Radio Voice Tips?

Posted on

Member Since: Nov 21, 2002

Hey guys, my friend owns an Internet Radio station (www.waveny.com) www.waveny.com , and he asked me to put together and host a local NY unsigned music radio show to increase traffic to his station. my question is, what effects are generally used on Radio Voices? do they use heavy compression? any EQ guidelines? any tips or general information i should follow while pre-recording the voicetracks?

[ Back to Top ]


grrrrrrr
Member
Since: Mar 29, 2004


Apr 19, 2004 09:52 am

I am not really sure about this as I am not really the mixing expert. I think that in general radio stations try to go for a more regular sound, while a normal album usually has a more dynamic mix. I think that they do this mainly in the mastering process by adding extra compression.
On the mixing level one might opt for less wide panning to get a more 'narrow' sound. This is what a pro told me so I will take his word for it.

However, since internet radio is not really like normal radio, since people in fact will listen mostly through decent quality speakers and headphones, maybe a standard mix/mastering could be OK. Interesting point.

Freeleance Producer/Engineer/Gtr
Member
Since: Aug 11, 2002


Apr 19, 2004 02:14 pm

well, live radio uses a TON of compression on their programming. That's why so many bands get dissappointed that their CD doesn't sound like the radio because they add compression to already mastered mixes, thus creating the whole 'HOT master' situation that kills the dynamics originally created on an album. so go from there.

Member
Since: Nov 21, 2002


Apr 19, 2004 03:24 pm

I think you misunderstood my question. I meant Radio Voice-overs, as in speaking. He wants me to record the voiceovers, i was wondering what (if anything) should be used on voiceovers. Yesterday i did some research and some said use heavy compression, some said use none, many said to boost the bass around 400ish and cut 4k-8k.

Freeleance Producer/Engineer/Gtr
Member
Since: Aug 11, 2002


Apr 19, 2004 03:28 pm

i didn't misunderstand. what i meant was this... when music is playing on the station there is the same amount of compression going on as when there isn't (voice only). follow?

Member
Since: Nov 21, 2002


Apr 19, 2004 04:21 pm

I gotcha now, sorry i misunderstand, i'll try that.

thanks alot

grrrrrrr
Member
Since: Mar 29, 2004


Apr 20, 2004 03:11 am

People really seem to be overdoing it with the compression!

No Commercial Appeal.
Member
Since: Jan 09, 2003


Apr 20, 2004 02:38 pm

I worked for a radio station for a few months and it seemed that the used a little bit of flange (although that was a tad strange for some voices) and most of the time they cranked up the bass to make the person sound fuller. If you're doing the "big voice guy" sound you want some sort of filter. Maybe slow down the dialogue a smidgaroony. Word? oh, compression i never saw used, but normalization was common. just so long as the overall volumes of the spot were consistent.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Apr 21, 2004 09:41 pm

Truth, is compression, then some moer compression, and yet more compression. That is how they get that big sound. and yes a bit of bottom end on the voice wont hurt for major presence either. But dont take the bottom to hi up or you'll sound like a big fat marshmallow.

Member
Since: Feb 25, 2004


Apr 21, 2004 09:44 pm

ROFLMAO ummm.

Noize, please stop talking to marshmallows

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Apr 21, 2004 10:35 pm

I for one have great difficulty doing any kind of "talk over" like an ad or music on hold etc. It's kinda wierd. I can do a presentation or a public speak of any sort and be just fine. Talk into a mic or even make a message on an answering machine and I sound fake as !@#$. Insincere, non convincing, etc. "Call now and we will ship not one but TWO..yes! Two widgets!"

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Apr 25, 2004 09:35 pm

I have done several voice over gigs and always did the fake radio announcer voice as that is what they wanted. But it was hard not to laugh at times when you hear it coming back in the cans as it does sound kinda stange hearing your own voice sound unrecognizable.

kivi, I promise not to talk to the big fat marshmallow anymore. :-O

Related Forum Topics:



If you would like to participate in the forum discussions, feel free to register for your free membership.