VO Studio Workflow: Batching It (with Izotope RX)

When working through a project in your home voiceover studio, it can be painful to stare vacantly at the computer screen, waiting for software to finish processing a single file so you can nudge things to the next step. There’s really no reason to put up with that. One of the reasons we developed computers was to handle repetitive tasks. If we’ve taken the time to set up our voiceover studio to consistently capture quality audio, then we should be able to automate the delivery process steps.

Izotope RX Standard has a robust Batch Processor which is a pleasure to use. Batch Processors let you create a progression of Effect steps – similar to a Stack in Twisted Wave, Rack Effects in Adobe Audition, Macros in Audacity, or even the Module Chain in RX. However, Stacks, Racks, and simple Macros only work on the single file you have opened. What makes a Batch Processor more powerful is the ability to act upon multiple files – perfect for handling repetitive steps across all chapters in an audiobook, for example.

While batching steps may seem like only a minor improvement, it can pay significant dividends on longer projects. Any minor inefficiency in our studio process will be magnified when repeated. Time spent waiting to manually move files around adds up quickly, keeping us glued to our editing desk and demanding more attention than we can afford to give.

Last week, I talked about using the Loudness Control utility in Izotope RX 10 Standard as a final step in an automated workflow. Loudness Control is a brilliant “Limiter-like” utility which Izotope has added to RX10, letting you neatly finalize delivery Peak and Loudness values in your audio files. Since Loudness Control is now part of the native feature set, it’s easy to add to the RX Batch Processor.

Since we often use key RX tools like Mouth DeClick or Voice DeNoise within our recording software, many voice actors don’t realize that the RX Standard application has two important workflow tools hanging out under the “Window” menu: Module Chain and Batch Processor. Those are two powerful tools, so it is helpful to take a couple steps back to make sure things will come out the way we expected.

First, we must consistently capture our performances. This is why we try not to switch spaces or modify mic placement when working on a project. It’s the reason we pay attention to input Gain settings (or use something like the new Scarlett 2i2 which has a circuit that does this for us). We want our raw audio to have similar levels and character from one recording session to the next. This lets us apply the same processing to those files.

Second, it’s best to test. Take the time to run samples to confirm that the results are as expected. Then save those settings into Presets so that you don’t have to tweak values on the Effects. When you do this, it locks down the adjustments. This is when you can start building up a Batch Process to run your proven High Pass Filter, EQ, Mouth DeClick, Noise Reduction, Compression, and Limiting. It can then save a WAV and MP3 version for each of the chapters on your audiobook recording project, all while you were out walking the dogs. You can see how a tuned Batch Process becomes a vital tool for efficient voiceover production workflows.

It’s beneficial to ask whether steps can be refined and systematized. Something as simple as modifying a keyboard command can save noticeable wasted effort. If your current workflow is already set up to effectively handle these tasks, there’s no reason to change. As I mentioned, both Adobe Audition and Twisted Wave already have a robust Batch Processor which can be tuned to your specific needs. But if you are currently having to bounce files in and out of multiple applications, the Batch Processor in RX could be an easy way to simplify your steps. At the very least, it will prevent you from waiting around for files to render out of another application which does not support Batch Processing.

Other JustAskJimVO.studio resources on Batch Processing

The Magic Box – Using Racks, Stacks, and Macros in your Voiceover Workflow

Back to The Batch – Optimizing VO Workflow

Life’s a Batch – Using Batch Processing Gives You More Time

Less Wasted Motion – Studio Workflow Efficiency

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