Recording Guide

Good voices start with good recordings. A few habits make a big difference.

At a glance

Quiet room, soft surfaces.
Stay about 6 inches from the microphone.
Each clip: 6 to 15 seconds.
Speak naturally, as if reading to a friend.

Recording tips

Choose a quiet room. Curtains and carpets cut echo.
Keep a steady distance of about 6 inches from the microphone.
Aim for 6 to 15 seconds per clip. Very short or very long clips give uneven results.
Keep it clean. No background noise, music or heavy breathing.
Sound natural. Speak clearly, the way you would read to a friend.
Shape the voice on purpose. The first sample anchors the voice. Later samples can nudge tone, age or emotion.

Prompts to read

Not sure what to say? The app has a Recording Guide button on the Voices page. Here are a few prompts to try:

Neutral narrator:

Audio check. I'm speaking clearly, not too fast, not too slow. Please pack the blue jacket, zip the small zipper, and set the box on the shelf.

Warm storyteller:

Okay, yes! This is going to be fun. We fixed the tiny glitch, and now it sounds fantastic. Grab the fresh lemons, the peach jam, and the warm bread, and bring it here.

Dark fantasy:

I counted five quick steps, then heard a soft click by the door. The bright light faded, the room grew quiet, and the clock ticked on.

Whisper or intimate:

I found the note, folded twice, and set it back where it belongs. Please don't rush. Just breathe, and let the words land quietly.

Tip: The app's Recording Guide also has prompts for a newsreader and for a character with an accent.