Trusted by Leading Agencies and Broadcasters
80 HERTZ operates two dedicated voice over recording studios at The Sharp Project in Manchester — built for commercial voice over, voice to picture, narration, audiobooks, and broadcast sessions. Our clients include HBO, Audible, Penguin Random House, BBC, NPR, M&C Saatchi, Saatchi & Saatchi, Grey, Leo Burnett, BBH, McCann, VICE, and Hat Trick Productions.
When you book a session at 80 HERTZ, you get an experienced engineer, world-class microphones, and a dedicated runner for client and talent care — all included in the session rate. We handle the technical side so you can focus on the performance.
See our full equipment list and ADR sound stages.
Remote Sessions That Work Every Time
Your producer, director, or agency can be anywhere in the world and still run the session as if they were in the room. We hold two certified Source Connect Pro licences with SessionLink Pro for multi-studio connectivity. We also support Zoom, CleanFeed, ipDTL, Source Nexus, and Teams.
For remote sessions, we provide an HD video feed of the talent via a dedicated iPad, with a separate feed showing production pictures and sound on the same call. Talent can see all participants, and vice versa. We handle all meeting links and connectivity setup ahead of the session. We schedule a line test with the pairing studio 24 hours in advance.
Facilities & Getting Here
We know that when you’re sending talent to a studio they haven’t been to before, you need to know the logistics are sorted.
- Free secure on-site parking with disability access
- Fully wheelchair accessible throughout, including restrooms
- On-site café with hot food and drinks (09:00–13:45 weekdays). Complimentary hot drinks and mineral water throughout sessions
- Public transport: Central Park Metrolink tram stop, 10-minute walk
- Minutes from Manchester city centre — 15 minutes by taxi from Manchester Piccadilly station
Address: 80 HERTZ Studios, The Sharp Project, Thorp Road, Manchester, M40 5BJ
Microphones
We carry one of the best microphone selections of any voice over studio in the UK.
Ancillary
Shure SM7, SM58, SM57, AKG 414, Sony C48
Voice Over
Neumann U87, U67, M49v, U47 FET, TLM 170, Manley Reference Cardioid
Boom
2× Schoeps CMIT 5U, 4× Schoeps CMC6 MK41, Sennheiser MKH 40, MKH 50, MKH 60, MKH 8050, MKH 416
Clip / Lavalier
2× Sanken COS 11D, 2× DPA 6060
Ribbon
AEA R44, R84, Royer R122, Coles 4038, BM9, Beyer M260
Mic Preamps
2× Buzz Audio MA2.2b, DW Fearn VT2, Focusrite ISA, TubeTech CL1B. Full list
Hi-res 96 kHz and 192 kHz options available. 2, 3, or 4 mic simultaneous records possible.
Studio Noise Rating Curve: NR17
Downloadable Specifications
Download our voice over studio specification sheet: VO Specification (PDF).
Booking Terms & Conditions
The following is a summary of key terms. Download full terms and conditions.
Booking & Confirmation
Pencil bookings are held for 5 business days unless otherwise agreed. A session is confirmed on receipt of a Purchase Order or clear written instruction via email. The exchange of project materials (scripts, media files, or session sets) constitutes a binding agreement to our terms.
Cancellation
Pencil bookings may be cancelled without charge. For confirmed sessions: more than 7 business days’ notice receives a full refund or free reschedule; 48 hours to 7 business days’ notice incurs 50% of the session fee; less than 48 hours’ notice or no-show incurs 100% of the session fee.
Payment
Invoices are payable within 14 days (or 30 days for approved account clients). A 50% deposit is required for new clients and bookings exceeding £1,000. All rates are quoted exclusive of VAT.
Confidentiality
We take production security seriously. All project materials, scripts, picture files, talent details, and the existence of sessions are treated as confidential information. Our full confidentiality terms are robust, including 7-year obligations and provisions for encrypted picture file playback via MediaSeal. No press releases or public statements are made without your written approval.
Talent Consents
The client is responsible for obtaining all necessary consents from talent and performers prior to recording, including UK GDPR requirements and any applicable Equity or union agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a remote voice-over session work at 80 Hertz?
The talent attends 80 Hertz Studios in Manchester while the client or director listens and directs remotely via Source Connect Pro, Zoom, or phone patch. 80 Hertz conducts a free comprehensive line test with the pairing studio beforehand. Audio is recorded locally at full broadcast WAV quality, and uncompressed files are delivered via secure FTP after the session, replacing the down-the-line monitor audio.
What microphones are available for voice-over sessions?
80 Hertz has one of the finest microphone collections in the North of England, including multiple Neumann M49v, Neumann U67 valve, Neumann U87, Neumann TLM 170R matched sets, Extinct Audio BM9 ribbon microphones, Schoeps CMC6, and Sennheiser MD441-U. The choice of microphone is selected by the engineer to best suit each voice.
Can I direct a voice-over artist remotely from abroad?
Yes. 80 Hertz connects via Source Connect Pro to any similarly equipped studio or broadcaster worldwide. Zoom and phone patch are also available for clients who do not have Source Connect. The director communicates live with the talent via talkback.
What types of voice-over work does 80 Hertz handle?
80 Hertz records voice-over for commercials, audiobooks, corporate and e-learning narration, animation and gaming character voices, radio and broadcast interviews, and PR recordings. The studios are also used for remote expert interviews for television and radio.
How quiet are the voice-over booths?
80 Hertz voice-over studios are professionally treated with exceptionally low noise floors, specifically designed for voice recording with no echo or unpleasant room tone. All rooms are air-conditioned with silent HVAC systems suitable for broadcast-quality recording.
Is parking available for voice-over sessions?
Yes. Free, secure on-site parking with CCTV is available at The Sharp Project. The studio is also a 5-minute walk from Central Park tram stop on the Oldham line, approximately 10 minutes from Manchester city centre.
Contact
Address
80 HERTZ Studios
The Sharp Project
Thorp Road
Manchester
M40 5BJ