What Makes a Great ADR Session?

In the world of film and television, Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR) is a well-known post-production tool. But in corporate video production, it's still something of a mystery. When done right, ADR can be the difference between a polished, professional result and something that feels off—even if the viewer can’t quite say why.

At Kore Sounds, we specialise in delivering seamless ADR sessions that enhance clarity, correct technical issues, and elevate overall production value. Whether you’re a brand agency, internal comms team, or content producer, here’s everything you need to know about what makes an ADR session great—and how to get the most out of yours.

What Is ADR?

ADR, or Automated Dialogue Replacement, is the process of re-recording dialogue in a controlled studio environment after filming. It allows you to:

  • Replace noisy or unclear on-set audio

  • Modify line delivery for clarity or tone

  • Record alternate language versions or localisation

  • Update corporate messaging without reshooting

ADR is used in feature films, TV series, commercials, branded content, explainer videos, and more.

In corporate video, ADR is especially valuable for:

  • Interviews shot in noisy environments

  • Updating scripts post-shoot

  • Recording voiceover for animated explainers

  • Enhancing clarity for international audiences

You can learn more about our ADR recording services here.

1. Clarity from the Start: Setting Expectations

A successful ADR session starts with planning. Whether you're working with talent or a sound engineer, clarity upfront saves time and ensures quality.

What to provide before the session:

  • A script with marked sections needing replacement

  • Timecode references or cue points

  • A reference video with scratch audio

  • Notes on tone, energy, and delivery style

The more precise your prep, the more efficient the session.

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2. Prepped Talent Makes a Huge Difference

Even the best mic won't save a take if the performer isn't aligned with your creative intent.

Here’s how to prep your voice talent:

  • Share the final script at least 24 hours in advance

  • Provide video cues or reference lines

  • Explain pacing, tone, and context

  • Confirm pronunciation for technical terms or branded language

For corporate speakers (e.g., CEOs or clients), a short warm-up session can help them feel comfortable in the booth and avoid re-takes.

Pro tip: For internal comms videos, consider using a trained voiceover artist to match tone and polish, even if the original speaker was in-house. We also offer voiceover services tailored to brand and tone.

3. The Right Tools & Environment

A great ADR studio will:

  • Use high-quality microphones that match the original on-set sound

  • Provide real-time visual sync tools (like Source-Connect or Voxtent)

  • Offer flexible session formats: in-studio, remote, or hybrid

  • Run DAWs (digital audio workstations) tailored for ADR workflows (e.g., Pro Tools, Nuendo)

At Kore Sounds, we integrate live direction via Zoom or Google Meet with remote voice sessions so creative teams can give real-time feedback without being physically present.

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4. Balance Performance and Precision

ADR is more than just re-recording lines—it’s performance, precision, and technical alignment.

Our engineers are trained to:

  • Match mic distance and vocal tone

  • Sync dialogue perfectly with on-screen lip movement

  • Maintain emotional continuity with the original scene

  • Flag or fix inconsistencies in pacing, breath, or emphasis

For corporate content, this means no awkward cuts, rushed deliveries, or robotic reads. The goal is seamless clarity, not sterile perfection.

5. Efficient Post-Session Workflow

When the session wraps, the real value is in how quickly and cleanly the files come back to your editor.

You should expect:

  • Clearly labelled WAV files, synced and trimmed

  • Matching sample rate/bit depth (usually 48kHz/24-bit)

  • Option to receive multiple takes for flexibility

  • Fast file delivery via cloud links (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.)

Bonus: We can also provide session notes, cue logs, or alternate takes upon request. We often work closely with editors—our post-production audio support can save hours in your timeline.

Corporate ADR Use Cases

Still wondering where ADR fits in your production? Here are a few common use cases we see with clients:

  • Brand video clarity: Clean up a noisy on-location brand shoot for international release.

  • Product demo updates: Replace key lines when product specs change without a full reshoot.

  • Multilingual content: Record ADR in multiple languages with consistent pacing and tone.

  • Legal compliance: Edit or replace audio for regulatory reasons after the fact.

Explore examples of this in action on our case studies page.

FAQ: Common ADR Questions from Corporate Teams

Can you do ADR remotely? Yes—we offer full remote ADR sessions with high-fidelity audio and real-time direction via Zoom, Source-Connect, or Cleanfeed.

How long does a session take? It depends on the number of lines. A 30-minute video with 10–15 cue points usually takes about 1.5 hours in studio.

Does ADR always match exactly? That’s the goal. We work hard to ensure seamless sync, but sometimes adjustments are needed in edit for exact match depending on original performance.

Can we ADR a Zoom interview? Absolutely. Many clients upgrade recorded calls by having speakers re-record key parts in better quality.

Final Thought: ADR Is More Than a Fix—It's an Upgrade

In today’s content-saturated world, audio quality sets brands apart. ADR isn’t just a technical fix; it’s a way to elevate your content to professional standards.

Whether you’re creating content for web, internal teams, or broadcast, a smooth ADR process ensures your message lands clearly, confidently, and without distraction.

Ready to book an ADR session? Reach out to us at info@koresounds.co.uk or learn more at www.koresounds.co.uk.

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How to Prep Audio Assets for a Smooth VoiceOver or ADR Session

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The Power of Sound Design in Advertising: Making Your Ad Unforgettable