My voiceover recording process: behind-the-scenes
Have you ever been curious about what happens after you submit a voice script for recording?
I thought you might find it interesting to read about the steps that I take in recording a voiceover.
The Art of a Script Review
The moment I receive a script, I carefully study it. It is my job to interpret the script accurately in the way you want to convey it. By underlining key words, adding dots and commas to indicate pacing, and drawing lines to indicate pitch shifts, a text on paper turns into “a work of art”! All of this will make sure that I remember how something needs to sound when recording.
During a live session, as people listen in and offer guidance, additional annotations can be made. This process is all geared towards achieving the ultimate goal: creating a high-quality audio product that sounds amazing.
Preparing for a Successful (Live) Session
When it comes to recording sessions, success hinges on careful planning and preparation. My high-end studio is in tip-top shape for recording, with high-quality microphones and advanced acoustics that eliminate unwanted noise. I even use special curtains to reduce sound interference and to make sure I don’t get distracted; I close the window curtains too. This helps me to get in the “zone” as it were. It helps to be fully focussed on you and your script. I approach every project with the same level of attention as if it were my own.
To ensure a great live session, there are a few things I do before I start. I make sure to have water with me in the studio, test all the equipment, sound levels, and my digital workstation to ensure that everything works correctly. I also log in online a few minutes before the session starts, so I am ready to go.
It gives me a moment to go through my script again as if I am already in the actual session. I imagine what it would be like to speak with people. I also write the names of people who are in the session on a card, so that I know who I am talking to. I put my headphones on and try the microphone one more time. Yes, the levels are right. All good! This moment of tranquillity feels like being an astronaut ready for a space mission. It’s a quiet excitement for what will be delivered in the next hour.
I truly enjoy this collaboration of creativity, where minds align…
The Recording Session: Bringing Scripts to Life
One of the most exciting parts of my job as a voice actor is the delivery process. Whether I can see the directors and clients on camera or just hear their voices, I always make sure I'm prepared to turn on my camera as well. This allows them to see my Melvin Vermeer Dutch Voiceover logo and my clear and crisp lighting equipment. I find that this added visual element brings an extra dynamic to the recording process.
To ensure that the recording environment is optimal, all my soundproofing and acoustics are in white, creating a bright and neutral atmosphere for directors and producers to work in while they guide me on delivering their script. Additionally, I always speak to the sound engineer first to adjust the levels and recording software in the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).
Throughout the process, the director or producer may offer feedback and guidance to help me refine my delivery and ensure that the tone and style are achieved. I understand that sometimes this may differ from my initial interpretation of the script, so I rely on their advice and interpretation to ensure that I deliver the vision they have in mind. This requires me to think ahead a bit, and to see/hear/feel what they want to achieve so that I can deliver on their goals. I truly enjoy this collaboration of creativity, where minds align, and sound gets delivered that the client is happy with.
Improving Sound Quality: My Process for Editing Audio Recordings
After the recording, I will check the entire sound file and remove some small mouth clicks that may have appeared. Depending on whether it was a live session, I may also remove any conversation in between actual takes, in order to help the sound engineer with editing the file with music and video. This will speed up the process.
Having been working as a sound engineer myself for many years, it is a process I have come accustomed to. It’s just an extra service, usually takes only a few minutes and then the file is already top quality before any sound engineer completes the job.
Here's how I ensure top-quality sound recordings: after the initial recording, I thoroughly check the entire sound file and remove any small mouth clicks that may have been present. If it was a live session, I may also remove any conversation in between takes to make it easier for the sound engineer to edit the file with music and video. As an experienced sound engineer, I want to make sure that the file will be in top shape before any sound engineer even begins the final edit.
Achieving top-quality audio delivery requires extensive training, time, and financial investment
