What Does the Avalon VT-737SP Really Sound Like on Voice-Over?
Jun 30, 2023
The Avalon Designs VT-737SP is one of the most recognizable channel strips in professional audio. It combines a tube microphone preamp, EQ, and compressor, and it has developed a reputation for a warm, polished, larger-than-life sound.
But what does that actually mean on a voice?
In the video below, I use the hardware Avalon VT-737SP on my own voice and walk through the different ways the preamp, EQ, and compressor change the sound.
Rather than giving you one set of “best settings,” I want you to hear what the unit is capable of. I demonstrate different amounts of tube saturation, EQ curves, compression settings, gain staging, and even the difference between placing EQ before or after compression.
You’ll hear everything from subtle warmth and tone shaping to much heavier compression, so you can better understand what people mean when they talk about the “Avalon sound.”
Is There One Best Avalon 737 Setting for Voice-Over?
No.
The right setting depends on the voice, microphone, room, performance, and the sound you are trying to create.
In this demonstration, I show how very small changes in gain, EQ, attack, release, and compression can produce noticeably different results. Even a setting that sounds great on my voice may not be the right choice for yours.
That is why I think of equipment like the Avalon as a creative tool rather than a recipe.
Want to Hear What Your Voice Could Sound Like?
The Avalon is a great piece of equipment, but your sound ultimately depends on much more than one preamp.
Your voice, microphone, room, recording technique, and processing all work together.
If you’re not sure whether your current sound is helping or hurting you, send me a short raw recording. I’ll personally listen to it and show you what your voice can sound like with professional custom processing.
There’s no obligation to purchase anything.
