What is an "audio duck for voice overs"? at DVinfo.net

Michael Wisniewski · January 29th, 2010, 02:58 AM

Quack, quack, what exactly is the definition?

John Willett · January 29th, 2010, 03:01 AM

It's when you reduce the background sound while you are talking over it.

Seth Bloombaum · January 29th, 2010, 10:36 AM

Some DAWs or filters provide for "auto-ducking".

If, for example, you have a lengthy voiceover over music, you might want the music a little hotter in gaps between the voiceover, a little quieter during VO.

Martin Mayer · January 29th, 2010, 11:10 AM

Often done "live" and "automatically" with a DJ talking over background music.

When overdone, the depth of ducking, and the speed of response means you get a wall of sound from the radio at constant (high) volume - especially on "youth" music radio stations.

Rick Reineke · January 29th, 2010, 11:47 AM

Easily done feeding a compressor from a side-chain, keeping the quacking above the music.
Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack

Roger Shore · January 29th, 2010, 11:59 AM

Although aften incorporated into audio studio setups, you can buy 'audio ducking' devices separately --see here for example: Rolls Corporation - Real Sound - Products DU30b Mic-Preamp/Audio Ducker

Click on the 'manual' and there's a great deal more detail, including the full circuit diagram for the device.

Never been quite sure why some manufacturers are prepared to 'bare all,' as it were, with their information, and with others it's like trying to get blood out of a stone!

January 29th, 2010, 02:58 AM	#1
Michael Wisniewski Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Makati, Metro Manila Posts: 2,706 Images: 32	What is an "audio duck for voice overs"? Quack, quack, what exactly is the definition? __________________ "Ultimately, the most extraordinary thing, in a frame, is a human being." - Martin Scorsese

January 29th, 2010, 03:01 AM	#2
John Willett Major Player Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Posts: 976	It's when you reduce the background sound while you are talking over it. __________________ John Willett - Sound-Link ProAudio and Circle Sound Services President: Fédération Internationale des Chasseurs de Sons

January 29th, 2010, 10:36 AM	#3
Seth Bloombaum Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,420	Some DAWs or filters provide for "auto-ducking". If, for example, you have a lengthy voiceover over music, you might want the music a little hotter in gaps between the voiceover, a little quieter during VO. __________________ 30 years of pro media production. Vegas user since 1.0. Webcaster since 1997. Freelancer since 2000. College instructor since 2001.

January 29th, 2010, 11:10 AM	#4
Martin Mayer Major Player Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Posts: 416	Often done "live" and "automatically" with a DJ talking over background music. When overdone, the depth of ducking, and the speed of response means you get a wall of sound from the radio at constant (high) volume - especially on "youth" music radio stations. __________________ Martin at HeadSpin HD on Blu-ray

January 29th, 2010, 11:47 AM	#5
Rick Reineke Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 2,038	Easily done feeding a compressor from a side-chain, keeping the quacking above the music. Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack

January 29th, 2010, 11:59 AM	#6
Roger Shore Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: UK Posts: 113	Although aften incorporated into audio studio setups, you can buy 'audio ducking' devices separately --see here for example: Rolls Corporation - Real Sound - Products DU30b Mic-Preamp/Audio Ducker Click on the 'manual' and there's a great deal more detail, including the full circuit diagram for the device. Never been quite sure why some manufacturers are prepared to 'bare all,' as it were, with their information, and with others it's like trying to get blood out of a stone!