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 'self-noise' in a condenser microphone? → The inherent electronic noise the microphone produces internally
2. What technique do voice actors use to portray a character significantly younger than themselves? → Raising pitch, brightening tone, and using shorter breath patterns
3. Which technique helps a voice actor avoid sounding 'announcer-y' or overly formal? → Conversational delivery
4. What is the required noise floor level for audiobook submissions on ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)? → -60 dBFS or lower
5. What file format does ACX require for final audiobook submissions? → MP3 at 192 kbps CBR or higher
6. What vocal technique is used to make a human voice sound robotic or electronic? → Flat even pitch with clipped consonants and minimal inflection
7. What is 'pace' in voice over performance? → The speed at which you deliver the script
8. What type of microphone polar pattern is most commonly used for solo voice over recording? → Cardioid
9. What is the end product of a sound engineer's recording? → A voice recording
10. What are the qualities to look for in a voice-over artist? → All of the above
11. What should you avoid while auditioning online for a voice over job? → Making noises or popping sounds
12. What does 'cold reading' mean in voice over? → Reading a script for the first time without preparation
13. What should the script's copy in a video be? → Clear and easy to read
14. What peak ceiling (maximum peak level) does ACX require for submitted audiobook audio files? → -3 dBFS
15. What does 'subtext' mean in voice over performance? → The underlying emotion or meaning beneath the literal words
16. What is the typical commission rate a US voice over agent charges? → 10–20%
17. What is the first step to writing a great voiceover script? → Outline the script first
18. What is a 'DAW' in voice over production? → Digital Audio Workstation — software used to record and edit audio
19. What should you do after writing your first rough draft of the script? → Make sure that each point makes it into the script
20. What is essential to a good voice-over? → Audio clarity, pacing, vocal tone and inflection, and proper pronunciation
21. What is the most effective way for a voice over talent to promote themselves? → Create a Voices talent account
22. What is 'telephony' voice over in the corporate sector? → Recording for automated phone systems, hold messages, and IVR menus
23. What is 'throat clearing' considered in professional voice over? → A bad habit that should be minimized before recording
24. What is 'self-direction' in a non-directed voice over session? → Recording and producing your own performance without real-time client feedback
25. What does 'non-human character' voice over involve? → Creating voices for robots, aliens, and monsters using specialized techniques
26. What is a 'scratch voice' in animation production? → A temporary voice performance recorded by a non-actor as a placeholder
27. What is a 'pop filter' used for in voice over recording? → Reducing plosive sounds like P and B that cause audio spikes
28. What is a voice over 'demo reel'? → A short audio compilation showcasing a voice actor's range and style
29. Which skill is most critical for audiobook narrators working on long multi-character fiction titles? → Maintaining consistent character voices across many hours and multiple recording sessions
30. What is acoustic treatment designed to do in a home voice over studio? → Reduce sound reflections and absorb echo in the room