Tips for a Perfect Voice over Recording Experience
Tips for a Perfect Voice over Recording Experience
Voice over recording is an integral part of any digital story be it a movie, animation film or cartoon. If not done in the right manner by the narrator or if recorded using improper techniques can make the movie a complete disaster. There are certain tips that you can follow while recording voice overs in a studio.
Ensure that the phantom button is turned on if you are using a condenser microphone for recording purposes. This will make sure that the signal is strong enough to be picked up by the mixer or any other recording equipment. It is also advisable to use a wind screen or pop filter in front of your microphone so that the breaths and pauses are not cut off and not audible enough to be picked up the recording device.
A gap of three to six inches should be maintained between your mouth and the microphone for perfect voice over recording. Any closer, the recorder tends to pick up the breaths and pops and any farther, ambient and distant sounds also get picked up causing interference. It is also best to maintain this distance always throughout the recording time instead of moving about periodically. Do so only when the script demands the inclusion of external sounds or the breathing pauses.
It is also important to place the microphone away from computers, monitors and mobile phones while recording. Try to always speak slightly above the microphone and not directly into it for better clarity in a voice over recording session. Ensure that the zero mark is never crossed on the digital level meters as this will cause the sound to get distorted and spoil the complete narration. A common mistake that many narrators make it to speak behind the microphone as both sides look similar; check for the brand label as this will always be the front side of the microphone.
It is best to record in a closed and quiet environment to prevent interference from external and background noises. If you are recording from your home, a quiet area like a bedroom or closet would be ideal for a clear narration without background noises. Also, try to record in places which are away from busy streets or contain too much furniture which will absorb the sound. If you are recording in a studio, then this will not be a problem as most studios are designed to provide the best acoustic experience.
Consuming dairy products like milk, yoghurt or cheese is also not recommended before a voice over recording as it tends to thicken the mucus at the base of the throat resulting in less clarity and constant throat clearing. When you are ready to do the recording, turn away from the microphone and take a deep breath; exhale and breathe again before starting to speak for maximum voice clarity and also to avoid the lip smacking sound that otherwise accompanies every voice over.