Voice Over Voice Over 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'proximity effect' in microphone recording?
- Distortion caused by recording too loudly
- The boost in bass frequencies when a directional mic is used very close to the source (Correct answer)
- Echo created when speaking near reflective walls
- The reduction in treble when a windscreen is applied
Correct answer: The boost in bass frequencies when a directional mic is used very close to the source
Proximity effect is the increase in low-frequency response that occurs when a directional microphone is placed very close to a sound source.
Question 2: In commercial voice over, what is a 'donut' script format?
- A circular flow chart for ad campaign dialogue
- An ad with a fixed opening and closing but a changeable middle section (Correct answer)
- A 30-second spot with no music underscore
- A script written entirely in second-person address
Correct answer: An ad with a fixed opening and closing but a changeable middle section
A donut spot has a pre-recorded intro and outro with a hole in the middle where local or updated information can be inserted.
Question 3: What does the term 'pickups' mean in a voice over session?
- Microphone accessories used in the studio
- Re-recording specific lines or sections after a main session (Correct answer)
- The initial read-through before recording begins
- Background audio imported from a sound library
Correct answer: Re-recording specific lines or sections after a main session
Pickups are targeted re-recordings of individual lines or passages to fix mistakes or improve delivery without redoing the entire session.
Question 4: Which metric do ACX audiobook narrators need to meet for peak amplitude?
- -3 dBFS or louder
- -6 dBFS or louder
- -6 dBFS or softer, with peaks no higher than -3 dBFS (Correct answer)
- 0 dBFS maximum with no headroom
Correct answer: -6 dBFS or softer, with peaks no higher than -3 dBFS
ACX requires that the finished audio have a peak amplitude of no higher than -3 dBFS, ensuring headroom and preventing clipping.
Question 5: What is the difference between 'dubbing' and 'voice over replacement' (ADR)?
- Dubbing replaces dialogue in a different language; ADR re-records original language dialogue for sync (Correct answer)
- Dubbing is only used for animation; ADR is only for live action
- Dubbing requires the original actor; ADR uses a different voice talent
- Dubbing is done live on set; ADR is always completed in post-production abroad
Correct answer: Dubbing replaces dialogue in a different language; ADR re-records original language dialogue for sync
Dubbing typically refers to translating and replacing audio in a new language, while ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) re-records the original language for lip sync or quality reasons.
Question 6: What is a 'character bible' in animation voice over work?
- A script containing every line of dialogue for a character
- A reference document describing a character's personality, voice, and backstory for consistency (Correct answer)
- The casting director's list of preferred voice actors
- A legal document granting voice rights to a studio
Correct answer: A reference document describing a character's personality, voice, and backstory for consistency
A character bible is a reference guide used by writers, directors, and voice actors to keep a character's voice, speech patterns, and personality consistent across episodes.
Question 7: Which breathing technique is recommended for voice over artists to support long sentences?
- Shallow chest breathing to keep the torso still
- Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing to maximize breath support (Correct answer)
- Holding the breath before each phrase for tension
- Nasal-only breathing throughout the recording
Correct answer: Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing to maximize breath support
Diaphragmatic breathing engages the diaphragm to draw in more air, providing steady breath support for sustained phrases and reducing vocal strain.
Voice Over Voice Over 3
What is 'proximity effect' in microphone recording?