Recording Voice Over Audio 

Say you've recorded the perfect how-to video footage, but halfway through your explanation, your neighbor started up the lawnmower. Or maybe you forgot to say something during your presentation. Or perhaps you're creating a video from scratch and want to do more than just titles.

All of these cases call for recording voice over audio.

Voice over, or VO, is an excellent way to add information to your video. VO can help correct mistakes, or form the content backbone for any video. You can combine VO with video footage, PowerPoint slides or photos and graphics to create a high-quality product. Here's an example from our YouTube channel: How to Collect Stream Water Samples.

The simplest way to incorporate VO into your project is to record it directly in Adobe Rush, our recommended video editing software. You can also use your smartphone's built-in audio recording application (or another preferred audio recording app) to record the audio separately and bring it into your video project later. When getting started, use any microphone available — this could be your computer's built-in microphone, a headset microphone or your smartphone. If you find yourself needing to record audio more frequently, you may want to consider purchasing a standalone microphone. Contact us through our video help form for help identifying the proper equipment.

Tips for Recording Audio

1. Location location location! Choose a location that doesn’t echo, look for carpet and lots of soft objects to help absorb sound. A clothes closet can be a great place to record.
2. Listen for ambient noise. Turn off air conditioners that turn off and on, turn off fans and save running your washing machine for later. Even computers can make noise that the microphone picks up, so listen carefully and do your best to avoid distracting ambient noise.
3. Avoid making contact with the microphone while recording. If it’s sitting on your desk, don’t touch your desk. If it's built in to your laptop, make sure your laptop is sitting on a table and not your lap.
4. Practice what you’re going to say ahead of time. Write a script or an outline to help you stay on track.
5. Consider editing. Give thought to if or how you’re going to edit. Does this need to be a single, continuous take? Or will you be able to edit together multiple clips?
6. Speak loudly and clearly, as if you’re talking to a room of people.
7. Place the microphone properly. Make sure the microphone is about 6-8 inches from your mouth for the best sound quality. Make sure you don’t breathe into the mic, though.
8. Do a sound check — record a test clip, listen to it, and make sure it sounds good to you. If you hear loud pops on your “P’s,” ambient noise, etc., adjust your microphone placement or recording location.
9. Sit still and avoid movement. The microphone can pick up rustling of clothes or printed notes. Try to avoid rocking back and forth or unnecessary movement.
10. Stay hydrated. Have a cup of water or tea nearby to make sure your voice is in tip-top shape.