How to Prep Audio Assets for a Smooth VoiceOver or ADR Session
How to Prepare for an ADR or VoiceOver Session
When it comes to ADR or VoiceOver work, the smoothest sessions begin long before anyone steps into the booth. Whether recording dialogue to picture or voicing a commercial script, preparation is the difference between a productive day and a costly delay.
This guide covers essential prep tips—what to send, how to format it, and which tools are typically used—based on professional studio workflows. The goal: get the best performance on the day, without wasting time resolving avoidable tech issues.
Why Proper Prep Matters
Every ADR or VO session is a collaboration between client, performer, and engineer. Poorly labelled files, mismatched formats, or missing media can introduce unwanted delays. Clear, consistent preparation helps:
- Ensure correct cueing and timing
- Streamline communication during the session
- Deliver cleaner, more efficient post-production workflows
It also gives actors the space they need to focus fully on performance—without interruptions from technical hurdles.
What to Send Before an ADR or VoiceOver Session
For VoiceOver:
- Final script in a clean, readable layout (Word or PDF)
- Pronunciation guide for unusual, branded, or foreign words
- Reference audio (optional) to match tone, pace, or direction
For ADR:
- Picture lock video with burnt-in timecode (BITC). ProRes 422 or DNxHD preferred. H.264 accepted but may need pre-approval.
- Embedded audio split (e.g. sync dialogue panned left, music/SFX panned right) or separate WAV stems
- Cue sheets with:
- Character name
- In/out timecodes
- Line text
- Direction or context
- Original production audio to help with matching tone and delivery
Technical Standards
Most professional studios (including Sonatune) record at 24-bit / 48kHz in stereo WAV format.
For ADR recordings:
- Boom mic to left channel
- Lavalier/clip mic to right channel
Common mics include: Sennheiser MKH60, DPA 4060, Neumann U87
Sessions are typically run from Pro Tools Ultimate, with cueing via EdiPrompt, ADR Master, or VoiceQ.
Remote Sessions: Source Connect and Zoom
Source Connect:
- Recommended for high-fidelity real-time streaming
- Test connection in advance (firewall/port settings can impact quality)
- Send LTC on Channel 2 for real-time sync when needed
- Wired internet strongly advised
Zoom:
- Used for live direction or supervision
- Headphones required for all participants
- Audio not usually recorded unless arranged in advance
What a Studio-Ready Workflow Looks Like
Sonatune’s ADR & Voiceover studio in Nottingham provides:
- Broadcast-grade booths with top-tier microphones
- Engineers experienced in dialogue sync and VO
- Source Connect Pro with LTC and Zoom support
- Clean session management and fast turnaround
Explore our ADR & VoiceOver Services or contact the studio to learn more.
Final Thoughts
The most successful recording sessions begin with clear prep. Knowing what to send—and how to send it—can eliminate technical barriers and keep the creative process flowing.
Studios may differ in the tools they use, so it’s always a good idea to confirm preferred formats ahead of time. A short checklist and an hour of prep today could save an afternoon of troubleshooting later.