Getting Comfortable with Patched Voice Over Sessions

I’ve said it before, and I’ll stand by it today: the best thing ever is when a client wants to patch in on a recording session.

For newer voice actors, that can sound a little intimidating. But truly, it gives you such a leg up! You don’t have to guess what the client wants. They’ll tell you right there in real time. And that feedback makes you better with every session.

From your voice over home studio, there are several great options to make your setup “patchable,” but each comes with its own quirks and prep work. The key? Test before the session. Nothing derails momentum faster than fumbling through setup when the client’s ready to roll.

Source-Connect: The Industry Standard

Far and away, agents and casting directors prefer you connect via Source-Connect (Standard or Pro), not Source-Connect Now.

• Source-Connect (Standard/Pro) uses uncompressed, broadcast-quality audio that transmits directly to the client or engineer’s DAW. It’s like being virtually patched into a professional studio from your booth. The gold standard for remote voice over recording. It also integrates beautifully with most DAWs, allowing engineers to record directly on their end.

• Source-Connect Now is browser-based and much more compressed. It’s fine for auditions, practice reads, or light client check-ins, but not suitable for broadcast-quality voice over sessions.
  

Both versions offer playback, which is fantastic for confirming “hero takes.” And the fees aren’t bad at all: Source-Connect Standard is about $335/year, while Pro/Studio versions start at $105/month. They even offer a 2-day license which is perfect for short-term gigs or travel setups.

A heads-up: Source-Connect requires some back-end setup, so plan to configure and test the day before. Use their built-in Echo/Test channel to ensure your connection’s rock-solid.

ipDTL: Versatile and Browser-Based

Another excellent option is ipDTL. It allows both client recording and playback, making it ideal for voice over, interviews, and podcasts alike. Pricing starts at $15/month, with upgrades for phone patching or even ISDN compatibility - handy for those “old school” studios still running ISDN boxes.

ipDTL relies on browsers that support WebRTC protocol (Chrome, Edge, Opera, Yandex). Safari, unfortunately, doesn’t play as nicely. If you run into issues, ipDTL offers its own optimized browser for Mac and Windows users and it's a lifesaver when time is tight.

SessionLinkPRO: A Hidden Gem

One platform we don’t hear about much in the U.S., yet, is SessionLinkPRO. I recently logged into a producer’s account and was blown away by how seamless it was.

It’s already popular in the UK and allows for both real-time playback and recording. For about $228 annually, it supports Chrome browsers, integrates with your DAW, and even includes video streaming and embedded timecode. It’s well worth exploring if you’re setting up for remote client-directed voice over sessions.

Zoom, Teams, and Meet: Common, but Limited

Of course, the everyday tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet are accessible and familiar. They’re great for direction and quick reviews, but keep in mind they don’t offer the same fidelity or reliability as Source-Connect or ipDTL. You'll definitely record on your end and sent the audio to the client for editing.

If your client requests playback functionality, look for the “Share system audio” or “Share computer sound” option when screen sharing. And for clean, high-fidelity playback from your DAW, you’ll likely need virtual audio drivers. They route your recording software’s output through your meeting platform, a small but essential step for professional sound.

And Don’t Forget Phone Patch

When all else fails, good old Phone Patch still gets the job done. I use a Google Voice number, and it’s a solid backup when a client simply wants to listen in. Have them mute during the actual recording, and you’re good to go. No mute, and their sneeze will be featured prominently!

It won’t deliver studio-quality audio like Source-Connect or ipDTL, but when the clock’s ticking and the spot’s due, sometimes simple wins.

Set Yourself Up for Success

Whether you’re using Source-Connect for voice over, ipDTL, or exploring SessionLinkPRO, the goal is the same: to make collaboration effortless and sound exceptional.

These tools bridge the gap between your booth and your client’s studio, helping you deliver polished, directed reads no matter where you are. So test your setup, get comfortable with your patching options, and when the script happens, you’ll be ready.