Getting Started in VO, Part 4: Basic Recording

Written By Jeff Steitzer

As the title suggests, this article will be dealing with BASIC recording techniques and because it’s the software I’m most familiar with, will concentrate on Audacity. Most of what I talk about will be true of many of the other DAWs mentioned, but they each have their distinctive differences. In addition, since I use a MacBook Air, I will be talking about using Audacity for computers like mine.

Let’s start at the beginning. What is a DAW? It’s an acronym for Digital Audio Workstation, which is a software application that runs on your computer and lets you record, edit and produce your audio performances. You are going to need to become reasonably proficient at this.

Here is a (by no means complete) list of popular DAWs:

It’s worth mentioning that ideally you’re looking for a DAW that is predominantly for recording voiceover. Many DAWs were originally intended for recording music. Avid’s Pro Tools is a good example. Personally, I have always found their software somewhat difficult to use. I don’t need all the functions they offer—for me, it’d be like bringing a howitzer to a water pistol fight. In addition, Pro Tools is very expensive, something you might want to consider if you are just starting out and watching your budget. An annual subscription is $300 a year and to own a perpetual license will cost you $600. It has always been considered the industry standard but over the years many voiceover performers have turned to alternatives that are easier to use but still get the job done.

As I’ve said before, I didn’t get into this profession to be an engineer (although I have huge respect for those that do that job). I want to be able to open the software, hit record and get going.

That’s what Audacity does.

PC Mag describes it this way: “A powerful, free, open-source audio editor that's been available for years, Audacity is still the go-to choice for podcasts, sound design, or other quick-and-dirty audio work.” While I would dispute the “quick-and-dirty” label, it is quick and I think the easiest DAW to learn to operate.

It’s also worth pointing out that it is available to download and use for free. That’s right—it doesn’t cost you anything! For someone just starting out (as well as some of us who like it’s simplicity and ease of use) it could very well be the best way to go.

It also works on both Macs and PCs. To get it, just go to this website: https://www.audacityteam.org/download/. Once there, decide which download you want, Mac or PC, and then follow the directions. Once you have downloaded Audacity and added it to your applications you can begin using it right away.

When you open Audacity, you will see a screen that offers you an opportunity to read a manual for specific information on Audacity, or you can watch tutorials on how to use the program. This link will also get you to a page with information on how to use the software: https://support.audacityteam.org. It’s a good idea to navigate around these tutorials if only to relieve any concerns you have about beginning recording.

After you close the introductory screen, you’ll see the interface that you will record on. As you become more familiar with Audacity you can customize it so that it gives you precisely what you want and need to record. But to start, go to Preferences and select the Audio Settings at the top of the page. Look for Playback Device to make sure that it shows the mic you are using. If it doesn’t, click the blue arrow at the end of the line which will show a drop down menu of all the devices you have available and click on your mic. Do the same with Recording Device. Make sure the mic you are using is the one that appears.

Then drop down to Recording Channels. There are really only two choices, Mono or Stereo. For voice recording, we use Mono, so make sure that’s checked. Next, continue down to Project Sample Rate and Default Sample Rate. Make sure both are set to 44100 hz. Some folks insist you should be using 48000 Hz but 44100 works fine.

Under that are a few more boxes. First is the Default Sample Format which you’ll want set at 16 bit. There are two other settings but many studios you will work with prefer that you work in 16 bit. The default setting for Buffer Length and Latency Compensation can be set to 100 mss and -130 mss respectively. Once all your settings are selected, click Okay and you’ll return to the interface. If you’re using headphones, make sure that they are plugged in and you can hear yourself when you speak into your mic. Now you can begin!

Push the red button on the left side of the instrument panel and you will be recording. You should be able to see the volume fluctuating on the Record Meter (look for the mic icon). That will let you know if your volume is at a good level. As long as you are in the green or occasionally in the yellow and the wavelength you see as you speak isn’t too high or low you will have a good recording. However, if the meter shows red your volume is too high and will cause clipping, an ugly distortion in your sound.

Once you’ve finished your recording, push your space bar which will stop the recording process and jump you back to the beginning of your selection which will automatically begin to play. If you need to remove any of the recording—say there’s too much silence or you want to remove a minor mistake—simply highlight the section to be removed and push the Delete key on your computer.

To download the recording to your computer, highlight the entire recording by double-clicking at any point. The entire recording will be highlighted. Go to top of the page and next to Audacity open File. Choose Export Audio and a box will open. Name your recording under File Name. Choose where you want the file sent (I believe the default destination will be Downloads; if not make sure it is). If you think you might want continue editing, choose WAV. If you’re satisfied with you’ve done, choose MP3 Files. Click the blue Export button and your file will be downloaded.

Does this seem complicated? I promise you it isn’t. But this is just the bare bones of the recording process. In order to learn more, I would recommend taking a course from a skilled practitioner. The one that I recommend is a terrific course by Mike Adams called Audacity Bootcamp. It covers, in a very clear and digestible way, just about everything I can imagine you’d need to know to become an Audacity wizard! Here’s the link: https://www.audacitybootcamp.com.

I do have to point out that almost every one of the DAWS I listed above have their champions. Mike DelGaudio, the Booth Junkie, is a huge Reaper fan (he can help you here: https://academy.boothjunkie.com/#/allcourses). and George Whittam is equally enthusiastic about Twisted Wave (he has webinars on that, Audacity and Adobe Audition: https://georgethe.tech/webinars).

So do a little exploring. As with everything in VO, the equipment and software that you are most comfortable using—that one that allows you to do your work to a level that you are proud of—that’s what you should use.

Next up, I’m going to share a bunch of sites that I have found useful as a VO performer.

Jeff Steitzer
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Getting Started in VO, Part 5: Where to Find Help
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Getting Started in VO, Part 3: My Equipment and Why I Chose It.