How Much Does Voiceover Recording Cost in the UK? (What You’re Paying For and Why)
Introduction
If you’re booking a voiceover recording for a commercial, film, corporate video, or audiobook, it’s natural to ask:
“How much will this cost — and what exactly am I paying for?”
Voiceover pricing in the UK can vary depending on the type of project, the studio, and whether you’re hiring voice talent or bringing your own. But understanding what goes into the cost can help you budget accurately, avoid hidden fees, and choose the right setup for your production.
In this guide, we break down what influences VO studio rates in the UK — and what to expect when you invest in professional voice recording.
Average Voiceover Studio Costs in the UK
As a general guide, UK voiceover recording rates can range from:
£150–£200 per hour for studio time (including engineer)
£45–£100 per hour for editing, mixing, or file delivery (if not included)
£300–£500+ for half or full-day bookings
£100–£300+ per finished minute or per script for professional VO talent (depending on usage)
At studios like Kore Sounds, VO sessions start at £150/hour, with experienced engineers, industry-standard gear, and clean delivery included as standard.
What You’re Paying For in a VO Recording Session
1. Studio Space
You’re hiring an acoustically treated vocal booth that’s been purpose-built to eliminate noise, reflections, and interference. Unlike makeshift or DIY setups, a proper studio ensures:
Crystal-clear recordings
No room reverb or ambient noise
A consistent, controlled environment for voice performance
2. High-End Equipment
Professional voiceover studios typically use gear that includes:
Premium microphones (e.g. Neumann U87, Shure SM7B, Sennheiser MKH60)
High-end preamps (Neve, API, Grace)
Monitoring systems for live direction
Cueing tools if recording ADR or VO to picture
This gear delivers a clean, broadcast-ready sound — reducing the need for extensive editing or retakes.
3. Engineering Support
A skilled audio engineer is essential. They handle:
Mic setup and gain staging
Monitoring levels and sound quality
Real-time retake marking and editing
File export and format preparation
Troubleshooting any technical issues during the session
This saves you time and stress, especially when working under creative direction or tight deadlines.
4. Session Flow and Direction
Studios often accommodate:
Remote dial-in (e.g. via Source Connect or Zoom)
Live feedback from producers, agencies, or directors
Retakes and alts during the session
Script changes and pacing adjustments on the fly
Having the option to direct in real-time ensures the final recording reflects your intended tone and message — without endless back-and-forth after the session.
5. Editing, Delivery & Archiving
After the session, many studios include or offer add-on services such as:
Editing and breath removal
Light processing or cleanup
Mixing and mastering (if needed)
Proper file naming and formatting (WAV, MP3, stems)
Delivery via secure transfer
Session backups for future revisions
Kore Sounds, for example, includes clean file delivery as part of the VO rate — with optional editing, mastering, and multi-version exports available.
What About VO Talent Costs?
If you’re hiring a professional voice artist, their rate is typically separate from the studio fee.
Factors influencing voice talent costs include:
Experience level
Script length and word count
Usage (online, broadcast, internal, international, etc.)
Number of deliverables or versions needed
Example:
A 60-second TV commercial with UK-wide broadcast usage may cost £300–£800+ for talent, depending on the exposure and buyout period.
Some clients prefer to bring their own voice artist or work with in-house talent. In these cases, the studio still provides the gear, setup, and engineering support needed to ensure a clean recording.
Are Remote VO Sessions Cheaper?
Not always. Studios offering remote VO recording (via Source Connect, Zoom, or other platforms) still provide the same level of setup and engineering. You may save on travel, but the session rate remains similar — especially for broadcast or corporate-grade projects.
Remote options are ideal when:
The voice artist is based elsewhere
Clients want to direct live from another location
Projects are fast turnaround or fully remote
How to Budget for Voiceover Recording
To set a realistic VO budget:
Define the scope — what’s being recorded, how long, and where it’s going
Separate talent and studio fees if you’re hiring both
Ask for quotes that include editing, delivery, or live direction
Be clear about usage rights if commissioning VO for broadcast or digital campaigns
Final Thoughts
Professional voiceover isn’t just a cost — it’s an investment in how your audience perceives your brand, product, or message. By working with a studio that offers transparent pricing, experienced engineering, and clean delivery, you save time and ensure your content sounds sharp from the very first listen.