In-Call Audio Production Standards

Resource

In-Call Audio Production Standards

In-Call ads run on telephone lines. For those not familiar with this type of producing, here are some guidelines:

&bull File Type: PCM (.wav)

&bull Sample Rate: 44.1kHz

&bull Bit Depth: 16 bit

&bull Mono

&bull Peak audio levels should not exceed -3 dB

&bull Silence must be inserted in all ad files as follows:

&bull 200ms silence at start

&bull 100ms silence at end

&bull If you use music underneath your voice, the mix should be 80/20 (80 = your voice volume// 20 = music or effects if under voice)

&bull Any effects inserted in between your voice should follow the same "peak" levels as your voice (-3 dB)

&bull Some "mild" compression or normalization is ok (a 1:1 for example). Just focus on evening out the levels so as to not have too many "peaks" and "valleys". Do NOT over do it or your ad will sound distorted.

Studio Audio Production Requirements

&bull All recording equipment including microphones, mixers, cables, processors, and recorders should be optimized to eliminate hiss, hum, static, and other electronic noise as commonly practiced by recording professionals.

&bull Voice recordings should be mastered to reduce/remove pops and breath sounds. Appropriate amount of de-essing should be applied.

Production Tips

Generally try to avoid any of the following effects:

&bull White Noise

&bull Thick crowd applause

&bull High Treble effects such as music bed with a lot of high-hat, shakers or tambourines

&bull DJ vinyl scratch effects

&bull Sound or voice effects with too high of a EQ (be careful that you do NOT put too much High-End EQ onto your voice as it will be harsh to the ear)

&bull If you are not sure how your commercial will sound on a phone line, create your "final" mix (using the standards above) and then put it through a "filter" that simulates the sound of a telephone. If anything sounds "funny, harsh, distorted, etc..." change it (remember, you are mixing for a phone).