The Minimalist Guide to Voiceover Auditions

Using Adobe Audition 2015 with a Shure SM7B, Cloudlifter, & Focusrite 2i2 on Windows.

1. Hardware Setup

Before opening any software, it's critical to connect your hardware correctly. The Shure SM7B is a gain-hungry microphone, which is why the Cloudlifter is essential. It provides clean gain before the signal even reaches your Focusrite interface. This ensures a strong, clean signal without cranking the interface preamp, which can introduce noise.

Your Signal Chain:

Shure SM7B

Cloudlifter

(Input)

Cloudlifter

(Output)

Focusrite 2i2

(Input 1)

Windows PC

(USB)

Step 1: Connect your Shure SM7B to the Cloudlifter's INPUT with a short XLR cable.

Step 2: Connect the Cloudlifter's OUTPUT to INPUT 1 on your Focusrite 2i2 with another XLR cable.

Step 3: Connect the Focusrite 2i2 to your Windows PC via USB.

Crucial: The Cloudlifter needs Phantom Power. You will turn on the "48V" button on your Focusrite 2i2 in a later step. Do not turn it on yet.

2. Audition Config

With your hardware connected, it's time to tell Adobe Audition how to use it. This initial setup ensures that Audition is listening to the correct device and recording in a high-quality format suitable for professional submissions. These settings only need to be configured once.

Audio Hardware Settings

Go to `Edit > Preferences > Audio Hardware...`
Set `Device Class` to `ASIO`.
Set `Device` to `Focusrite USB ASIO`.
Click `OK`. This gives you the lowest latency and best performance.

New Audition File Settings

Go to `File > New > Audio File...`
Set `Sample Rate` to `48000 Hz`. (Standard for video)
Set `Channels` to `Mono`. (Voiceover is almost always mono)
Set `Bit Depth` to `24-bit` or `32-bit (float)`. (Provides good dynamic range)
Click `OK`.

3. Set Record Levels

This is the most critical step for a clean recording. Your goal is to get a strong signal without "clipping" (distorting). The sweet spot for voiceover is to have your average level hitting between -12dB and -6dB, with the absolute loudest peaks never hitting 0dB.

The Process

Press the 48V button on your Focusrite 2i2. The button should light up. This powers the Cloudlifter.
Press the red "R" (Arm for Record) button on your track in Audition. You should see the level meter start moving as you speak.
While reading your script at performance volume, slowly turn up the GAIN knob for Input 1 on your Focusrite.
Watch the meter in Audition. Adjust the GAIN knob until your voice consistently bounces around the green/yellow area shown to the right.
Once set, press the master Record button at the bottom to start recording your audition!

Aim for This Level

0dB (Clipping)

-6dB (Peak Target)

AVG: -12dB to -6dB

-18dB (Too Quiet)

Adjust the GAIN knob on your Focusrite until your normal speaking voice lives in the green zone.

4. The Minimalist Post-Production Edit

After you've recorded and edited your takes for performance (removing mistakes, etc.), it's time for a quick technical polish. The goal is NOT to drastically change your voice, but to clean it up and ensure it meets professional standards. Apply these effects from the "Effects Rack" panel in this order.

Removes consistent background noise like computer fans or room tone.

Highlight a few seconds of pure silence (room tone) in your recording.
Go to `Effects > Noise Reduction / Restoration > Capture Noise Print`.
Select your entire audio file (`Ctrl+A`).
Go to `Effects > Noise Reduction / Restoration > Noise Reduction (process)...`
Use the default settings and click `Apply`. Don't overdo it, or your audio will sound robotic.

Gently removes inaudible low-frequency rumble from vibrations, traffic, etc. This is called a "High-Pass Filter".

Select your entire audio file.
Go to `Effects > Filter and EQ > Parametric Equalizer`.
In the presets, choose `High Pass`.
Adjust the graph so the curve starts to slope down around 80Hz. This cleans up mud without affecting your voice.
Click `Apply`.

Evens out the volume of your performance, making the quiet parts a bit louder and the loud parts a bit quieter. This increases presence and punch.

Go to `Effects > Amplitude and Compression > Single-band Compressor`.
Good starting settings:
- Threshold: around -15dB
- Ratio: 3:1
- Attack: 5ms
- Release: 100ms
Click `Apply`. The goal is subtle control, not squashing the life out of your read.

Brings the absolute loudest peak of your file up to a specified level. This is the final volume adjustment.

Go to `Effects > Amplitude and Compression > Normalize (process)...`
Set `Normalize to` to `-3dB`.
Ensure `dB` is checked.
Click `Apply`. This sets your peak volume to -3dB, leaving "headroom" for any processing on the casting director's end.

5. Export & Submit

The final step! Saving your polished audio in the industry-standard format. Always check the audition specs, but this format is a safe bet for most submissions for games, animation, and commercials.

File Naming Convention

Use a clear and professional file name: `YourName_ProjectName_CharacterName.mp3`

Export Settings

Go to `File > Save As...`
In the `Format` dropdown, select `MP3 Audio (*.mp3)`.
Click `Format Settings...`
In the new window, select `Constant Bitrate`.
Set `Bitrate` to `192 kbps`.
Click `OK`, then `Save`. Your audition is ready to send!