If you haven’t done it before, you may think that voiceover or audiobook recording is an easy day’s work. After all, you’re just reading into a microphone, right?

Turns out it takes skill, focus, stamina. And a lot of preparation. If you’re getting ready for a recording session, follow these steps to make the most of your studio time.

1. How to Prepare Ahead of Time

Rehearse the book or script a few times before you get to the studio. The more familiar you are with the material, the better the recording will sound.
Send the material to the studio beforehand. The engineer will need it to read along.
On the day of the session, avoid any foods or beverages that may affect your voice, nose or throat. For example, avoid dairy products that make you phlegmy, or gluten products that make you congested.

2. What to Bring to the Studio

Plenty of water. (Flat, not carbonated.) Your mouth and throat will get dry after a few hours of reading aloud. Staying hydrated is crucial to getting the best voiceover performance.
Green apples. This is every voiceover studio’s secret weapon. When your mouth gets too wet, it can make noises that get picked up by sensitive microphones. Taking a bite of green apple will zap the wetness, and make sure your performance is free if noises that may distract listeners from what you’re reading.
Tea with lemon. (But no milk! See above.) This is an age-old remedy for overall throat happiness.
Snacks. Voiceover recording is hard work. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. You’ll need to maintain energy for many hours. That’ll require food to keep your stamina up.
Your final script, either printed or readable from a tablet or laptop. Try to avoid reading from a small screen like a phone. The constant scrolling will distract you from focusing on your performance.

3. What to Wear (and Not Wear)

Do wear comfortable clothes that make you feel good. You’ll be sitting for long periods of time, you’ll want to feel comfortable and confident.
Don’t wear anything that may make noise, like jangly jewelry. Sensitive vocal microphones will definitely pick them up!

This post was written to ensure that you have a great voiceover or audiobook recording session. But it’s also to ensure that we keep you (and us) safe. Normally, in pre-COVID times, we’d happily supply green apples, tea, coffee and more. But bringing your own supplies is just one more way everyone in the recording studio can keep a safe distance throughout the session.

If you have any questions about recording sessions, email info@orchardrecordingstudio.com.