My Voiceover “Magic Stack” – Clean, Clear & Client-Ready Audio

I put together an audio stack that works great for voiceover recordings. It’s clean, controlled, and doesn’t squash the life out of my performance. Whether you’re just starting in VO or refining your sound, here’s a look under the hood of my “Magic Stack.”

🎛 Track Effects (in Adobe Audition)

1. Parametric Equalizer

I cut out low-end rumble with a high-pass filter at 80 Hz, using a 24dB/oct slope.

Then I shaped the voice slightly with subtle EQ moves:

+2 dB at 200 Hz for a little body

-2 dB at 1k to reduce midrange “honk”

+2 dB at 2k and 5k for presence

Slight boost at 13k–15k for air

📌 Goal: Clean up mud, brighten without harshness.

2. Denoise

Running at just 10%, because less is more.

This eliminates a slight room tone without compromising the natural tone of my voice.

📌 Goal: Keep it clean without sounding processed. Be cautious with this sensitive plugin.

3. Dynamics Processing (Multiband Compression)

This is where the magic happens for leveling. Each setting below represents a different compression band, with its corresponding threshold and ratio:

Band 1

Threshold: Above -15.6 dB

Ratio: 2.1:1

Band 2

Threshold: Between -15.6 dB and -57.0 dB

Ratio: 2.6:1

Band 3

Threshold: Between -57.0 dB and -78.0 dB

Ratio: 2.6:1

Band 4

Threshold: Below -78.0 dB

Ratio: 1.6:1

📌 Goal: Smooth out volume inconsistencies and give the read more presence—without sounding squashed or overly processed.

4. DeEsser

Set at 5500 Hz with a 3000 Hz bandwidth, hitting around -25 dB threshold.

Broadband mode, because multiband always feels like overkill for me.

📌 Goal: Tame the S's without dulling clarity.

5. Hard Limiter

Set to -1.0 dB max amplitude, with +2.0 dB input boost.

This ensures no clipping while giving the signal a tiny push forward.

📌 Goal: Prevent peaking and give a polished finish.

🖥️ Built in Adobe Audition—But Works Anywhere

This particular effects chain was built in Adobe Audition, but the settings themselves can be easily replicated in almost any DAW—like Audacity, TwistedWave, Reaper, Logic, or Pro Tools. EQ curves, noise reduction, compression, and limiting are universal concepts—it’s just the buttons and interfaces that change.

So no matter what software you’re using, you can build a version of this Magic Stack that fits your voice and workflow.

Final Thoughts

This VO chain is all about balance. It boosts what matters, cuts what doesn’t, and keeps the performance front and center. Remember, this is a starting point. You may need to adjust the settings according to your own voice, recording space, and equipment. Don’t be afraid to experiment until it feels (and sounds) right.

If your recordings sound too raw, boxy, or inconsistent, try something like this as a starting point—but remember that your voice and space deserve their own unique touch.

Interested in coaching with me and the UVT Coaching Team? Check out our options on our VO Training Course page: https://www.uvtcoaching.com/voiceover-coaching-programs