ADR

Re-recording dialogue to replace poorly captured sound or enhance performance.

What is ADR?

ADR, or Automated Dialogue Replacement, is the process of re-recording dialogue in post-production to replace lines that were captured poorly during production or to adjust performances that didn’t quite hit the mark. It involves bringing actors back into the studio—or patching them in remotely with the director—to re-record their lines. This new recording is then seamlessly integrated into the final project, ensuring that every word sounds fits perfectly within the scene.

Why Do We Do ADR?

There are several reasons we use ADR:

  1. To replace dialogue that was poorly recorded or affected by background noise during production.
  2. To enhance performances by re-recording lines where the actor's delivery needs adjusting.
  3. To add new creative elements, like additional background dialogue or off-screen lines, to enhance a scene's depth.

ADR is typically used after the initial dialogue edit, once any problematic lines have been identified. By capturing clean and precise dialogue, ADR ensures every scene sounds professional and that every performance shines as intended.

When Do You Do ADR?

ADR is usually performed in the post-production phase, following the dialogue editing process. This is usually when it is clear which lines require replacement or enhancement. Timing is critical. Doing ADR after the initial edit allows for a smooth integration of the new recordings, maintaining consistency throughout the film, game, or series.

A fantastic facility and helped us achieve brilliant stereo and 5.1 mixes. 344 came with great ideas but was also sensitive to what we wanted to achieve.

THOM PETTY
DIRECTOR

I could not have asked for better service. Communication was always top notch and timely, and the dedication, patience, enthusiasm and professionalism is unmatched.

AUSTIN KINSER
PRODUCER

What 344 Audio delivered not only met my vision, but it exceeded my expectations and made for an astonishing work of art. My film now has the right audio to compliment the visuals.

tim van mieghem
DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
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Who is ADR For?

ADR is for productions that demand perfection in their dialogue tracks, where the spoken word plays a key role and where every line needs to be pitch-perfect.. It’s for those who understand that crisp, clear dialogue is vital for maintaining the integrity of a scene and delivering a compelling story.

How Does ADR Work?

ADR involves re-recording dialogue using the same microphones that were used on set—both boom and lavalier microphones—to maintain a consistent sound. In our studio, we focus on capturing a natural and authentic performance, ensuring that the new lines blend seamlessly with the original audio. A common challenge with ADR is that it can often sound unnatural or out of place, especially if recorded in tight, acoustically poor environments. At 344, we avoid this pitfall by working closely with filmmakers to create an ADR experience that is not only technically accurate but also rich with the same depth and soul as the original performance. We make sure that the ADR lines sound as if they were always part of the original recording.

Examples of ADR

An example of our ADR work is on the TV series Three Little Birds. We were tasked with re-recording some character lines to match the on-screen performance and atmosphere. By using our specialised techniques and equipment, we ensured that the new dialogue blended seamlessly into the scenes, enhancing both clarity and emotional impact. We have an even more exciting project with a major actor in the pipeline—though we can’t spill the beans just yet, it’s one to watch outfor!