How To Resolve Common Issues That Lead To Less Than Ideal Voice Recording Quality
The following common issues can lead to less than optimal voice-over recording quality. Once all of these problems are addressed in your recording setup, you will likely hear a significant quality improvement.
High-Frequency Reflection Issues
You could also address the issue in your recording space by adding acoustic panels that absorb broadband frequencies (meaning they absorb high, mid, and low frequencies). This addition to your recording space should be a priority for you because It will result in a considerable quality improvement. I'd be happy to direct you further on this topic if you decide to become a client.
Low & Low-Mid Frequency Reflection Issues
You can address the issue in your recording space by adding acoustic panels. To mitigate low to low-mid-frequency reflections, you must add a specific panel type called broadband absorbers (often called bass traps). These panels are usually at least 3 to 4 inches thick and engineered for this purpose. This addition to your recording space should be a priority for you because It will result in a considerable quality improvement. I'd be happy to direct you further on this topic if you decide to become a client. Learn more about acoustic treatment.
Less Than Optimal Recording Level Issues
Here's how to achieve the best recording level moving forward. When recording, adjust the gain on your interface, so it's as high as possible when speaking on the microphone while NEVER peaking over -6db (on your peak meter). Averaging between -18db and -10db on the peak meter is healthy. A lower level might be acceptable but never exceed 6dB on your peak meter. I illustrate the concept further here in one of my videos.
Noise Issues
Noise may be coming from poor equipment connections and equipment settings or how you are exporting your audio from your recording software. I'd be happy to direct you further on this topic if you decide to become a client.
Lack Of Mic Activator Issue
You may be experiencing noise and lower quality because you may not be using a mic booster (like a Cloudlifter or sE Electronic's Dynamite Active in-Line Preamp) on your Dynamic Microphone. Dynamic mics can work wonderfully for voice-over, but microphone activators are required for dynamic microphones. So I'd prioritize this purchase for your setup. A good clue that this may be an issue for you is when you find it necessary to turn your interface gain all the way or nearly all the way to get a good recording level. The mic booster will resolve this problem.
Mouth Clicking Issues
Plugins can patch the problem, but I believe preventing them from being recorded, to begin with, is best. Hydrating your mouth with a drink before and while recording is a great place to start.
Sound Quality Or Resolution Issues
This sound may be caused by inexpensive microphones, interfaces (preamp), or computer sound cards. Higher quality versions of the equipment listed above usually capture audio at a higher resolution (Think of the difference between an old non-high definition screen vs. a 4k monitor). I'd be happy to direct you to equipment that will offer a better resolution within your budget if you decide to become a client. In the meantime, you can view some of the equipment that I suggest for good quality here.
What Is A Custom Preset And Why Do I Need One?
A custom processing preset for your voice-over is a series of plugins explicitly tuned for your voice, in your room, and on your microphone. If you want to compete in today's voice-over world, you must ensure that your demos and auditions are extraordinary. Voice-over artists at every experience level from all over the world are fighting to win work. However, if you don't have a professional sound, you will lose out to someone who does.
Custom voice-over processing presets can take your audio presentation quality to the level necessary to compete with the pros. Instead of taking it upon yourself to tweak the parameters like EQ, compression, DeEssing, and saturation to name a few, you can hire a professional voice-over audio engineer to create it for you. Once you have the custom preset on your system, you have "The Sound" every time you press the record button. The investment pays for itself with the money and time saved. Here are the top reasons why they are so popular:
- A custom processing preset lets you focus on your strengths, leaving more time for pitching your voice-over and less time stumbling with engineering.
- A custom processing preset gives you the confidence necessary to help you perform your best.
- A custom processing preset allows you to outshine the competition, win more auditions, and get more work.
Demo Your Custom Voice-Over Preset Sound Free!
Once you submit your voice for processing, you will be notified if your audio recording quality needs improvement or if it's ready for prime time. If your production quality needs improvement, you will be offered suggestions to help identify and resolve any issues before being asked to resubmit audio. On the other hand, if your audio recording quality is up to par, you will receive a sample of your custom-tuned processed sound to review for free.
About The Author
Lenny B is a professional voice-over audio engineer. Thousands of voice-over artists worldwide trust Lenny to improve their voice-over production quality and presentation.
