Read our list of frequently asked questions below or get in touch and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
What do I need to do to prepare for a voiceover recording?
Start by considering the major things: the recording budget, the direction for the content, and whether the voiceover will be synced with video or animation. In that case, video files will need to be ready. Once those have been decided, it’s time to finalize the voiceover script.
Then, leave the rest to the teams at Alpha Studios: we can provide all of the equipment and studio space required, as well as the perfect voice actor for your project from our expansive pool of professional artists.
What format should the script be provided in?
Ideally, the script would be delivered in a Microsoft Word, Google Doc or PDF document. In the case of exceptionally long voiceover scripts, Excel sheets or Google Spreadsheets are also suitable options. That way it’s easy to identify which content should be going to which speaker. It’s important that you provide the final script prior to the recording session to help avoid any call backs or retakes.
How do I find the right voiceover talent for my project?
Alpha Studios has a pool of over 1,000 voice artists, covering a variety of age ranges and over 80 languages, to fit whatever the client’s needs. Finding the right voice can be a daunting task, but the team at Alpha Studios has the experience and connections to complete the casting process for clients, should they so desire.
What is the best environment to record in?
The importance of the quality of the recording environment should never be underestimated. There are so many different variables that can affect the standard of recording; you need an environment with as little interference from background noise as possible, and that’s not just loud cars or people shouting in the distance, even the faintest sounds can drastically affect your audio quality.
In fact, even the materials that the room and furniture are made out of can have a huge impact on your recording, with hard materials bouncing sound around the room, while softer materials can help to absorb the sound for a smoother quality.
We are very proud of our state-of-the-art recording studios in the heart of London, and they’re in such high demand that we’ve recently acquired another!
How long does it take to record a voiceover?
The answer to questions like this has to be: it depends. There are a few different factors at play here, including, for example, whether playback is needed when recording in multiple languages. Time will also be needed to edit and finish any audio.
There are some guidelines however: a professional voice artist will typically record between 1,000 to 4,000 words per hour (although even this is dependent on the nature of a project).
Set up time also needs to be taken into consideration, although Alpha Studios doesn’t charge clients for this part of the process.
How much does a voiceover recording cost?
There are various costs involved in recording. Alpha Studios, however, keeps things simple: no charges for set up time, file transfers, or backups.
Clients just book the time they need, from a single hour, to an entire week, and pay accordingly. Expert sound engineers provide support throughout the process, and all clients will have access to our extensive range of equipment.
What is the fee for talents and the recording studio?
It’s important that voice talent is always paid fairly. Every project will come with its challenges and limitations, so Alpha Studios tailors all offerings around clients’ requirements and budgets.
The fee for talents will also vary depending on the type of project you wish to complete. If you plan to use the talent’s voice for a campaign or product that will be promoted publicly, such as radio, audiobooks, or podcasts, then a usage fee will also be included your final payment.
Why am I being charged for usage and what is it?
A usage fee is applied when a voice talent’s voice is going to be used online for public use. Think of it as hiring their voice for a time period. This is calculated based on audience reach, and is dependent on the formats in which the artist’s voice will appear, how long it will be in use and on which platforms it will appear.
This fee is usually applied to the final cost and will be added on top of the normal session fee and studio cost. This will vary from project to project and can be affected by the market.
The usage fee ensures that all artists are paid appropriately for the use of their voice. To avoid any increase in usage fee, we recommend confirming these details when you first come to book.
How will translation affect the recording process?
Content translated for audiovisual content needs to be fully adapted and localized. This means no literal translation, which can lead to issues such as narration from the voice actor overrunning the video. Localization also allows for deeper audience engagement, helping improve the performance of the final product.
