Working with video voiceovers

Creating a voice over on video brings with it a few additional factors. On the one hand the audio is not as demanding as recording music, and then there are space constraints as the computer monitor(s) will need to be visible.

Equipment

1. Studio condenser microphone large diaphragm. To keep it simple you can use a model with a USB connector designed for Podcasting . This removes the need for Audio Interface device, less cabling and so easier to connect. There are some USB microphones at about £70 (entry level – but for talk-over quality will be fine), Samson CO1U USB or iSK CRU-5 USB (nice retro look!).  £150 would get a brand name more known for pro equipment such as Audio Technica AT2020 USB (but this is still their entry level)
2. A microphone stand, desk fastening with suspension arm as used in radio stations: RODE PSA1 Broadcast Studio microphone stand (about £75 though there are some cheaper chinese ones available)
3. A pop filter (large) £10 – though may get in the way so I would say optional. They are not used in radio stations. Likewise the cradle to prevent unwanted vibrations is unnecessary in most applications.
4. Acoustic treatment: the idea I had yesterday would be in the way too much and instead I would suggest 2 x Acoustic Treatment Foam Panels to go in front and behind the narrator. Total price about £180.  You can make a pair of hinged plywood boards to place behind the narrator and possibly stand up the other foam panel behind the computer monitors. This will not block out all unwanted sounds but will dampen it and prevent unwanted reverb within the room space

Post production

All the audio should be post processed to improve quality.

1. Compression. Makes the quiet parts louder and the loudest parts slightly quieter – evens out the sound. In professional recordings compression is always used and is applied to the appropriate degree to maintain dynamics
2. De-essing (maybe) removing sibilants
3. EQ: enrich the voice tone, remove hiss and hums (hopefully not too much there)
4. Remove noises ("transients")
5. Add reverb – The sound treatment will have removed most natural reverb, adding some controlled reverb back makes it more natural (ironically)
6. Maximising overall volume

1,2, 3 & 5, 6 would very soon become fixed presets (actually for each narrator) based on a known environment