Voice Over Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Voice Over facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is 'directed session' etiquette when a client connects remotely via Source Connect or phone patch? → Remain ready at the mic, respond quickly to direction, and limit off-topic conversation
2. What is 'self-noise' in a condenser microphone? → The inherent electronic noise the microphone produces internally
3. What is 'mouth noise' in the context of voice over, and what is a common remedy? → Clicks and smacks from saliva, remedied by drinking green apple juice or water
4. What technique do voice actors use to portray a character significantly younger than themselves? → Raising pitch, brightening tone, and using shorter breath patterns
5. Which technique helps a voice actor avoid sounding 'announcer-y' or overly formal? → Conversational delivery
6. What is the required noise floor level for audiobook submissions on ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)? → -60 dBFS or lower
7. What file format does ACX require for final audiobook submissions? → MP3 at 192 kbps CBR or higher
8. What does it mean to 'punch in' during a voice over recording session? → Recording over a specific section of an existing take without stopping the entire track
9. Which acoustic treatment material is most effective at absorbing low-frequency sound waves in a home recording space? → Bass traps placed in room corners
10. What vocal technique is used to make a human voice sound robotic or electronic? → Flat even pitch with clipped consonants and minimal inflection
11. What is 'pace' in voice over performance? → The speed at which you deliver the script
12. In commercial voice over, what is a 'donut' script format? → An ad with a fixed opening and closing but a changeable middle section
13. What type of microphone polar pattern is most commonly used for solo voice over recording? → Cardioid
14. What is the end product of a sound engineer's recording? → A voice recording
15. What are the qualities to look for in a voice-over artist? → All of the above
16. What should you avoid while auditioning online for a voice over job? → Making noises or popping sounds
17. Which microphone polar pattern is most commonly used for solo voice over recording in a booth? → Cardioid
18. What does 'cold reading' mean in voice over? → Reading a script for the first time without preparation
19. What should the script's copy in a video be? → Clear and easy to read
20. What peak ceiling (maximum peak level) does ACX require for submitted audiobook audio files? → -3 dBFS
21. What does 'subtext' mean in voice over performance? → The underlying emotion or meaning beneath the literal words
22. What is the typical commission rate a US voice over agent charges? → 10–20%
23. What is the first step to writing a great voiceover script? → Outline the script first
24. What is a 'DAW' in voice over production? → Digital Audio Workstation — software used to record and edit audio
25. What should you do after writing your first rough draft of the script? → Make sure that each point makes it into the script
26. Which of the following BEST describes an 'IVR' voice over? → Recorded prompts for automated phone systems
27. What is essential to a good voice-over? → Audio clarity, pacing, vocal tone and inflection, and proper pronunciation
28. What does 'slate' mean in a voice over audition? → Stating your name and the role you're reading for at the start
29. What is the most effective way for a voice over talent to promote themselves? → Create a Voices talent account
30. What is 'telephony' voice over in the corporate sector? → Recording for automated phone systems, hold messages, and IVR menus