23 Jul 2026
4 min read
A phone voice only stands out when it is distracting. How do you choose the right voice for your phone system? What should you consider during recording?
Recording phone menus is a very specific branch of our profession. In the recording studio, we don't just focus on word pronunciation, but especially on rhythm and breathing space. A voice actor records an option menu very differently from a radio commercial.
A phone voice is like an attentive host in a restaurant. You don't consciously notice them as they take your coat and guide you to your table, but if they seem rushed or cold, you immediately feel less welcome.
During recording, we refine small details that you, as a listener, only perceive unconsciously:
Many companies initially ask a colleague with a pleasant voice to record messages. That sounds logical, but in the long run, it often gets stuck.
A professional voice actor brings continuity. If a new menu option is added or opening hours change in six months, a professional voice can deliver the exact same tone, microphone distance, and dynamics. With your own employee who moves, changes roles, or uses a different microphone, you immediately hear a disruptive difference in quality.
What's more, professional voices have the right recording equipment to provide noise-free files that sound clear on any phone system. For example, our voice actor Marilyn sounds naturally dynamic with a smile in French (BE), while Katie delivers a calm and reliable British tone for international callers.
The voice tone should match what your caller needs at that moment. A medical practice requires an empathetic and calm approach, while a creative agency can sound a bit livelier.
As a voice director, I always share one important insight from our recording sessions:
Director's Tip: Ask the voice actor to record the phone message with a slight, physical smile and extra breathing space between sentences. Phone lines cut out the highest and lowest frequencies of sound. By consciously allowing a bit more pause between sentences, the menu remains perfectly understandable and warm even on a noisy mobile connection.
Because every phone system is structured differently, we don't work with fixed standard packages but with custom rates. The number of words, the number of individual audio files, and any multilingual variations determine the final price.A brief welcome message and an out-of-hours announcement take less processing time than an extensive menu with dozens of options. You always receive a clear, bespoke quote for your project beforehand. Our customers appreciate these clear agreements and fast delivery. Arnold, for example, told us that after a forgotten correction to his company name, he received the updated audio files promptly the very next day.
Good script preparation saves a lot of time and prevents pronunciation misunderstandings.
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Most phone messages are professionally recorded and delivered within 24 to 48 hours. For urgent changes, we can often deliver even faster after a quick discussion.
You will find 94 professional voices on our platform. They record in native languages including Flemish, Dutch, French, French (BE), English, German, Italian, and Spanish. For example, our voice artist Darren has an authentic neutral British accent and also records French for telephony.
Yes, you can listen to how a voice sounds via the demos on our platform. This way, you immediately hear if a voice has the right appeal for your organisation.
Do you want to prevent callers from hanging up on a cold or messy phone menu? See how we can help you record your phone menu and let us advise you on the right voice for your system. We are happy to discuss your specific needs personally.
Short and to the point. Click to see the answer.
Can you help me choose the right medium or a buy-out?
How do quotes work, what is a buyout, and how do I choose the right medium?
What is the difference between a business video and a radio or TV commercial through Voices?
I'm looking for the right voice for my video, explainer, or commercial. Where should I start?
How does online learning work at Voices Academy?
You take 15 lessons with video, assignments, and practice materials at your own pace. You receive personal feedback on your submitted recordings.
Start at /academy/; practical questions are answered on this FAQ or via Academy contact.
How do I register for a Studio workshop?
Choose your workshop at /studio/, check dates and levels, and register online. After payment, you will receive practical information about the location, materials, and what to expect.
Unsure about your level? Please contact us via Studio contact.
How do I order a phone message?
Pick a voice you like for your phone system. Enter your texts. You can also use our simple text generator. Add hold music if you want. Within 3 days at most, you receive the finished audio files.
What is the difference between a demo recording and a workshop?
Do I need my own home studio?
A quiet space and a basic microphone are enough to get started. In the course, you'll learn what you need for broadcast-quality at home.
You can book professional recordings for clients later via Voices showcase; rates are on /tarieven/.
How does ordering work?
Short definitions that help you decide faster.
A Flemish voice-over is a professional recording recorded in Belgian Dutch with a recognisable Flemish accent and intonation. Producers opt for Flemish when they want a familiar, local tone for the Belgian market or are seeking an authentic Belgian character in international productions.
Flemish differs from Dutch spoken in the Netherlands in terms of vowels, intonation and word choice. Belgian advertisers almost always use Flemish voices for local adverts; international clients book a Flemish voice-over for scenes featuring Belgian characters or a subtle European accent in English-language productions.
A temporary, rough recording — often recorded by the director, editor, or the client themselves — that serves as a timing reference for the final voice actor.
The scratch track is not final audio. It is used to finalise the animation or edit before the real voice-over arrives.
Not every telephone system or medium is the same. That is why Voices.be delivers your recording in three specific formats by default:
By providing these three formats, we guarantee that your message will sound crystal clear on every device.
A voice-over project with a media buy-out: TV, radio, Spotify ads, YouTube pre-rolls or sponsored social media.
The rate consists of two parts: BSF (the recording) and the buy-out (the usage rights per medium and term). You will find both amounts listed separately in our quote.
Peace and relaxation means consciously slowing down: fewer stimuli, gentler breathing and space to let go of tension. It forms the basis of every Ademing session on voices.be.
A pickup is a small re-recording of a specific part of your script, for example, because the text has changed or a name needs to be pronounced differently.
Thanks to your personal vault at Voices.be, arranging pickups is very simple:
This ensures your communication always stays up-to-date without having to start from scratch every time.
“Request submitted and they review the text again, making some adjustments where necessary. If there's any detail the client finds a bit difficult in the produced audio, they resolve it very quickly and create a new audio on the same day. Highly recommended and very professional service now. Top! I was assisted and recorded by Johfrah.”
Kevin De Nil
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Listen to a selection of voice actors and find the right voice for your project.
“Voices.be is highly recommended for voice-overs in various languages. A professional company with pleasant communication, quick responses, and overall top-notch service. Look no further.”
Anastasia Van der Maas
“If you are looking for a reliable supplier, Voices.Be is definitely a recommendation! Our experience was top-notch - fast delivery, excellent quality, and it gives our company a professional appearance.”
Jelle Kerfs
