What is Voice-tracking?
{{no sources|date=August 2014}} '''Voice-tracking''' is a technique used by some [[radio station]]s in radio broadcasting to make an illusion of a live [[disc jockey]] or announcer sitting in the studios of the radio station when one is actually not in the station. ==Background== '''Voice-tracking''' refers to the process of a disc jockey prerecording the parts when they speak on the radio. It is then mixed with songs, commercials and other elements to make it sound like a live air shift. Voice-tracking is mostly used in radio stations, especially during the night, overnight, weekend, and holiday time periods. Most radio stations also use it as a way to save money instead of having disc jockeys around the clock. ==Variations== Sometimes, voice-tracking is done so that people can do other jobs. For example, a DJ may also have a job as a program director or general manager. Voice-tracking allows that person to record a three-hour shift in less than a half-hour, leaving him or her time to do office work. A popular live weekday morning radio host can record parts for a Saturday show, allowing him or her to be on the air six days a week without spending more time at the station. It is also helpful during holidays such as [[Christmas]] or [[Easter]], when people are off spending time with their families. ==Formatics== Different radio stations want their DJs to speak only at certain times. Here is an example: * At example station ZZZZ, the DJs have to follow certain rules. These rules are called '''formatics'''. * DJs have to backsell (or give the name and artist of a song that already played) three songs before playing commercials at 22 minutes past the hour. * DJs have to read or play a pre-recorded weather forecast at 44 minutes past the hour. * DJs are allowed to speak only over the instrumental part of the song at the beginning. (As shown below) As an example, see the picture below:<br> [[Image:Voicetrack talkover example.svg]] As one song ends, the next song begins. At this point, the DJ doesn't start ta