Chapter 9 of 14
Voice Tracking in SAM Broadcaster Pro
Voice tracking lets you record presenter breaks in advance and have SAM play them automatically — giving your station a live, personal feel around the clock.
Table of Contents
Sam broadcaster pro: Opening the Voice-Tracking Panel
- Click Window in the menu bar
- Select Voice-Tracking
Configure Voice-Tracking Settings First
Before recording, configure the Voice-Tracking module:
- Sound capture device — the input device you will record from (your microphone or mixer)
- Preview audio device — the output device that plays audio back to you while recording
Set these in the Voice-Tracking panel settings before attempting your first recording.
Recording a Voice Track
- In the Voice-Tracking panel, click Record to begin recording from your microphone
- Speak your presenter break
- Click to stop recording when finished
- Review your recording
Saving Your Voice Track
After recording, you have three options:
- Quick Queue — saves the voice track with a generic filename and places it immediately in the playback queue
- Store & Queue — lets you give the voice track a custom filename, then adds it to the queue
- Store Only — saves the voice track with a custom filename without adding it to the queue yet
Best Practices
- Record in a quiet environment — background noise is much more noticeable on radio than in conversation
- Keep breaks short — 15 to 30 seconds is typically enough
- Be energetic — match your delivery to your station format
- Avoid mentioning specific times or dates unless you plan to re-record frequently
- Batch record several breaks in one session for efficiency
Voice FX — Live Microphone with Ducking
Separate from Voice-Tracking, SAM Broadcaster Pro includes a Voice FX panel (accessible via Window → Voice FX) for live microphone use. Voice FX automatically ducks the music volume while you speak and restores it when you stop, giving a professional presenter effect in real time.
Recording Tips and Techniques
Effective voice tracking requires more than just recording your words; it involves mastering several techniques to ensure a professional sound quality. Start by testing your microphone levels in a quiet room to avoid unwanted noise like echoes or background sounds that can distract listeners. Use headphones to monitor the audio feed while speaking, allowing you to adjust your volume and tone accordingly for better clarity.
Consider using a pop filter placed directly in front of your mic to reduce plosives—those sharp bursts of air that occur when pronouncing certain consonants like “P” or “T.” Also, practice pacing yourself during recordings; speak at a moderate pace without rushing, which helps listeners better absorb information.
Remember to periodically check your recording files in SAM Broadcaster Pro’s media library. This ensures there are no issues such as silence at the start or end of tracks that could disrupt playback.
Advanced Voice-Tracking Scenarios
SAM Broadcaster Pro allows for sophisticated voice-tracking setups beyond basic recordings. For instance, you can automate the sequencing of multiple voice-tracked breaks throughout your show to maintain listener engagement over extended periods. This feature is particularly useful when creating dynamic content schedules that automatically switch between different types of presentations.
Another advanced scenario involves integrating voice tracks with station identifications or call signs at specific intervals within a playlist. By programming these elements, you enhance the professional feel and consistency of your broadcasts across various formats.
Integrating Voice Tracks with Other SAM Features
Leverage SAM Broadcaster Pro’s versatility by combining voice tracks with other features like event scheduling for seamless transitions during live events or planned segments. For example, schedule voice-tracked intros and outros at regular intervals to maintain a cohesive flow.
Furthermore, utilize the software’s automatic playlist generation alongside your voice recordings to create comprehensive shows that blend music and spoken content effortlessly. This integration ensures listeners experience an engaging mix of both elements throughout their listening sessions.