Voice-tracking facts for kids
Voice-tracking is a cool trick some radio stations use to make it sound like a disc jockey (DJ) is live in the studio, even when they're not! It's like a magic show for your ears.
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How Voice-Tracking Works
Voice-tracking is when a DJ records their talking parts for a radio show ahead of time. Imagine a DJ recording all their greetings, song introductions, and goodbyes in one go. These recorded voice clips are then mixed with music, commercials, and other sounds. When you listen, it sounds just like a live show!
Radio stations often use voice-tracking during nights, weekends, and holidays. It helps them save money because they don't need a DJ physically in the studio all the time.
Why Stations Use Voice-Tracking
Voice-tracking helps DJs and radio stations in many ways.
More Time for Other Jobs
Sometimes, a DJ might also have another important job at the radio station, like being a program director or a general manager. Voice-tracking lets them record a three-hour radio show in less than 30 minutes. This frees up their time to do office work and other tasks.
Being on Air More Often
A popular DJ who hosts a live show during the week can record parts for a Saturday show. This means they can be on the air six days a week without spending extra hours at the station. It's a smart way to let more people hear their favorite DJs.
Holiday Help
Voice-tracking is super helpful during holidays like Christmas or Easter. DJs can record their shows before the holiday, so they can spend time with their families. The station still sounds lively, and listeners get to enjoy their favorite shows.
Following the Rules: Formatics
Radio stations have special rules for their DJs about when and how they can talk. These rules are called formatics. They help keep the show flowing smoothly.
Here are some examples of rules a DJ might follow:
- DJs might need to announce the names of the last three songs and their artists before playing commercials. This is called "backselling."
- They might have to play a pre-recorded weather forecast at a specific time, like 44 minutes past the hour.
- DJs are often allowed to talk only over the instrumental part of a song's beginning. This means they stop talking before the singing starts.
Take a look at this picture to see an example of a DJ talking over the music:
When one song ends and the next one begins, the DJ waits for the second song to start. They then talk over the music's introduction and stop just before the main singing or vocals begin.
Images for kids
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An old-fashioned system that helped with voice-tracking. Today, computers do all of this!
