How do you go about getting the best out of a VO session, both when the artist is with you or when it is a remote session, either via ISDN or Source-Connect. Tobias Deitmer is an audio engineer and dubbing editor from Cologne, Germany. Over the last fifteen years, he worked on many different projects with voice actors for the video game and dubbing industries. In this article, he talks about how to handle a VO Session to make sure it goes smoothly because when you get a great performance out of your VO artist it can save you a lot of editing time in the post-production.

Use Template Sessions

It's always a good idea to have different templates for all kinds of situations like Remote Sessions. Often the VO can be well down the production process, or there is supporting material needed for the session. if that is the case then make sure the project is in a good state and ready for the VO session. Do that before the VO artists come in because they often have appointments scheduled in other studios on the same day so don't waste their time!

Find Out What The Client Needs

Make sure that you talk to your client before the VO session and make sure that you understand exactly what they need. Do they only want the raw audio files or a full mix? What file format/sample rate do they want the files in? Again do this before the VO session.

Do A Test Before The Session Its Its A Remote Session

If you're dealing with a remote session in which the voice artist is in another professional studio or in their own home studio, do a test connection and session to check your connection before you start the actual session to avoid any technical difficulties.

Make Copies Of The Scripts Ready

Make sure you have copies of the script already printed out for the voiceover artist, client and yourself or on a tablet before they come in. If it’s a remote VO session then make sure to email the script in good time and that they have received it. Prepare it in a format that is easy to read and understand. It's very helpful to have additional space in the artist's script to write in changes or notes that come up during the session.

Put The VO Artist At Their Ease

Ensure the artist has everything they need to feel comfortable so always have a glass of water within arms reach on the table in the recording room. Make sure they sit on a comfortable chair as it reduces the risk of the artist getting tired too soon especially during long sessions.

Check The Microphone Position

Position the microphone in such a way so they can have a clear view of the printed script or tablet. Ask them not to hold the script in their hand as this will end up giving you paper noise issues Have a stand for the script, preferably not a solid stand as you can end up with nasty early reflections from the stand.

Enable the VO Artist To Preview The Content

If it's a VO for a TV commercial, show the artist the video before you start recording so they can already get a feel for timing and the overall vibe.

Give Detailed And Positive Feedback

It's very important to give instructions and direction and to be positive and encouraging. If you need to redo a line in the script, tell the artist exactly what you didn't like. It can be very frustrating for the artist if you just say "Let's do this line again." without telling them specifically what you didn't like about a certain line.

Use A Foot Pedal Actuated Talkback

During recording, it can be very helpful to operate the talkback button with a foot pedal so you got both hands for some quick editing on the fly while you talk to the artist.

Don’t Leave The VO Artist Hanging…

Also don’t leave it along time before you speak to the VO artist after a take. When they are in the same studio as you, it can be very disconcerting seeing you and the client talking, but not being able to hear. So if you need to have a chat, just explain that over talkback first and then have the discussion with the client. Again with a remote session, this is even more important as a long silence could mean anything from they don’t like it through to the connection has gone down.

If it is a remote session, the VO artist probably won’t be able to see you, so take that into consideration when using talkback as what you say and how you say it will be even more important as they cannot see your face or body language.

Avoid Prompting The VO Artist

Remember that every VO artist has got their own tempo and speech patterns. That’s what they are paid for.

Get The Pronunciation Correct

Make sure you know the correct pronunciation and emphasis, especially of brand names and product names to prevent costly retakes.

Markup Your Script An Session

Make sure you mark up the script where there are mistakes, or retakes as this saves some much time when it comes to the edit. You can also use markers to help you navigate around your session and also to mark mouth clicks, pops etc. again to save editing time in the post-production.