[James]

I am also new to the game, but not so net to computers and sound editing. These are my settings I use in audacity and they are readily available online as well.

On my setup, the mic input stays at about 75% to 80%, this keeps the noise floor low. My current “booth” isn’t fully sound insulated just yet so my noise floor stays about 55db, my aim is 60db.

-Sample rate:
Set the sample rate to 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz. These are the standard
sample rates for most voice over work, and they provide a good
balance between audio quality and file size.

-Bit depth:
Choose a 16-bit or 24-bit depth. A higher bit depth provides a
more accurate representation of the audio signal but also increases
the file size. For most voice over projects, 16-bit depth is sufficient.

-Channels:
Select the “Mono” option. Voice over recordings are typically in
mono, as it results in smaller file sizes and is easier to work
with in post-production.

-Use a pop filter:
A pop filter will help reduce plosive sounds (such as “p” and “b”
sounds) and improve the overall clarity of your voice over recordings.

-Proper microphone technique:
Make sure to maintain a consistent distance of about 6-8 inches
from the microphone and speak at a slight angle to avoid direct
breath noise.

-Normalize:
Normalize all your audio to -3.

-Noise removal:
You can get the noise profile from a non speaking part of the audio.
Open noise reduction again and …
Set -Noise reduction DB is 12. or for more agressive, 29
Set -Sensitivity is 6
Set -Frequency Smoothing is 3

-Equalization
Applying equalization (EQ) can help enhance the clarity
and presence of your voice over recordings. Here’s a
simple EQ technique in Audacity:

-Select the entire recording (Ctrl + A).
-Go to Effect > Filter Curve EQ.
-Choose a preset like “AM Radio” or “Bass Cut,” or create
your own custom curve by adding points and adjusting their
position on the graph.
-Click “Preview” to listen to the effect and make
adjustments if necessary. Click “OK” when you’re satisfied
with the results.

-Compression
Compression is another important tool in voice over
production, as it helps to balance the volume levels and
gives your voice a more consistent and polished sound.
Follow these steps to apply compression in Audacity:

Select the entire recording (Ctrl + A).
Go to Effect > Compressor.
Adjust the settings as needed. A good starting point is
to set the
“Threshold” to -18 dB
“Ratio” to 4:1 or 3:1
“Attack Time” to 0.10 or .20 seconds
“Release Time” to 1.0 seconds
Check the “Make-up gain for 0 dB after compressing” option
to automatically increase the overall volume after compression.
Click “Preview” to listen to the effect and make adjustments
if necessary. Click “OK” when you’re satisfied with the results.