VO Fx Chain Comparison

A comparison of three distinct FX chains for voice recording enhancements, detailing their separate audio processing steps. It invites viewers to prefer one over the others, providing background on each chain's origins—from a free broadcast chain to paid Waves plugins—and directs to a specific video timestamp for in-depth analysis.

I have been tweaking some Fx chains in my DAW of choice (Reaper). To facilitate comparing them, I made this video. Using the same original recording, the audio switches between the three different Fx chains.

What do you think? Which do you prefer, and why?

In case you are wondering:

“B” is based on this free “broadcast chain” available at the Reaper Stash
“R” is based on the tips outlined in a ReaperBlog video “Dialog FX Chain with stock plugins in REAPER DAW“
“W” is based on paid plug-ins I purchased from Waves.com

You can jump to 6:10 in the video to get straight to the details on each Fx chain.

The video details the specific audio processing steps involved in creating three different FX chains for improving voice recordings. Each FX chain includes noise reduction, EQ adjustments, compression, and limiting to enhance the audio quality. The comparison of the FX chains demonstrates varying results in terms of audio clarity and tonal balance. The discussion highlights the importance of selecting appropriate plugins, adjusting settings, and understanding the impact of each processing step on the final audio output

Peter Mosier

Peter is a professional VO talent with over 25 years of experience in IT, mechanical engineering, industrial automation, management, commercial acting, and modelling. His VO journey began almost 20 years ago, when he worked with a national broadcast service. Later, his repertoire expanded to include numerous VO projects for corporate training and explainer videos. Peter's natural vocal skills and passion for VO fuses with his technical background and management experience. The results are "Creative, Clear, Competent".

Navigate the Library...

… by Category

Recent Blog Posts

Voice Actors and AI Jobs: Navigating the Changing Landscape

The voice acting industry is evolving due to AI advancements, challenging voice actors with competition but also offering new opportunities. AI-generated voices are cost-effective and efficient, utilized in various applications. Actors are now adapting, enhancing their skills, and working alongside AI. Industry organizations like SAG-AFTRA advocate for a harmonious balance between human artistry and AI, providing education and encouraging collaboration. Voice actors’ future success hinges on embracing and leveraging AI technology to complement their craft.

The Rise of AI Voiceovers: Navigating a Changing Landscape

Generative AI is transforming voiceover narration, posing challenges to low-cost narrators as it offers a cost-effective alternative with realistic emulation. To stay competitive, human narrators must emphasize their emotional and interpretative uniqueness, specialize in niches, build client relationships, diversify skill sets, and collaborate with AI, navigating the saturated market by leveraging personal touches and adaptability.

Recording On The Road

Faced with recording an audiobook while on vacation, I devised a makeshift recording booth with cushions and a blanket to eliminate echo, unplugged a noisy fridge, and temporarily turned off air conditioning to prevent background noise. I bought a durable Shure MV7 USB/XLR dynamic mic for recording on-the-go and used my familiar DAW, Reaper, on a MacBook Air for editing. Despite an unconventional setup, I achieved ACX-compliant audio and view the mic purchase as a professional investment.

YouTube’s Content ID: Automated Frustration, Programmatically Wrong

Copyright is broken, and so is ContentID. ContentID felt that a recording that I had made, using my own voice, and in my own studio, matched Penguin Random House’s audiobook.

Peter Mosier Voiceover

Creative. Clear. Competent.

VO Fx Chain Comparison