How to Achieve the Telephone Effect in a Recording Studio

Introduction: Hello! We have all heard the telephone effect on recordings. Even though it's not without criticism, it does have it's place and knowing how to get this effect can prove to be valuable. Fortunately, it is also very easy to get this kind of sound. I will show you how. Let's go over why a telephone sounds the way it does.

First, a telephone circuit usually has a maximum bandwidth of three hundred Hz to three thousand Hz. That, generally, will get you a generic telephone effect. However, using your ear can wield a very specific kind of telephone effect that you yourself created and can be your signature. Try moving the high end of three thousand lower or higher. Note the differences in sound. Do the same with the low end and also note the differences in sound. You may notice that the amount of low end can often change the perception of the audio's distance to the ear.

Usually, the kind of EQ filter used for achieving the telephone effect is a band-pass filter. But feel free to experiment and use your ear, as you can achieve the telephone effect with other filters as well. When applying the telephone effect to the human voice, you should general focus on the low end of the EQ spectrum. Cutting off a male voice too high can make it sound too tinny, and cutting off a female voice too low can make it sound too realistic and not telephone like.

The idea is very simple. The reason a telephone effect sounds the way it does includes two reasons. One, a EQ unit is used to cut certain frequencies out of the frequency spectrum. Two, a compressor is used to restrict the volume level of your audio as telephone do not usually have a very dynamic sound.

Step One: Let us start with the EQ part. Midrange, midrange, midrange. That is what you primarily need to use to achieve this effect. So, do your best to cut out all the bass you can first. Reduce or eliminate everything under four hundred fifty Hz as best as you can. Use multiple bands if you have to. Following this, reduce or eliminate everything over two thousand Hz. Once again, multiple bands are fine if you need to use them.

Step Two: Compression is the next step. You will want it after the EQ in your signal chain. It needs to have a very very fast attack. The maximum attack setting will do fine. The ratio needs to be solid as well, 4 to 1 is a really good place to start. Manipulate this parameter to your tastes.

Final: That is it! If you desire some extra plug ins to add some zest to your tone, Izotope Vinyl or any other distortion plugin can provide some interesting tonal possibilities.