With the help of our QC Agents, we put together some tips on how to address the most common quality issues! We expect most Pros are familiar with these issues, and have likely come across them at some point in their trajectory as a VO.

Our QC agents are always ready and happy to help if you have any questions, or even, if you need someone to take a look at your case in more detail.
If that's your case, feel free to create a post in our Community: Help Center - Get feedback

All over the internet, there are some easy and cheap tricks and solutions, so here is what our agents suggest when you come across some quality feedback or rejections:

Common issues, and how to fix them

1. Room Echo:

Treat your recording space: Use absorbent materials like thick curtains, cushions, mattresses, or DIY acoustic panels made from foam to minimize echo.
Record in smaller spaces: Closets or small, furniture-filled rooms can help reduce echo.

2. Background Noise:

Find the quietest time: Record during the quietest parts of the day when your environment is most silent.
Turn off noisy devices: Ensure you switch off fans, air conditioners, and other noise-generating appliances.

3. Hiss/White Noise:

Keep the mic away from your computer: Computers can generate electronic noise, so try to keep your microphone as far from them as possible.
Use editing software: Tools like Audacity offer "Noise Reduction" effects that can help minimize hiss.

4. Plosives:

DIY pop filter: Make a pop filter with a hoop and stretched nylons, and place it between your mouth and the mic to reduce the impact of "p" and "b" sounds.
Speak slightly off-center: Avoid speaking directly into the mic to prevent bursts of air.

Tips for achieving the best quality without professional equipment

1. Microphone Choice:

Even if you don't have a professional mic, try using one that's better than your computer or phone's built-in mic. A USB mic can be an affordable and present a significant upgrade.

2. Recording Software:

Use free, reliable software like Audacity to record and edit your tracks. Learn the basics of editing to improve your recording quality.

3. Recording Technique:

Maintain a consistent distance from the microphone to avoid volume fluctuations.
Record multiple takes to have options when editing.

4. Recording Environment:

Create an improvised recording booth with blankets or mattresses to isolate sound and enhance acoustics.

5. Post-Recording Editing:

Familiarize yourself with basic editing techniques to clean up your recordings: noise removal, EQ to adjust frequencies, and compression to level your audio.

6. Practice and Experimentation:

Continuous practice will help you improve. Experiment with different setups and techniques to find what works best for you.

We hope these tips are helpful in minimizing any recording quality issues you, our clients, or our QC team may have identified in your deliverables!