Commercial Voice Over Actor

1. Soundproofing for voice over recording Soundproofing for voice over recording What is soundproofing for voice recording? What is soundproofing for voice recording? Soundproofing is a process to reduce or eliminate unwanted noise or sound from a particular space. Voice recording is a technique where commercial voice over artists record their voices as per the script requirements. The room in which the voice is recorded should be free of all unwanted sounds to get the best voice recording for the content.

2. Why is it necessary to soundproof the room for audio recording? Why is it necessary to soundproof the room for audio recording? Commercial voice-over artists put in a lot of time and effort to record every voice-over project. External sounds or noise should not affect the hard work of the voice over artists. Whether day or night, it is always impossible to find a quiet time and place for the voice-over actors to record their voices. The most foolish decision would be to buy expensive recording equipment and expect the best audio quality from the voice overactors in a noisy environment. The more sophisticated the equipment, the more sensitive it would be to capture every sound that comes its way, even the unwanted background noises. Hence, choosing a suitable room and soundproofing is the only option to get the best quality audio recording. Soundproofing the room gives a lot of freedom and flexibility to the commercial voice-over artists to experiment with their voices before recording the final voice. Soundproofing the recording room is necessary for the following reasons 1. To prevent outside noise from entering the recording room. 2. To prevent the recording sounds from going out of the room. How do you soundproof and prepare an audio recording room? How do you soundproof and prepare an audio recording room? Soundproofingis usually done by using one or more of the following methods. Depending on the size of the room, noise level outside the room and budget, the soundproofing methods are decided. 1. Loading Additional Wall Mass: This is the primary soundproofing method wherein the walls of the recording room are made thicker and denser. Loading additional wall mass is quite effective in preventing the noise from travelling in and out of the room. The following techniques are adopted to add mass to the walls -

3. Make the walls thicker by adding sheet blocks on the outside of the drywall and covering it with another layer of drywall or build and attacha wallframe to cover with a second layer of drywall. Using wall paddings such as absorbent panels and foam mats, softens the inside noise and absorbs the outside noise. Panels with a fibreglass core give the best soundproofing results. • • 2. Damping the Noise and Vibrations: The vibrations in the bass region are transmitted through the best quality sheet blocks, fibreglass panels, or drywall layer. Specially designed chalk glue is used while building the frames of the walls and drywall installation to prevent the vibrations from reaching the microphone 3. Decoupling the Structure: Not all walls can be pulled down and rebuilt with insulation. In such situations, decoupling is the best option. Decoupling the structure is the process of isolating the wall surface and equipment from the outer boundaries of the room to prevent the transmission of vibrations. Decoupling is done - • By creating air gaps between the drywall and the wall frames with the help of resilient channels and whisper clips. • By adding a drywall and damping glue to the floor or just adding a drywall and air gaps to the floor. Thick soundproofing mats are also used. • By using isolation foam pads under the equipment and instruments in the recording room. 4. Filling the Air Gaps: Afterall the walls and floors are soundproofed, there are some openings, such as the air-conditioning vents and gaps between the door and window frames through which a significant level of noise can pass through. These gaps are filled with foam gaskets and foam door pillows that are slid under the doors to fill the gap between the door and the floor. 5. Acoustic Treatment: This helps improve the overall acoustics of the voice recording room by making the ambiance sound more neutral and pleasing. Acoustic treatment deals with three good aspects that could interfere with the recording if not dealt with - reflection, resonance, and reverberation. The acoustic treatment uses brass traps, acoustic panels, ceiling clouds, diffuser panels, acoustic foam, fibreglass insulation, and Helmholtz resonators for soundproofing.

4. What are the What are the inexpensive soundproofing methods to suit amateur voice inexpensive soundproofing methods to suit amateur voice- -over artists? Commercial voice-over artists need to invest a sizable amount in soundproofing their recording room to deliver the best voice-overs. Amateur voice over artists who are low on budget but still keen about taking up voice-over as a full-time profession can use these inexpensive soundproofing techniques - 1. Use the 'egg crate' mattress covers and the foam mats. They are easy to find, inexpensive, and are installed by simply glueing or stapling to the walls. 2. Carpets are attached to the walls and used on the floor for soundproofing. Rugs are cut according to the requirements, to close the gaps around the door, windows, and other openings. 3. Use sound baffles to prevent reverberation in a room. Sound baffles are noise- absorbing sheets for the walls or ceiling. Attaching sheets or pieces of foam at specific points in the roof can reduce airborne sound. over artists?

5. What are the materials to be used for soundproofing a recording room? What are the materials to be used for soundproofing a recording room? The proper knowledge about soundproofing the recording room is essential for every commercial voice over artist. Sound can be transmitted in two ways: airborne transmission and the other structure-borne transmission. For airborne sound transmission, the best soundproofing materials are Rockwool and acoustic caulk. Whisper clips, resilient channels, and isolation pads are best to prevent structure-borne sound transmission. Soundproofing and voice over Soundproofing and voice over Soundproofing and voice-over are like parallel train tracks that complement each other. A commercial voice over artist with a fantastic voice-over talent, experience, and training will not be able to deliver the best voice quality in a noisy environment, nor will the best- soundproofed room ensure good voice quality from an amateur voice-over artist