What Makes a Great Voiceover Studio? A Guide for Producers and Talent
Introduction
If you're producing a commercial, documentary, corporate film, audiobook, or podcast, one element can make or break your final product: the voiceover recording.
And while voice talent matters, so does where and how they’re recorded. A truly professional voiceover studio doesn’t just provide a microphone and a quiet room — it offers a tailored environment built to capture clarity, warmth, and presence.
Whether you're a producer booking a session or a voice artist scouting a studio to work from, this guide outlines what to look for in a top-tier voiceover studio.
Why It Matters
Voiceover is often the first thing audiences hear. If it sounds cheap, muffled, distorted, or overly processed, it immediately lowers the perceived quality of your entire production — no matter how good your visuals, script, or story are.
By contrast, a well-recorded VO grabs attention, builds trust, and delivers a message that sounds polished and credible.
1. Acoustically Treated Vocal Booths
This is the first and most essential requirement. A great studio will have a properly isolated vocal booth — designed to minimise:
Room reflections and reverb
External noise (like traffic or HVAC)
Standing waves or boxy tones
The goal is a neutral, controlled acoustic environment that lets the microphone capture the voice as naturally as possible — without colouring the sound.
At Kore Sounds, for instance, both VO booths are fully treated and calibrated, ensuring accurate voice capture across all sessions.
2. Professional Microphone Selection
Not all microphones are created equal — especially when it comes to voiceover.
A serious studio should offer a range of industry-standard mics, including:
Neumann U87 – the gold standard for commercials and broadcast VO
Shure SM7B – excellent for podcasts and intimate reads
Sennheiser MKH60 – ideal for ADR or directional work
DPA 4060 – often used for lavalier-style setups or theatrical sound
The right mic depends on the talent, tone, and application. An experienced engineer should help match the mic to the voice and project style.
3. Experienced Engineers Behind the Desk
An engineer isn't just someone pressing record — they’re a technical partner who ensures:
Correct mic placement
Gain staging to avoid distortion or noise
Real-time level monitoring
Live editing where needed
Quick pickup tracking and session notes
Clean file exports with proper formatting
For producers, this means peace of mind. For voice talent, it’s about staying in the creative flow without worrying about technical issues.
4. Remote Direction and Session Monitoring
In today’s workflow, especially post-2020, remote voiceover sessions are increasingly common. A proper VO studio should support:
Source Connect Standard or Pro
Zoom or Microsoft Teams playback feeds
Live monitoring for producers and clients
Secure file transfer post-session
Studios like Kore Sounds offer remote line tests prior to the session, ensuring playback sync, connection quality, and cue timing all work smoothly on the day.
5. Clear Session Workflow
Professional VO studios should be clear on how they run sessions:
Session prep and call sheets
Time management and breaks
Retake tracking and cueing
File naming and delivery protocols
Payment terms and cancellation policies
This avoids surprises and ensures consistency — whether you’re a one-time client or returning weekly for a series of ads.
6. Broadcast-Ready Output
A good VO session doesn’t end when the recording stops. Look for studios that can deliver:
Edited takes with noise cleanup
Volume-normalised files (e.g. -23 LUFS for broadcast)
Different versions for multiple platforms (TV, radio, online)
Optional mastering or treatment if required
This is especially important if you’re working on fast-turnaround campaigns or need multiple deliverables from the same recording.
7. Comfort and Communication
Finally, a great voiceover studio should feel like a creative space — not just a tech room.
Look for:
Comfortable booths with water, adjustable stools, and good sightlines
Live talkback for direction and feedback
A friendly, efficient team who know how to work with talent — not just gear
At Kore Sounds, this is a big part of what makes sessions smooth. Whether it’s an actor, agency producer, or first-time VO artist, the experience should feel calm, focused, and collaborative.
Final Thoughts
Not all VO studios are equal — and cutting corners on recording quality often leads to more time (and cost) in editing, mixing, or re-recording.
A great voiceover studio gives you:
Professional sound from the start
A streamlined workflow
Expert support
Confidence in the final product
If you're producing voice content at any scale — from commercial campaigns to long-form audiobooks — it's worth booking somewhere that treats it with the craft and care it deserves.