Audio Recording Tips
Brandt's extensive experience in media production has taught us a lot about audio production. We would like to share with you some of the tips we have come across during all of our years of audio recording and we hope that you find this information is of value.
Specification
Like all projects, discuss the deliverable with the client and get signoff on the specification of the audio recording deliverable in advance of recording. You will need to ask the client to specify the bit depth of the recording, and bit rate or sampling rate. For example 16 bit and 44.1 kHz will give CD quality audio recordings. Recording can be expensive so better to get it right first time out.
Microphone
Use the best microphone you can. We believe that nice expensive tube condenser microphones are good. We recommend using a pop killer to reduce unwanted pops during the recording. It also has the added benefit of increasing your microphone life.
Booths
Sound booth walls should be covered in an absorbing material. The room is described as a “dead room” if there is little or no reverberation of audio. For voice over recording we want a space in which any sound is attenuated heavily.
Audio cables
Use the best cables. We recommend gold plated connector cables.
Script
Print out the script in a large easily readable typeface, preferably double spaced so that the engineer or voice artist can write notes. Make sure that there is no page break in the middle of a continuous piece of text. Send the script in plenty of time for the recording, so that the engineer is not busy running around minutes before the session trying to find it let alone print it. If it is possible, send it to the voice artist in advance so that they can prepare for the recording.
Tips for voice artists
Avoid milky drinks, as this will change the quality of the voice. Do have a glass of water. Avoid noisy jewellery and ticking watches. If you can prepare the script in advance, this will make the session more efficient.
Style
Ask the voice talent to speak conversationally so that plosives and sibilance is reduced. Get direction from the client, and if they are willing to send a voice coach to discuss and monitor the recording this will help the audio match the final requirements.
Pronunciation Guide
Ask the client if a pronunciation guide is available. The voice artists may not be familiar with the subject matter and terminology. Technical terms, acronyms and product names can present difficulties for them, and the more potential issues you can anticipate, the fewer questions will be asked and ultimately fewer mistakes will be made. It also helps to avoid re-recordings. If no pronunciation guide can be obtained from the client, you might want to create your own.