theme?

Megumi Ogata: Yes. Oh, but the 2nd and 3rd songs are tie-up songs of a game for women called "Clockwork Apocalypse", and although the coat color is a little different, this is also ale rock.

"Clockwork Apocalypse" is a strange game, and the characters captured by the heroine's main character die one after another. And it's a story that goes back in time from that bat end and stands up saying that you can never die next time ... When you think about it, it's a bit like our current situation where we're trying hard with Korona-ka (laughs).

This album is provided by GLAY HISASHI, Kayoko Kusano, Ken Ito, Katsuhiko Kurosu, Junichi Sato of fhána, who composed the theme song "Gurenge" of the Devil's Blade. People are also gorgeous.

Megumi Ogata: In making this album, we renewed the young members other than the producer. So, in addition to the music companions I always make together, I would like to speak to people who have never asked for it, such as GLAY's HISASHI and Kayoko Kusano.

"Gurenge" was still before the big hit. Kayoko Kusano, the director, told me that she would suit me. Regarding GLAY's HISASHI, I was wondering if he would really write it, but a young member asked for an assault and gave me his consent! (Laughs) In addition, due to the connections of the newly added young staff, we asked the appropriate person to compose this album with a strong message.

We had a pre-meeting when writing the song, but this time, many people talked about it and it became long. Meetings with Kayoko Kusano lasted for 3 hours! Just how much! ?? (Smile)

However, as Mr. Kusano, Mr. HISASHI, and other composers told me, it seems that only those who already had an image of the song such as a guitar riff during the meeting ... I just wrote it down, so everyone told me that it was easy to work with Mr. Ogata. Of course, because they are talented people!

This album, despite all the various composers, I think it is an album that strongly feels that it is Megumi Ogata's album as a whole. Did you have any intentions there?

Megumi Ogata: It's true that the composition team is so diverse, but it's organized! Was my push strong? (Laughs) No, it's really strangely one color. Thanks to everyone. very.

What exactly is Ogata-san's idea of ​​"ale rock"?

Megumi Ogata: The ale that feels like "Good luck!" Is left to the young anime song singer (laughs). Rock with "ale" from this point of view. I want to deliver realistic words and sounds of support from an adult's perspective, where my feet are on the ground. So, while specifically asking you to write a song like this, write all the lyrics yourself and write a stronger message, but feel like you can casually push your back? (Laughs) I've made it into a song.

An album is, as the word says, a cut-out of the "self" of the production period. This album contains a little "poison" for various situations of Korona-ka. But for some people it can be a medicine, right? It's refreshing, isn't it? "Desperate word throwing news, let's get rid of it!" (Smile)

When customers listen to me, and when it's difficult for me to do so, I'd like to hear words that can be used as a medicine to make things easier. In that sense, the title was also changed to "Dramatic Medicine-".

As the title suggests, the concept is a medicine for people in difficult situations.

Megumi Ogata: That's right. I want you to keep it by your side like Toyama's medicine (laughs).

Actually, I thought that Korona-ka was over by the time I finished making this album ... However, it is not limited to Korona-ka, but the time when you feel close to death is the time when you think about living the most. "How to live" and "What is really important" are packed in a lot of albums. I would be grateful if you could listen to it when you feel like you are about to break your heart or when you want some power.

In addition to the new album, on April 28th, Megumi Ogata's autobiographical book "Reproduction (Tentative)" was released. How did you decide to publish this?

"Reproduction (provisional)" published by Megumi Ogata KADOKAWA Released on April 28, 1,870 yen (10% tax included)

Megumi Ogata: The theme of the book is "Go beyond my corpse!" (Laughs). I have described the main parts of the huge trial and error life I have experienced so far.

Actually, there have been talks about whether to publish a book from time to time, but I haven't achieved anything yet, so I've been declining for a long time. But this time, "Evangelion" is about to end, so take the plunge.

It's full of behind-the-scenes stories about the main works, but what I've experienced as a human being-power harassment, sexual harassment, and various other stories because I've been in the industry for a long time. Furthermore, I am writing various things, including gender consciousness that I have not talked about until now.I hope that the person who read it will be able to see my trial and error life and live even in Ogata who has continued to fail like this (laughs). I am thinking

I also read this book at the same time I listened to the previous album. I was able to deeply understand the parts where the themes are linked and the common feelings that Mr. Ogata continues to hold. For example, the 8th song "Try Out, Go On!" Is a song about the try and error that you just talked about.

Megumi Ogata: Yes. That's right (laughs). Just alive is OK! It is a song called.

The title of the previous album was "Drug", but this content is also a powerful drug, isn't it?

Megumi Ogata: Yes, that may be true (bitter smile).

Didn't you want to hide that part of the powerful drug?

Megumi Ogata: Because there were so many things, I am now ... I wondered if I could become an autobiography if I removed it (laughs).

It's written about your family's troubles nakedly, isn't it?

Megumi Ogata: That's right. I also write various private stories.

For "Evangelion", you have devoted a lot of pages, including the encounter with director Anno.

Megumi Ogata: Yes. From encounters to TV series and new theatrical versions. In the last chapter of the book, the feeling when I finished shooting "Evangelion" is rather straightforward ...

Speaking of Eva, in fact, the 10th song "Repeat" in the album "Dramatic Medicine-" is a song ordered by Junichi Sato of fhána near the end of the recording of "Shin Eva".

Mr. Sato is a big fan of "Evangelion", and when he first worked, he was the one who just talked about "Evangelion" without letting me sing for the first time (laughs). After a lot of things, I've been getting close to him, but I asked him because he was such a person.

"What kind of song would it be if Mr. Sato wrote it as an insert song in the final" Eva "movie?" I added the lyrics to the song that was made in that way, with the feeling of Shinji in me after finishing the end of "Shin Eva".

By being involved in "Evangelion" in the book, it is written that he still has a 14-year-old heart. I think that 14-year-old heart has an influence on Mr. Ogata's way of life and behavior.

Megumi Ogata: Yes. To grow up is to put on some kind of armor in your heart. As I spend my days in society, I learn things like "I hurt people if I say this," or "I can't do this," and I seal my heart with various armors. Then the person becomes an adult.

When I'm about 14 years old, I can see the same world as an adult with the heart of a child. That is why it is so vulnerable, fragile and defenseless. Being 14 years old in a play means being in the same state. Otherwise, it will not be a play with reality. But it's difficult to consciously remove the armor ... I'm not dexterous, so the armor itself is bad, but yes, I can always be 14 years old. There is only value in existence as an actor. I am conscious of making music and spelling sentences from that straightforward perspective. It may be that I managed to continue because I was so hungry.

Mr. Ogata, but in his final "Evangelion", you have a role to send everyone out.

Megumi Ogata: That's right. Director Anno says, "I've become Gendou"! (Laughs) That's not to say, but this time, the opposite of "Neon Genesis Evangelion Theatrical Version", the one who sends out his father and everyone and says "Congratulations". For the feelings around that, please see "Repeat" in the album "Dramatic Medicine-" or the book "Reproduction (tentative)" (laughs).

For more information about this area, buy a book and read it.

Finally, please tell us about your future voice actors and goals for your musical activities.

Megumi Ogata: I wonder if I'll do my best while I have a job, without making any particular decisions (laughs). No, yes ... One of my decisions is to quit the voice actor if the boy role doesn't come for a year. There are many people who can do better than I do if it's a play of the same age. I'm not dexterous as an adult, so I don't think it's worth it.

Of course, there are many excellent young actors who play the role of boys. However, if it is a youkai that has lived for hundreds of years, like Kurama in his debut work "YuYu Hakusho", but if it looks like a high school student, there may be pinpoint demand. (Smile). For the time being, I would like to do my best while I have a job.

I want to keep doing music activities as long as I don't go into the red and die. However, the entertainment industry is in a difficult situation due to the Korona-ka ... Thinking about various things, I hope I can manage to repeat the challenge. Even so, there are scenes that are no longer in force, so politicians, thank you for your support in the entertainment industry!

Megumi Ogata her profile

Voice actor, actress, singer, representative of Breathe Arts Co., Ltd. She made her debut as a voice actor in 1992 as Kurama in "YuYu Hakusho". Representative works include "Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon" series (Haruka Tenno), "Neon Genesis Evangelion" series (Shinji Ikari), "Card Captor Sakura" (Yuki Tsukishiro / Yue), and "Danganronpa" series (Makoto Naegi, Nagito Komaeda). Doo), "Jibo Shonen Hanako-kun" (Hanako-kun) and many others. She is also active as a singer, and in February 2019 she founded a new company, Breathe Arts. She represents the company and she also trains young people.

Megumi Ogata Twitter https://twitter.com/Megumi_Ogata

Megumi Ogata Official Blog http://emou.seesaa.net/

MObay https://www.emou.net/

Retweet campaign held!"Evangelion collaboration custom IEM original B2 poster" signed by Megumi Ogata will be presented to 3 people

[Period] June 2, 2021 to June 15, 2021

[Application procedure] 1. Follow Stereo Sound ONLINE's official account "@StereoSound_inc" with her own Twitter account 2. Retweet the posts targeted for the campaign

[Winning Announcement] After the campaign period ends, the winners will be decided after a strict lottery. Winners will be notified of the winners via a direct Twitter message from their official Twitter account.

* The name of the winner will be printed on the poster.

ONKYO Cusotm In-ear Monitors Evangelion Her collaboration model