Voice-over lines can add a lot of personality, emotion, and immersion to your game characters and story. But how can you record and edit them like a pro without breaking the bank or compromising on quality? In this article, you'll learn some tips and tricks to create and polish your own voice-over lines for your game, using some free or affordable tools and techniques.
The first step to record voice-over lines is to choose the right equipment for your budget and needs. You'll need a microphone, a pop filter, a stand, and a quiet room. A condenser microphone is ideal for capturing clear and detailed sound, but it can also pick up unwanted background noise. A dynamic microphone is more forgiving and cheaper, but it can also sound dull and muffled. A pop filter is a mesh screen that reduces the popping sounds caused by air hitting the microphone. A stand is useful to position the microphone at the right height and angle, and to avoid handling noise. A quiet room is essential to avoid echo, reverb, and external sounds that can ruin your recordings.
Remember, if you don't have the money for professional equipment, just use what you have. You can use consumer grade equipment and get professional results if you experiment a bit.
The second step to record voice-over lines is to prepare your script and your voice actors. You'll need a script that matches your game's tone, genre, and setting, and that conveys the character's personality, emotions, and intentions. You'll also need to format your script in a way that is easy to read, follow, and edit. You can use software like Celtx or Final Draft to create professional scripts, or you can use a simple spreadsheet or text document. You'll also need to find voice actors that suit your characters and your vision. You can hire professional voice actors, or you can ask your friends, family, or colleagues to lend their voices. You'll need to direct them and give them feedback to get the best performance possible.
Some helpful tips to keep in mind: - It's not all about text. A picture informs performance too. Images of characters and environment (even if a basic CG model) gives a wealth of information to a voice actor. How does the character move? How difficult is it to carry their weapon, backpack, clothing and other items? Where are they? All of this informs an actor's performance; - Keep a neat selects & takes spreadsheet, so both studio and actor (if recording from home), can keep a list of preferred 'takes', which makes it easier in editing and post phase in game production; - Music guides emotion. If a rough sound or music track can be played or provided to actors before recording, this informs desired tone & guides the performance emotionally.
The third step to record voice-over lines is to actually record them using a software like Audacity or Reaper. You'll need to set up your microphone and your recording software, and test the sound levels and quality before you start. You'll also need to record each line multiple times, with different variations and intonations, to give you more options and flexibility later. You'll need to name and save each file according to your script, and organize them in folders by character and scene. You'll also need to backup your files regularly, and avoid deleting anything until you're done.
Keeping it simple for beginners: - It's not all about the most expensive mic! How you use your microphone is important. Correct placement and angle can help avoid plosives and unwanted background noise when using a condenser mic. A sock over the mic can also help with pop sounds (cheap, but works!) - The 'three takes per line' is a good starting point. It's helpful to take a break after an initial recording session, before listening back and recording straight away. A small break creates space to reflect and refresh the senses; - Sound treatment, if you can't sound proof! Pad out any 'sound leaky' areas like doors and windows with mattresses and quilts if you need to. The one time you can let your room get messy without guilt ;)
The fourth step to record voice-over lines is to edit them using a software like Audacity or Reaper. You'll need to trim the silence and the unwanted sounds from the beginning and the end of each file, and adjust the volume and the pitch if needed. You'll also need to apply some effects and filters to enhance the sound quality and the mood of each line. For example, you can use noise reduction, compression, equalization, reverb, and distortion. You'll also need to choose the best take for each line, and export them in a format that is compatible with your game engine.
The fifth step to record voice-over lines is to implement them in your game using a software like Unity or Unreal Engine. You'll need to import your files into your game project, and assign them to your characters and your dialogue system. You'll also need to sync them with the animations, the lip movements, and the facial expressions of your characters, and add subtitles if needed. You'll also need to test your game and make sure that the voice-over lines are working properly, and that they match the context and the timing of each scene.
The sixth and final step to record voice-over lines is to iterate them based on the feedback and the results of your game. You'll need to playtest your game and listen to your voice-over lines, and see if they fit your game's vision, style, and quality. You'll also need to ask for feedback from your team, your testers, and your audience, and see if they like your voice-over lines, and if they have any suggestions or criticisms. You'll also need to revise your script, your recordings, and your edits if needed, and repeat the previous steps until you're satisfied with your voice-over lines.