When learning how to record a voiceover demo, understand that your voiceover demo is critical. It’s vital because it’s what will get you to work. Work leads to relationships, and relationships lead to more work. You can’t succeed without a solid voiceover demo, so how do you go about creating the best possible one?
First things first: ask yourself why you’re doing this in the first place? What are your goals associated with recording your voiceover demo? Are you looking for full-time work or just some extra income working with a voiceover agent or agency? Or maybe you just want to see what it’s all about. These are essential questions because answering them will determine the method in which you go about recording your new voiceover demo.
Let’s say you’re just looking to have some fun, build on your improv skills and maybe make a few bucks. It might be a perfect opportunity to record an audition or sample reel. You can do this on your own with only the help of a video camera and sound editing software.
Recording a voiceover isn’t always a walk in the park for many people. However, providing a perfect voiceover for your video is sure to guarantee your video attention from viewers. A little practice and a couple of the following tips can help you do captivating voiceovers for your videos.
Steps To Creating A Voiceover Demo
- Write a voice demo script
Demo scripts are an essential element of any successful voiceover. A script makes it easy for you to do a voiceover without murmuring and fumbling repeatedly. Therefore, a demo script is vital to achieving a smooth and uninterrupted voiceover. It is also essential to know the duration of the voiceover, which should correspond to your speaking speed.
- Understand the role that your voice will play in the video
Choosing a professional voice acting style that matches your video depends on the written script, and the kind of the video is essential. There are two types of voiceovers:
- a) Conventional voiceovers – used in films, animations, and commercials. The aim here is to sound natural but, at the same time, be clear as if talking to the audience.
- b) Announcer voiceovers – used primarily on events and commercials, the aim is to speak over people instead of speaking to them. An announcer voiceover’s purpose is to grab the audience’s attention, and one needs to sound authoritative and crisp.
- Get a suitable recording device
Many laptops have in-built microphones, which can record medium-quality audio. Even so, a good microphone is an essential investment towards achieving high-quality voiceovers. USB microphones are also available; these can plugin to USB ports for recording. You will also need a powerful Windows or Mac recorder program for recording purposes. Or you could go to a professional studio for sound recording.
- Practice the voiceover
Recording a voiceover is like doing a line for a film; hence, it needs perfect execution. An excellent way to practice is by recording and playing back and taking required adjustments. The aim here is to reach a point where:
- Your professional voice is concise and clear, with each of the words enunciated and understood easily
- You get the emotions of the lines or words out through tonal variation as needed. Maintain a good pitch and a consistent melody of your voice.
- You ensure consistency in reading out your script. It is crucial to avoid fumbling with words; otherwise, you will sound unprofessional.
Pro Tip: take care of your voice and avoid yelling. It is vital to keep hydrated and avoid consuming plenty of dairy products on the recording day. Also, avoid alcohol and cigarettes a few days before recording your voiceover.
How To Record A Voiceover Demo
The demo production process starts with choosing a recording technique. There are three methods to choose from:
The first method is to use a microphone and pre-amp. The second method uses an analog mixer and a mic and pre-amp. Finally, the third method, digital recording, doesn’t require any additional hardware and can be done right inside the correct settings.
A voiceover demo refers to an audio compilation used by voice actors as an intro to display what they can do. Even though most voiceover demos happen in professional studios, creating one for yourself at home is possible. To do that, you will need a few things.
- Recording equipment – includes a computer or laptop, microphone, and a microphone stand.
- Ensure your computer has the needed software for recording
- Find a quiet and ambient personal space free of interruption or noise. Closets can be good since the clothes act as sound absorbers. If that isn’t possible, learn how to make your space soundproof.
- Have your script ready based on the intended voice demo
- Do several recording takes; record, playback, and listen. Use various tonal variations and pitch combinations to enhance your audio
- Lastly, use reliable editing software to edit the demo and get the best result.
Tips For Professional Voice Actors
Some voice actors use the binaural recording for an immersive, 3D sound experience. However, even the best quality head-related transfer function (HRTF) microphone setup cannot overcome poor studio acoustics. So if you’re chasing surround sound, start with two microphones positioned in the same way your ears are when you’re speaking into them. Then try adding two more mics to capture sound from behind you.
Even if you use a high-end microphone and headphones for recording, get ear protection. It will be your best friend in the studio and outside of it. If you don’t, your voice may lose its natural tone and resonance over time – not to mention the loudness.
Final Thoughts On How To Record A Voiceover Demo
Remember that voiceover is an art, but it’s also a business. So as you’re recording your demo, be sure to have your rate sheet handy, so you can quote it the second someone tells you they love your demo.
Whether you are a voiceover artist, podcaster, or radio DJ, it is crucial to have a strong demo reel. Many websites can help you record your own if you don’t have this equipment. Bay Eight Recording Studios offers voiceover studio sessions with experienced engineers and producers who will make sure your voice sounds its best! Contact us today to book your session.