Voice Processing Chains, Done Properly
The ordered set of processors applied to a recorded voice, such as filtering, de-essing, compression and limiting.
Tomas Lindqvist
At a glance
- Order processing order changes the outcome
- High-pass filtering removes rumble before dynamics processing
- De-essing usually sits before heavy compression
- Presets chains can be saved and reused
Why it matters
Why it matters: A consistent chain makes voices sit the same way across episodes and projects, and order changes the result.
Best practice
- Build a chain and save it as a preset
- Filter rumble before compressing
- Set de-essing before limiting
- Adjust per voice rather than applying blindly
- Compare processed and raw at matched loudness
Common pitfalls
Watch out for:
- Identical settings for every voice
- Heavy compression before filtering
- Chains nobody documents
- Processing judged at different loudness levels
When to call in a specialist
Bottom line Bring in help when voices sound inconsistent across a series.
Where this comes from
- Adobe Help Center — Audition User Guide
- iZotope — RX Help Documentation
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
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