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- Correct sequence of audio effects - Voice Over Series - Part 5
Correct sequence of audio effects - Voice Over Series - Part 5
Voice Over Series
Master Editor
October 21, 2024
What is the correct sequence of audio effects for a professional voice-over? If you have taken my courses or watched my YouTube videos, you may say this:
Normalize
Noise Reduction
EQ
Compressor
Normalize
If you answer the above sequence, you are somewhat correct. You may ask why it is not 100% correct answer.
Well, there are a few things to consider. First, I asked what is the correct sequence.
My question should not be, what is the correct sequence? Rather, it should be what is a proper sequence.
Because there is nothing wrong or right here; it is all about applying proper effects to achieve a goal.
The second issue is in my above sequence I have only used the basic effects. As you gain experience in audio editing, you will find you need to apply some more effects.
For example, some other effects we may need to use regularly are:
De-Clicker
De-Esser
De-Reverb
De-Plosive
Volume Leveler
If we have to use any of the above effects, where do they fit in? There can be 2 places to use these effects.
The ideal place is after the first normalise and before the Compressor. For example, if you use De-Clicker, the effect sequence should be like this:
Normalize
Noise Reduction
EQ
De-Clicker
Compressor
Normalize
However, the compressor effect can bring up some issues. For example, you may not notice the clicks or breaths before applying the compressor.
If you notice the clicks or breaths after the compressor, then those effects have to be applied after the Compressor.
In that case, the sequence will be like this:
Normalize
Noise Reduction
EQ
Compressor
De-Clicker / Normalize
Normalize / De-Clicker
For absolute beginners, I always recommend following the basic effects in the order I show in my videos.
Once you gain some experience and understand how an effect is affecting audio data, you can change the effects sequence.
If you randomly alter the sequence, you may not get the desired result.
For you, I would suggest to follow 2 things cautiously.
First, try to follow the sequence I show in my videos
Second, educate yourself with the configuration of an effect. Try to understand what a particular configuration is doing. Why do you have to set a particular value and such?
If an effect is not giving you the desired result, what can be the issue?
For example, Normalizing may not always give you a uniform audio level. If you have abnormally high peaks in your recording, the Normalize effect will behave differently than you usually see.
I have a couple of videos on that topic, and I suggest you watch those:
Problem: https://youtu.be/GmYQsMnWHHE
Solution: https://youtu.be/KfFPDWthAHY
I will end this post with a tip on using corrective effects like De-clicker, De-esser, or De-Plosives.
If you use those effects on the entire track, it many cause unintended side effects on the good parts of the audio.
For example, a De-esser effect can try to wrongly reduce sibilance from a part where no such issue exists.
In that case, a sudden cut-off of the audio can happen. A De-Clicker can introduce artifacts in such cases.
The best way to avoid such a case is to apply a de-clicker or de-esser on the affected part only.
You select a part of the audio where a problem exists and apply an effect like De-Clicker, De-Esser, or De-Plosives.
Repeat the process with every problematic part of the audio. However, it will take some time to edit, but it will ensure no unintended side effects on the good parts.
If you use a good third plugin for such cases, make sure you understand how to configure it properly.
Otherwise, you may degrade the audio quality instead of making it better.
If you want to learn some audio editing software well, please check the bundles if you have not taken it already: