Voice-tracking facts for kids

Voice-tracking is a technique used by some radio stations in radio broadcasting to make an illusion of a live disc jockey or announcer sitting in the studios of the radio station when one is actually not in the station.

Background

Voice-tracking refers to the process of a disc jockey prerecording the parts when they speak on the radio. It is then mixed with songs, commercials and other elements to make it sound like a live air shift. Voice-tracking is mostly used in radio stations, especially during the night, overnight, weekend, and holiday time periods. Most radio stations also use it as a way to save money instead of having disc jockeys around the clock.

Variations

Sometimes, voice-tracking is done so that people can do other jobs. For example, a DJ may also have a job as a program director or general manager. Voice-tracking allows that person to record a three-hour shift in less than a half-hour, leaving him or her time to do office work. A popular live weekday morning radio host can record parts for a Saturday show, allowing him or her to be on the air six days a week without spending more time at the station. It is also helpful during holidays such as Christmas or Easter, when people are off spending time with their families.

Formatics

Different radio stations want their DJs to speak only at certain times. Here is an example:

• At example station ZZZZ, the DJs have to follow certain rules. These rules are called formatics.

• DJs have to backsell (or give the name and artist of a song that already played) three songs before playing commercials at 22 minutes past the hour.

• DJs have to read or play a pre-recorded weather forecast at 44 minutes past the hour.

• DJs are allowed to speak only over the instrumental part of the song at the beginning. (As shown below)

As an example, see the picture below:

As one song ends, the next song begins. At this point, the DJ doesn't start talking until the second song starts and he stops at the point where the song's vocals start.

Images for kids

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  An old-fashioned automation system capable of voice-tracking. Contemporary systems are entirely computer-based.