Written by Nigel G. Kettle
At Kettle Media Concepts, we are often asked about the differences between standard voice-over, dubbing, and UN-style dubbing. Each of these techniques has its unique applications, advantages, and challenges. In this article, we will cover the basics of each method to help you understand their distinct characteristics.

VOICE-OVER
Voice-over is a broad term for adding recorded voice to an audio track. It is typically used to explain visual content and provide additional information and explanations in videos. Voice-over is commonly found in documentaries, advertisements, and corporate and instructional videos. The key aspect of voice-over is often to enhance the original audio without replacing it. Voice-over is the overarching element that ties all the options mentioned below together.
DUBBING
Dubbing involves replacing one voice recording with another in a scene. This technique is often used in movies and TV shows to correct errors, improve audio quality, or translate dialogue into a different language.
Dubbing for Correction
Sometimes, during a film or TV show production, the original audio may have issues such as background noise or mispronunciations. In such cases, the actors are brought into a VO studio to re-record their lines and then sync them with their lips or visuals. Although the ambiance may differ, careful mixing ensures a seamless integration.
Foreign Language Dubbing
Dubbing is also used to replace the original language with another, such as translating Spanish dialogue into English for the American market. This process is meticulous, as it requires fitting the new language within the timing of the original dialogue. Script editing is often necessary to help match the lip movements and ensure natural-sounding dialogue. However, doing right is a very slow, costly process that requires real actors. Hence, you constantly see an abundance of poor-quality dubbing on foreign TV shows. Good, precise dubbing is very time-consuming and is reserved for big-budget shows, which can afford the cost of good actors and extended studio time. Most low-budget shows use voice-over talents with minimal acting skills. So, yes, the next time you see lousy lip-syncing in your favorite show, remember it is due to low budget and time constraints.
UN-Style Dubbing
As the name implies, UN-style dubbing mimics what you hear during the UN assembly, where you have live interpreters translating what the speaker says in real-time. This style of VO is commonly seen in documentaries and corporate videos. It involves lowering the volume of the original speaker's audio and overlaying the translation. This method allows the viewer to hear the original language for a few seconds before the translation takes over. UN-style dubbing is faster and more cost effective than traditional dubbing and does not require professional actors. A regular VO talent or very proficient reader will do just fine, as the emphasis is on clarity and accuracy rather than an emotional performance.
In summary, the choice between voice-over, dubbing, and UN-style dubbing depends on the project's requirements, budget, and desired outcome. Voice-over adds supplementary information. Dubbing replaces the original audio for error correction or language translation. UN-style dubbing provides a quick and efficient way to present translated content while retaining some original audio. Understanding these differences will help you make informed decisions for your audio and video projects.
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