ADR, Automatic Dialogue Replacement

ADR is a process frequently associated with film and video sound work. Also known as dubbing or overdubbing, ADR is used to add to or substitute sound captured on location. The “Automatic” in ADR refers to the process known as “looping” where the desired scene is looped, allowing the actor to quickly repeat the line until he or she gets the performance exactly right. Foreground’s audio editors have extensive experience with ADR recording, making the process smooth and comfortable.

ADR is the process of bringing the actors into the studio and re-recording the dialogue in a more controlled environment. The actors are trying to match their ADR dialogue exactly to the original recording captured on set during the shoot. There are many reasons a director may want to ADR (or re-record) the dialogue. The elimination of set noise such as wind and atmosphere machines, or a desire to capture a different mood in the voice are a few examples.

Foreground’s engineers record ADR regularly using a variety of systematic methods.

Our ADR engineers play back each line of the production dialogue (as it was recorded on the set) so the actor can try to repeat his or her performance in the studio. The original production line is then muted by the engineer and recording of the actor in the studio begins. Each round is slated and the actor performs until a satisfactory take (or takes) is done.

Voiceover / Narration recording and editing

A great voice-over recording is the synergistic result of the Talent, Producer, Recording Engineer and Editor doing their jobs well.

The Producer (Director) oversees the script, ensuring it is read properly with the correct voice inflections and timing, working with the Engineer and Talent to refine the recording for the best sound, inflection, tone, and delivery. The Producer makes decisions regarding discrepancies or any special pronunciations that arise and must know when he or she has the best take(s). The ‘keepers’ are then archived by the Engineer and used to produce the final track.

Under the direction of the Producer, the Talent narrates the script and must be flexible enough to change his or her delivery to suit the Producer's requirements. It is essential that the Talent uses consistent tone, volume, inflection, and microphone technique, so the various sections match when recorded out of sequence.

The Editor/Engineer is responsible for editing the narration track to match the director’s vision. Using the editing notes, the Engineer weaves a seamless voice track out of all the best takes and ensures that each section times correctly.

Foreground offers a pristine signal path for our voice-over and dialogue recording process. Beginning with a Neumann TLM 103 and working through Avalon compressors and preamps, we maintain a purely tube signal directly into pro tools for warmth and clarity that is unparalleled.