In any industry, understanding its specific language and terminologies is crucial for efficient communication and transaction. It's no different in the world of voice over. Both voice actors and those seeking their talent - producers, directors, or any hiring entity - need to comprehend the various terms that comprise the voice over lexicon. This understanding not only streamlines communication, but it also ensures a more effective and accurate execution of voice over projects.
A substantial part of voice over terminology is shared with the general audio industry. This overlap is natural given the technicalities involved in the recording and production process. Whether you are a budding voice artist, an experienced one, or someone seeking voice talent, familiarizing yourself with these terms can save you from potential misunderstandings and enhance the overall quality of your work.
Visit the voice over encyclopedia page for a complete list. Let's delve into some of the terminologies commonly used in the voice over industry and their meanings:
ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement): This is a process where original dialogue is re-recorded in post-production for various reasons, such as improving audio quality, changing the original line, or translating the dialogue into a different language.
Breath Control: This refers to a voice actor's ability to control breathing while delivering lines to avoid unwanted noise and maintain consistency in delivery.
Cold Read: This refers to a scenario where a voice actor reads a script for the first time, without any prior rehearsal or familiarity with the content.
Dubbing: This is a post-production process where the original dialogue is replaced with a translated version, usually in a different language.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network): ISDN is an internet protocol that allows for digital transmission of voice, video, and other data. In voice over, ISDN is used for remote recording.
Plosive: These are bursts of air that result from certain consonant sounds, like 'p' or 'b', which can cause distortion when speaking into a microphone. Voice actors use techniques to avoid plosives.
VO (Voice Over): It refers to any spoken content that isn’t dialogue. For instance, in a commercial, a voice may talk about a product while the actors perform silently.
Warm-Up: It’s a set of exercises that voice actors perform to prepare their voice and articulation before a recording session.
A robust grasp of voice over terminology allows voice actors to better understand the directions given by the director or client. It also equips them to explain their capabilities and processes more effectively. For those hiring voice talent, knowledge of these terms ensures that they can articulate their project requirements accurately, making the hiring process more efficient.
As voice over is a specialized skill within the broader audio industry, knowing general audio terms is equally important. These might include terms like "ambient noise," "equalization," "gain," "pop filter," and many more.
As with any other professional field, fluency in the industry’s terminology goes a long way in enhancing proficiency, communication, and ultimately, success in the voice over world. To make your mark in this industry, take the time to familiarize yourself with its language and keep up-to-date with any new terms or technologies. It's an investment that will pay off in the long run.
Voice Actor