Core Audio Tools: Using Izotope RX in the VO Studio – Tuesday VO Tech Tip

Izotope’s RX continues to be highly useful for cleanup of audio recordings. When voice actors and narrators began taking on more responsibility for processing their audio files, many of us found our way to Izotope RX at the recommendation of audio engineers working in film post-production. Rather than having to bring an actor back to rerecord substandard audio tracks, RX tools allowed for some pretty magical results.

RX might be a bit confusing at first. It helps to think of Izotope RX not as a single audio application, but as a collection of tools which can be implemented if needed. You don’t just “use RX” on audio.You’ll select a specific tool to correct for a particular issue. Because voice actors tend to work in close proximity to sensitive microphones, the first RX tool we reach for is “Mouth DeClick.”

I’ve often stated that “…I’d pay full price tomorrow for Izotope RX just to get the Mouth DeClick tool.” That’s not hyperbole. Those were my exact steps back in the day with RX version 4. Staring down an exceptionally long eLearning project, it was clear that manually editing out mouth clicks was not going to be the answer. I needed a specific, targeted tool.

I happily wrote that “check” (well, technically shared numbers corresponding to digital payment information). I’m not sponsored by Izotope, nor do I receive consideration from them to mention their products. If it didn’t work, I wouldn’t use it. I remain open to any new tools which can be implemented for a more elegant workflow.

Flexibility remains RX’s greatest asset. I can easily implement core RX repair tools within my recording workflow.The RX tools show up as “Plug-Ins” under the Effects menu of Twisted Wave (or Adobe Audition, Audacity, etc.). Accessing the tools as Plug-Ins keeps everything in one place during production or mastering steps. It’s also easy to open RX itself as standalone “mastering” software – using Module Chains and Batch Processing to automate repetitive processes on projects. This provides a clean, one-directional workflow.

Favorite RX Tools

In addition to the always amazing Mouth DeClick module, there are a handful of other tools which I regularly reach for. Note: not all of them appear as plug-ins and may need to be used in the RX app environment.

Voice DeNoise

Significantly better than most “Noise Reduction” tools which are bundled with free software. It has easily understandable controls and a strong algorithm which allows it to effectively reduce many background sounds. It’s had some strong competition in the past year or so from newer approaches, but it remains a solid tool.

Waveform Statistics

Allows a quick check on any audio that is open inside of RX and provides immediate values for Peak and RMS (Loudness). Twisted Wave and Adobe have a similar native tool, but Audacity lacks a native tool that supplies this, and many multi-channel DAW’s force you to render the entire file to this information.

DeEss

Although this is the RX tool most in need of a UI upgrade, it can be nicely adjusted to address common sibilance issues. There are a couple different modes that allow a nicely tuned approach to different situations.

Loudness Control

Gives a fast and effective way to meet Loudness delivery specs. I went into this in detail in a separate resource here on the JustAskJimVO.studio site. As with Waveform Statistics, this appears only within the RX app.

DeReverb

A solid resource for reducing echo with fine adjustments in discrete frequency bands. Similar to the DeEsser, it’s possible to use this tool too aggressively resulting in negative impact upon the voice recording.

Remember to use Presets

All of the above come with “Default” settings that will benefit from refinement and tuning for your specific needs. There’s really no one-size-fits-all if you are looking for the best results.

To RX or Not to RX: The Question of Balance

Even though we have these amazing tools, don’t forget that we usually have the luxury of jumping back in the booth and doing it better. That can always be a simpler and more effective approach when discovering the neighbor’s buzzy weed whacker made it into our recording. It’s important not to discount that option.

Sometimes, the right answer is just that simple.

If you would like to set up a personalized workflow in Izotope RX, please contact me. Or you can reserve a 2 Hour session through my calendar.

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