Audio translation and localisation services

With offices in the UK, the USA, contact Adelphi in the US on 916 414 8714, email us@adelphistudio.com or our UK office on +44 (0)114 272 3772, or email sales@adelphistudio.com

Translations and Transcriptions

Subtitling translations – Adelphi creates SRT files in any over 100 languages, transcribing the source video and then creating the translated SRT files for subtitling. Some clients require only the SRT file to produce their own subtitles, others want us to create the finished video for them.

Voice-over translations – Voice-over translations often have to be restricted to fit the same time-scale as the original otherwise the voice-artist may have to speak faster to make it fit. If the voice-over is going to be used over a video of a different language, then the voice-over translation may include time-codes to help the voice-artist and engineer sync up the voice to the video.

Look at our audio translation and audio transcription pages to find out more.

Voice-overs in 75 Languages

With over 1,000 foreign language voice artists on our books in over 75 languages, we have more voice samples to choose from than many other voice agencies. We have a great range of voice-over artists to suit any project. From Arabic to Yoruba we have the voice artists to suit your production and budget. We also have a great selection of English accented voice artists to choose from. What makes Adelphi unique as a voice-over agency is our offering of two levels of voice artists, Professional and Standard.

Find out more about our voice-over services and choose your perfect voice artist.

Voice-overs in 18 Languages for Best Western

Subtitling Services

As a leading foreign language subtitling company, our service includes the production of both open and closed caption subtitles in over 80 languages. We have an established reputation for producing media in languages with complex scripts like Lao, Hindi, Japanese, Bengali, and Burmese and we can also handle right-to-left languages such as Arabic, Urdu, and Farsi. We have a multimedia solution for potentially any language – just ask.

See examples of our subtitling services in over 80 languages.

On-screen Text and Motion Graphics

Adelphi Studio offers complex on-screen text localization with the ability to match almost any form of On-screen text (OST). Using the latest industry standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Premier, Final Cut Pro etc. Adelphi can replicate and reproduce OST that other subtitling and voice-over agency’s struggle to contend with. Adelphi studio has its own in-house graphics department that can localize text in most graphics and in over 120 languages. The problems occur when text has been placed over a complex background and the original layered files are not available. This makes the removal of the original text difficult and time-consuming and in some cases impossible. Ideally we would need the original artwork in these cases, otherwise, the end result might not be up to the standard required.

See on-screen text and motion graphics samples.

Animation Localisation

Click on video to play

 

Video and Multimedia Localization Services

Adelphi Studio is a world leading Video and Multimedia Localization agency offering translations, voice-overs, subtitling and on-screen text and motion graphics localization in over 100 languages.

We have offices in the UK, the USA, contact Adelphi in the US on 916 414 8714, email us@adelphistudio.com or our UK office on +44 (0)114 272 3772, or email sales@adelphistudio.com

Translations and Transcriptions

For subtitling translations, Adelphi produces SRT files in any language, including making transcriptions of the source video before they are translated to create SRT files for subtitling. Some clients want only the SRT file so that they can produce their own subtitles while others want us to provide the finished video for them.

Voice-over translations are a more specialist area when compared to standard translations. Voice-over translations must be restricted to fit the same time-slot as the original otherwise the voice-artist may have to speak faster to make it fit. If the voice-over is going to be used over a video of a different language, then the voice-over translation may include time-codes to help the voice-artist and engineer sync up the voice to the video.

Take a look at our audio translation and audio transcription pages to find out more.

Foreign Language Voice-overs

We have over 1,000 foreign language voice artists on our books in over 75 languages. With more voice samples to choose from than many other voice agencies, we have a great range of voice-over artists to suit any project. From Arabic to Welsh we have the voice artists to suit your production and budget. We also have a great selection of English accented voice artists to choose from.

Find out more about our voice-over services and choose your perfect voice artist.

Voice-overs in 18 Languages for Best Western

Subtitling Services

As a leading foreign language subtitling company, our service includes the production of both open and closed caption subtitles in over 80 languages. We supply everything from the transcription of the original video, time-coding, translation of the transcribed text, SRT creation, through to the final subtitled video. We have an established reputation for producing media in languages with complex scripts like Lao, Hindi, Japanese, Bengali, and Burmese and we can also handle right-to-left languages such as Arabic, Urdu, and Farsi. We have a multimedia solution for potentially any language – just ask.

See examples of our subtitling services in over 80 languages.

On-screen Text and Motion Graphics

On-screen text localization is required when making either subtitles or voice-overs in a language other than the original on the video. There are many instances of text appearing on videos, some of these are part of the editing package and these can be changed by a trained engineer, however, some on-screen text is placed as graphics or part of the actual footage. Depending on the complexity and how the original text was produced we may require the data package it was made in.

See on-screen text and motion graphics samples.

Animation Localisation

Click on video to play

 

Foreign Language Voice Artists

Foreign Language voice artist selection made easy

1, First choose your language
2, Filter the level of professional experience, dialect. and gender.
4, Click the + to add voices to favorites and these will automatically be included in your quote request.
5, Fill out the rest of the form and we will get back to you with a quote.

Please Select Language:
Male
Female
Clear

A recent project for Best Western Hotels in 18 languages

It was also recorded in Danish, Dutch, English UK, Finnish, Japanese, German, Greek, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Russian, Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese and Korean. Here are just a few examples.

  • Turkish

    18 language voice-over for Best western

  • Japanese

    18 language voice-over for Best western

  • Russian

    18 language voice-over for Best western

  • Norwegian

    18 language voice-over for Best western

  • German

    18 language voice-over for Best western

As well as Foreign Language Voice-overs Adelphi also offer: 

Accented English Voice Artists

Accented English voice-overs

Our range of foreign-accented English voice-over artists at Adelphi Studio provide you with high-quality recordings for your Film, TV, web or DVD projects. We can sync the recorded accented English voice back into your video making it ready to publish. Adelphi offers two levels of voice-over artists to match any level of recording you require: Professional and Standard. Our Professional accented English voice artists record in their own facilities.

Select your accented English voice artist here.

Voice-Over Translations and Transcriptions

voice-over services

Voice-over translations are a more specialist area when compared to standard translations. Voice-over translations must be restricted to fit the same time-slot as the original otherwise the voice-artist may have to speak faster to make it fit. If the voice-over is going to be used over a video of a different language, then the voice-over translation may include time-codes to help the voice-artist and engineer sync up the voice to the video.

The style of translation is important for voice-overs and should reflect the genre, e.g. if it is for marketing, public information, drama etc. The audio translator will have a copy of the video as a reference and is instructed to translate using a style to match the source material. All our translators have signed an NDA (none disclosure agreement).

Take a look at our audio translation and audio transcription pages to find out more.

Subtitle Translation and Localisation

subtitling in 80 languages

We have an established reputation for producing subtitles in languages with complex scripts like Lao, Hindi, Japanese, Bengali, and Burmese and we can also handle right-to-left languages such as Arabic, Urdu and Farsi. We have a multimedia solution for potentially any language – just ask.

See examples of our subtitling services in over 80 languages.

On-screen Text and Motion Graphics Localisation

on-screen text localisation

On-screen text localization and motion graphics are required when making either subtitles or voice-overs in a language other than the original on the video. There are many instances of text appearing on videos, some of these are part of the editing package and these can be changed by a trained engineer, however, some on-screen text is placed as graphics or part of the actual footage. Depending on the complexity and how the original text was produced we may require the data package it was made in.

See on-screen text and motion graphics samples.

on-screen text localisation samples

Adelphi Studio offer a dedicated, localisation service for motion graphics and 2D animation. Using industry standard software such as Adobe After Effects, our experienced team of studio animators and designers can localise your motion graphics or animations directly from the project files.

Motion graphics localisation – in any language

Adelphi Studio offers a dedicated, localization service for motion graphics and 2D animation. Using industry standard software such as Adobe After Effects, our experienced team of studio animators and designers can localize your motion graphics or animations directly from the project files.

Animation Localisation
Click on the video to play

Our tech-savvy team has years of experience producing 2D/3D animations, motion graphics, and visual effects; familiar with keyframe animation, transitions, titles, keying, rotoscoping and masking, our team can accommodate almost any motion or 2D graphics localization you may need for your videos.

Samples and tests can be sent for your approval, in order to ensure you or your client is satisfied with how the animations are looking with the new, localized material. Your projects will, of course, be kept with the highest of confidentiality.

Explainer and Animated describer videos are popping up all over the web, showcasing services simply and quickly; get ahead of the competition and extend your global reach now by localizing your animated videos!

Adelphi can get translate your animation directly from the original video into the target language you require. Our professional and trained translators and transcribers only work in their mother tongue, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Contact us now to target a whole new community and advertise your company precisely and accurately on a global scale!

You send us the project files and source material, we’ll send you the translated, localized video!

Accents in Voice Overs – British Accents part 2

General Language

In part 1 we had a look at the RP, Yorkshire and Scouse accents. In this blog we will continue on and look at more of the accents found within the British Isles.

Brummie

The most famous of the Midlands accents is the Brummie accent from Birmingham. The term derives from Brummagem or Bromwichham, which are historical variants of the name Birmingham. Whilst Brummie is not the only accent or dialect to be found in the Midlands, it is more well known than it’s neighbours in the Black Country or Coventry.

Some examples of Brummie words and phrases:

Bostin(g)- meaning amazing, brilliant or excellent.

Shrapnel – this commonly refers to loose change

The outdoor – an exclusive West Midlands term for an off-licence

Characteristics:

  • Words like “pie” and “tried” are pronounced like “poy” and “troyed”
  • As in Northern English accents, the vowel in “puppies” and “blood” is pronounced higher in the mouth than in Southern English accents, sounding a bit like “pooppies” or “pawppies”
  • The diphthong in “about” and “house” is raised, with a prononunciation ranging from IPA æʊ to ɛʉ (“heh-oose”).
  • Words like “most” and “homes” are pronounced with a very low-starting diphthong, typically IPAʌʊ although it can start even lower, making “goat” sound like “gout” to outside ears.

Notable speakers of the Brummie accent include: Ozzy Osbourne, Jasper Carrott and Adrian Chiles.

You can hear an example of a midlands accent here courtesy of James M.

 

Geordie

The Geordie accent is found in the North East of England in the Tyneside area, predominantly in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. The origins of the term are still up for debate, but in many respects Geordie is a direct continuation and development of the language spoken by the Anglo-Saxon settlers of this region. The Geordie accent has been voted the ‘sexiest accent in Britain’.

Some examples of Geordie words and phrases:

Howay- broadly meaning “come on!!”

Canny – meaning pleasant

Netty – toilet

Characteristics

  • Foot Strut Merger – the syllable in footand could is pronounced with the same syllable as strut and
  • Non-rhoticity – non-pronunciation of the post-vocalic ’r’ , in words such as bark, firm, permit.
  • The /ai/ dipthong as in kite is raised so it sounds a bit more like the Standard British “kate.”
  • The /au/ dipthong as in “about” is pronounced like “oo” in strong dialects. So about can sound like “aboot.”

Notable speakers of the Geordie accent include: Cheryl Cole, Ant & Dec, Paul Gascoigne, Sting

You can hear an example of the Geordie accent here courtesy of Laura E:

 

Cockney

The Cockney accent originates from the East End of London and can be considered the broadest form of London local accent. Cockney is characterized by its own special vocabulary and usage, and traditionally by its own development of “rhyming slang.” Rhyming slang, is still part of the true Cockney culture even if it is sometimes used for effect.

Common Cockney rhyming slang phrases

“Adam and Eve” – beleive

“Apples and pears” – stairs

“Plates of meat” – feet

Characteristics

  • Raised vowel in words like trap and cat so these sounds like “trep” and “cet.”
  • Non-rhoticity: see explanation in Brummie
  • Trap-bath split: meaning that certain awords, like bath, can’t, and dance are pronounced with the broad-a in
  • Glottal Stopping: the letter t is pronounced with the back of the throat (glottis) in between vowels; hence better becomes “be’uh”.
  • L-vocalization: The l at the end of words often becomes a vowel sound Hence pal can seem to sound like “pow.”
  • Th-Fronting: The th in words like think or this is pronounced with a more forward consonant depending on the word: thing becomes “fing,” this becomes “dis,” and mother becomes “muhvah.”

Notable Cockney speakers include: Michael Caine, Sir Alan Sugar, Amy Winehouse

You can hear an example of the Cockney accent here courtesy of Arthur Smith

 

 

We have a wide selection of accents and dialects available in the Voice Over section, so whatever you are looking for we can provide you with the most suitable option for your final product. Please view our sample page here: https://adelphistudio.com/voice-overs/.

Adelphi offices

Adelphi Studio offer subtitling and voice over services globally from our offices in the UK and the USA.

All US, Canadian, and South American enquiries should be directed to our US office while all other enquires should go to our UK office.

UK Office
Tel : +44 (0)114 272 3772
Email: sales@adelphistudio.com

US Office
Tel : 916 414 8714
Email: us@adelphistudio.com

Audio editing of voice recordings

At Adelphi, we offer professionally edited audio as a standard for all of our voice over projects. But what exactly does this mean? Here we will briefly look at what we do with the audio before we deliver it to our clients, turning the ‘raw’ unedited audio file into a professional clean sounding voice over file.

We also listen to the audio to check if errors have been made, all the segments have been recorded, the timing is correct, files are correctly split and named, we normalize the levels so all the audio is of the same volume, take out pauses etc. You don’t get this level of service when going to the freelance voice artist directly.

Background Noise

Background-Noise

A sample of background noise

Our studios are equipped with high-quality professional condenser microphones, located in fully soundproofed vocal booths. This isolation, combined with a highly sensitive microphone means that even the quietest noises within the booth are recorded along with the spoken word. Slight electrical hums and low-frequency rumbles are inevitable, but these can be removed via noise prints. They can also include script rustling, chair squeaks, clothing shuffle, and even belly rumbling!

Our job in the production department is to clean these unwanted sounds out of the finished audio, as well as tidying up the file; topping and tailing the audio, altering the lengths of pauses to give a more natural read whilst removing errors/retakes so that we can deliver a nice clean audio to our clients.

In addition to these noises, there are many sounds created by the voice-over artist’s mouth that we want to get rid of from the final audio.

Plosives

Plosives occur when air hits the microphone’s diaphragm. Usually, we find this happens on letters such as p, t, b. These can be managed by using a pop shield, but any that sneak through can be edited out in post-production

before--after-edititng
Before and after editing

Sibilance

Sibilance is caused by the airflow created when saying letters such as ‘S’ moving through the teeth of the voice-over artist. It creates a high-pitched hissing sound.

Sibilance
Before and after editing

Mouth Clicks and Pops

Clicks and pops occur naturally within the mouth, and whilst a drink of water can help keep the mouth lubricated, these pesky noises can still be picked up by the highly sensitive microphone. These sounds have to be removed one by one in post-production.

Mouth-clicks

                                                                        Before and after editing

Breath and other unwanted sounds

We remove all breath sounds from our voice-overs, as well as any unwanted sounds noises they are created by the Voice Artist. This helps give a clear sounding final audio file, with no distractions from the message!

breaths
Before and after editing

 

A Professional Audio Engineer should be able to edit 10 minutes of audio per hour, depending on the quality of the audio. Once we have gone through and cleaned up the entire audio file, and we have added any further processing, such as EQ and Compression, we have a fully edited audio file ready for delivery to our client.

before-and-after-editing
Audio before and after editing

Listen to the difference between raw unedited audio files and fully edited ones:

Raw 1

Edited 1

Raw 2

Edited 2

We offer delivery in a number of audio formats, such as MP3, MP4, WAV, WMA. We can also add the Voice-over to your video as well as adding music or sound effects to the finished audio.

 

Transcription and Translations – Adelphi Studio

Transcription Services

If you don’t have the script for us to translate for a voice-over or subtitling then Adelphi has a transcription service available to use. We can transcribe any language for it to be translated into the target language. Our transcription services provide time-coded scripts ready for translation.

There are two types of transcription commonly used, Verbatim which includes the “hum’s” and “ah’s” etc., and Readable which is cleaned up to eliminate all the unnecessary elements.

The length of many languages will expand when compared to original English and care must be taken in the translation to keep the true meaning of the English, while staying within the time frame allowed. We sometimes have to edit the English to make a more concise version of the original, this is because the written version of many languages is much longer than the English and would not fit in the allocated time-slot. Of course, the edited English is approved by the client before translation into the target language.

Audio Translation Services

Subtitling translations

Adelphi produces SRT files in any language, including making transcriptions of the source video before they are translated to create SRT files for subtitling. Some clients want only the SRT file so that they can produce their own subtitles while others want us to provide the finished video for them.

In SRT subtitling translation, our audiovisual translator (SRT file translator) would create translated subtitles in the target language directly from the source video. Our subtitle translator would then create SRT files that are used to produce burnt-on subtitles.

Voice-over translations

Voice-over translations use a specialist translator. The translators have to fit the translation into the same time-slot as the original otherwise the voice-artist may have to speak faster to make it fit resulting in an unsatisfactory end product. The voice-over translation would have time-codes so the voice-artist and engineer can sync the voice to the video correctly.

Style of translation is important in voice-overs and would reflect the genre, etc. For instance, if it is for marketing, public information, drama etc the audio translator produce a translation using a style to match the source material. They will have a copy of the video as a reference and all our translators have signed an NDA (none disclosure agreement).

Example of SRT file

SRT translation

SRT files

Subtitle SRT translation and file creation

Adelphi produces Subtitle SRT files in any language, including making transcriptions of the source video before they are translated to create SRT files for subtitling. Some clients want only the SRT file so that they can produce their own subtitles while others want us to provide the finished video for them.

In SRT subtitling translation, our audiovisual translator (SRT file translator) would create translated subtitles in the target language directly from the source video. Our subtitle translator would then create SRT files that are used to produce burnt-on subtitles. We never use machine translation only qualified translators, translating into their native language and who are experienced in SRT subtitle translations.

Adelphi is a member of the Association of Translation Companies (ATC). The ATC require member companies to adhere to a strict code of professional conduct, are subject to the rulings of a professional ethics committee.

Example of subtitle SRT file

SRT translation service

SRT files on YouTube

Many companies now host their videos on YouTube, Vimeo, etc., and add subtitles by uploading a translated SRT file. This is a very cost effective way of having your videos subtitled. There are limitations as you do not have control of font or position etc.

Here is how it’s done:

How to upload subtitles and closed captions

  1. Visit your Video Manager and click the drop-down menu next to the “Edit” button for the video you’d like to upload subtitles or closed captions for
  2. Select Subtitles and CC
  3. Select the original spoken language of the video from the drop-down menu (157 languages)
  4. Click the Add subtitles or cc button and select the language of the subtitle or caption file you want to upload
  5. Select Upload a file (Details below)
  6. Choose the language at the top of the screen
  7. Choose the type of file to upload
  8. Click the Choose file button and browse your computer for the file
  9. The file will auto-populate and let you know the timing of each subtitle or closed caption

you can turn the subtitles on by clicking the captions icon at the bottom of the video. Depending on your location, the captions icon will look like one of the following: or

SRT translations

Transcription services

There are two basic types of transcription, Verbatim which includes all the “hum” and “ah’s” etc., and then there is Readable which is cleaned up to eliminate all the unnecessary elements.

Our transcription services provide time-coded scripts ready for translation. The length of many languages will expand when compared to original English and care must be taken in the translation to keep the true meaning of the English, while staying within the time frame allowed. We sometimes have to edit the English to make a more concise version of the original, this is because the written version of many languages is much longer than the English and would not fit in the allocated time-slot. Of course, the edited English is approved by the client before translation into the target language.

Motion graphics and animation localisation – Any language

Adelphi Studio offers a dedicated, localization service for motion graphics and 2D animation. Using industry standard software such as Adobe After Effects, our experienced team of studio animators and designers can localize your motion graphics or animations directly from the project files.

Animation Localisation
Click on the video to play

Our tech-savvy team has years of experience producing 2D/3D animations, motion graphics, and visual effects; familiar with keyframe animation, transitions, titles, keying, rotoscoping and masking, our team can accommodate almost any motion or 2D graphics localization you may need for your videos.

animation localisation

Samples and tests can be sent for your approval, in order to ensure you or your client is satisfied with how the animations are looking with the new, localized material. Your projects will, of course, be kept with the highest of confidentiality.

Explainer and Animated describer videos are popping up all over the web, showcasing services simply and quickly; get ahead of the competition and extend your global reach now by localizing your animated videos!

Adelphi can get translate your animation directly from the original video into the target language you require. Our professional and trained translators and transcribers only work in their mother tongue, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Contact us now to target a whole new community and advertise your company precisely and accurately on a global scale!

You send us the project files and source material, we’ll send you the translated, localized video!