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Today’s Voiceover Tip: When to edit breaths in voiceover.
In voiceover performance, perfecting your audio means paying attention to the details – like breath editing. While breaths are an essential part of any vocal production, knowing how and when to remove them can elevate your recordings for a more professional sounding product. With these helpful tips on breathing removal techniques, you’ll be well-equipped with improving the sound quality in all your future projects.
Audiobooks, E-Learning and Corporate Narration
For audiobooks, e-learning and corporate narration it is generally recommended that some natural breathing be left in the recording. This helps create a more natural sound that will be easier for listeners to engage with. However, it is important to assess if this works with your client’s requirements as well as the overall tone of the piece. If you are unsure about what your client wants then it is best to check with them before making any final decisions.
Character Work in Animation or Video Games
When it comes to character work in animation or video games more dramatic breaths can add atmosphere so be creative! This can help bring characters to life and create an immersive experience for viewers/players. It is important to remember though that these breaths should still fit within the context of the scene so try not to overdo it.
Commercials
When working on a commercial, you’ll want to make sure the script fits within its designated time frame. Regardless of 15 second spots or 60-second adverts, it’s important to fill your project with just enough content and no more – leaving out all breathing unless specified by the client! To get creative with this structure and sculpt an effective read for any audience size, try playing around without silence between sentences – removing breathes altogether can create faster sounding reads that better suit shorter projects in particular.
Smart Techniques
Finally there are some smart techniques you can use when recording breath that will help prevent disruptive noises intruding into recordings too. For example standing a hand’s width from the mic (at an angle) and taking smaller regular mouth breathes over nose ones while you warm up first; this will help ensure that only clear sounds are captured during recordings sessions.
M. Bruce Abbott is the Creative Director/Partner at Radio Lounge. Bruce has over 30 years experience as a voice actor, casting and production director, as well as extensive advertising, marketing, and podcasting experience.
