audio format for voiceover at DVinfo.net

Dennis Stevens · July 12th, 2007, 08:38 AM

My producer is looking into booking a recording studio to record a 1 minute voiceover. The recording studio tech asked what format we wanted it delivered in, compressed or no, sampling rate etc.

I'm assuming they can deliver in whatever format we want. I'm guessing we'd want it in some uncompressed, lossless format, but I'm not an expert in audio formats - .mp3, .wav, .aiff? As long as the sound is clean, does that make a big difference?

I'm working in Premiere Pro 2.0, and I have Adobe Audition 2.0 on Windows, if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance all you sound gurus-

Jonathan Bufkin · July 12th, 2007, 08:58 AM

Most of the time when capturing good quality audio for video you'll want 48khz, 24 bit audio files and BWAV or WAV will be the format. This will give you a master recording that you can compress yourself if you so desire.

Emre Safak · July 12th, 2007, 09:00 AM

You definitely want WAV or AIFF. If it makes no difference to them, why would you want your audio compressed? Anything above CD quality (16 bit, 44.1khz) is good enough.

Bill Mecca · July 12th, 2007, 12:32 PM

What is the native audio format of the project into which you will import the audio file? if its 48kHz, that is what you want, otherwise Premiere will have to re-sample up and that will introduce some artifacts (not that I think anyone can really, truly hear it)

On PC definitely Wav.

Your producer might also look into finding a VO talent who has his/her own home studio and can deliver the file directly. Most usually don't charge studio fees on top of the fee for the VO.

Dennis Stevens · July 12th, 2007, 01:25 PM

Thanks Bill, Emre and Jonathon.

That's mighty sensible Bill. I'll look at my project settings in Premiere.

July 12th, 2007, 08:38 AM	#1
Dennis Stevens Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 425	audio format for voiceover My producer is looking into booking a recording studio to record a 1 minute voiceover. The recording studio tech asked what format we wanted it delivered in, compressed or no, sampling rate etc. I'm assuming they can deliver in whatever format we want. I'm guessing we'd want it in some uncompressed, lossless format, but I'm not an expert in audio formats - .mp3, .wav, .aiff? As long as the sound is clean, does that make a big difference? I'm working in Premiere Pro 2.0, and I have Adobe Audition 2.0 on Windows, if that makes a difference. Thanks in advance all you sound gurus-

July 12th, 2007, 12:32 PM	#4
Bill Mecca Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 475	What is the native audio format of the project into which you will import the audio file? if its 48kHz, that is what you want, otherwise Premiere will have to re-sample up and that will introduce some artifacts (not that I think anyone can really, truly hear it) On PC definitely Wav. Your producer might also look into finding a VO talent who has his/her own home studio and can deliver the file directly. Most usually don't charge studio fees on top of the fee for the VO. __________________ Award-winning Pine Barrens Documentary! Video, Audio, Music & More

July 12th, 2007, 08:58 AM	#2
Jonathan Bufkin Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 253	Most of the time when capturing good quality audio for video you'll want 48khz, 24 bit audio files and BWAV or WAV will be the format. This will give you a master recording that you can compress yourself if you so desire.

July 12th, 2007, 09:00 AM	#3
Emre Safak Trustee Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brookline, MA Posts: 1,447	You definitely want WAV or AIFF. If it makes no difference to them, why would you want your audio compressed? Anything above CD quality (16 bit, 44.1khz) is good enough.

July 12th, 2007, 01:25 PM	#5
Dennis Stevens Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 425	Thanks Bill, Emre and Jonathon. That's mighty sensible Bill. I'll look at my project settings in Premiere.