Practical guide for recording a professional location
introduction
The voice is much more than a vehicle for transmitting information: it is the element that defines how a brand “sounds” in front of its audience. A well-produced phrase conveys trust, emotion and closeness; while a poorly executed one can sound flat, unprofessional and, in the worst case, disconnect the consumer.
In Rombos Sound Studio, after years of working on advertising recordings for sectors such as mass consumption, banking, telecommunications and culture, we have learned that the success of a voiceover does not depend only on the voice, but on the entire process: from the script to the final mix.
Step 1: Define the purpose and tone of the voice
The first step is to answer a key question: What do we want the audience to feel?
For example:
- A coffee brand may need a shade warm and close, evoking familiarity and comfort.
- An insurance company may require a tone safe and firm, that inspires confidence.
- A music festival, on the other hand, will ask for a voice energetic and youthful, that activates emotion.
👉 This is where the Direction of intentions. It is not enough to tell the speaker to “read the text”; you must indicate how to transmit it.
Example of a script with strong intentions:
“I discovered the new flavor that accompanies you every morning (with a smile in your voice, a close tone).
Because life is made up of small moments (brief pause, thoughtful tone).
And this is undoubtedly going to be one of your favorites (final emphasis, upward energy).”
Step 2: Prepare a script designed to be spoken
A locution text should flow to the ear. That means:
- Short phrases, easy to breathe.
- Natural language, avoiding unnecessary technicalities.
- Pause and emphasis markings, which help guide interpretation.
Example of poor drafting:
“Our company, founded more than 30 years ago and committed to environmental sustainability, offers high-end financial solutions designed to improve people's lives.”
Optimized version for locution:
“More than 30 years ago, we began a journey with a purpose: to take care of the environment and help you grow. Today, we continue to create financial solutions that improve your life.”
Step 3: Record in a professional environment
The brightest performance can be ruined if the recording isn't of the right quality. That's why, in each voice-over session, we take care of three key factors:
- Microphone suitable for the voice: Not all voices respond the same way to all microphones. A low tone can shine with a Neumann-type microphone, while a bright voice can be better balanced with another model.
- Acoustically treated cab, free from reverberations or background noise.
- Active steering during recording, correcting details such as rhythm, clarity in words or intentions.
Step 4: Edit and process the voice
This is where the voice takes on its final character. The process includes:
- Noise and breathing cleaning: maintaining naturalness without distractions.
- Equalization: enhance presence without losing warmth.
- Compression: ensure uniformity in volume, avoiding peaks that bother the listener.
- Final mastering: adapt the voice to its destination (radio, TV, networks, podcast, etc.).
Auditory example:
An unprocessed voice can sound distant and uneven. After professional treatment, the same phrase sounds clear, close and ready to stand out above music and effects.
Step 5: Integration into the final mix
The voice should not compete with music, but should complement it. In many projects we use techniques such as:
- Soft sidechain, so that the music goes down slightly when the voice comes in.
- Paneling and depth, to create a natural space where the voice is the protagonist.
- Tests on different devices, ensuring that it is understood both in headphones and in small cell phone speakers.
A key lesson from the experience at Rombos
In several campaigns we have seen that the difference is not only in the speaker, but in How is the session conducted and produced. A precise indication such as “smile with your voice” or “pause before the last sentence” can completely transform the impact of the message.
Conclusion
Professional advertising phrase is not a simple procedure: it is a strategic construction where the script, the interpretation and the technique work together to give the brand a unique voice.
When all the details are taken care of, the voice not only communicates, but it excites and stays in the memory.
