ADR is one of those parts of post-production that audiences never notice when it’s done well — and can’t stop noticing when it isn’t. Finding the right ADR studio in London, with the right equipment and the right engineer, is one of the most important decisions a post-production supervisor makes.
This guide explains what ADR is, when it’s used, and what to look for when booking an ADR studio in London.
What is ADR?
ADR stands for Automated Dialogue Replacement (also called Additional Dialogue Replacement). It is the process of re-recording an actor’s dialogue in a controlled studio environment after principal photography has finished, to replace or supplement the audio captured on set.
The actor watches the relevant scene on a screen, listens to the original dialogue through headphones, and performs the lines in sync with their own lip movements. The studio engineer captures the performance clean, and the new audio is edited into the final mix.
The result, when done well, is indistinguishable from the original recording. Most feature films and high-end TV dramas use ADR extensively.
When is ADR used in film and TV production?
There are several common reasons a production will go to ADR:
On-set audio is unusable. Location recording is unpredictable. Traffic, aircraft, HVAC systems, and crew noise can all contaminate dialogue that was otherwise well-performed. Rather than reshoot the scene, the production records a clean version in post.
The edit changes the dialogue. After the picture is locked, directors and editors sometimes need to change lines: to clarify plot, adjust tone, or work around a performance. ADR allows new or revised dialogue to be recorded and cut in seamlessly.
Walla and background voices. Crowd scenes, background conversations, and atmosphere tracks are often built in post using ADR sessions with small groups of actors.
International dubbing. Productions releasing in multiple languages use ADR facilities to record localised versions of the dialogue, synced to the original picture.
What to look for in an ADR studio in London
Not all recording studios are equipped for ADR. Here is what matters:
Picture playback. A proper ADR studio needs an HD projector or large monitor that can play back the locked picture with timecode. The actor needs to see themselves on screen at a size and quality that lets them match their own performance accurately.
Acoustic isolation. The recording booth needs to be completely isolated from external noise. Any bleed from outside the room will compromise the recording and create continuity problems in the mix.
5.1 or Atmos monitoring. If the production is being mixed for cinema or streaming in surround, the ADR studio should be able to monitor in the same format. This ensures the dialogue sits correctly in the final mix.
Engineer experience. ADR is technically demanding. The engineer needs to understand dialogue editing, how to manage multiple takes efficiently, and how to cut ADR seamlessly into existing production audio. Credits on broadcast or feature film work are a reliable indicator.
Remote recording capability. Increasingly, ADR directors and producers work remotely. A studio in London with Source Connect or similar remote recording infrastructure means you can direct sessions from anywhere in the world.
Finding the right ADR studio in London means checking for all of these elements before you book.
ADR studio in London: Recording at Soho Sonic, Camden
Our Camden studio at 199 Queen’s Crescent, NW5 4DS is fully equipped for ADR and audio post production.
Soho Sonic’s ADR studio in London has a dedicated Foley stage, a 5.1 Genelec surround sound monitoring system, and an HD projector for mixing and recording to picture. The control room runs Nuendo 13 and Pro Tools, with Focusrite Clarett preamps and a comprehensive microphone selection including Neumann U87 and Neumann KM 184 stereo pairs.
Audio post at Soho Sonic is led by Francesco M.P.S.E., whose film and TV credits include ANOMALISA, Hampstead, and This Must Be The Place. Previous broadcast and media clients include the BBC, ITV, Sky, Al Jazeera, CNN, Discovery, and the National Theatre.
For productions needing voiceover, Foley, sound design, and 5.1 or Atmos mixing alongside ADR, everything can be handled in one facility without moving between studios.
Take a virtual tour of the Camden studio before you book.
Can ADR be recorded remotely?
Yes. Remote ADR has become standard practice, particularly for productions where talent or directors are based outside London.
With Source Connect, a director can listen in and give direction from anywhere in the world while the actor records on stage in London. The session runs in real time, with the director hearing a clean feed and the engineer managing the recording locally.
If your production needs remote ADR capability, let us know when you enquire and we will confirm the technical setup required.
How to book an ADR studio in London
To book an ADR studio in London, contact us at our Camden studio, email [email protected], call +44 (0)20 7580 2088, or use our contact form.
We recommend getting in touch as early in post-production as possible, particularly for features or series with complex ADR schedules. We will work around your picture lock and delivery deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ADR and dubbing? ADR refers to re-recording dialogue in the original language, typically to replace or improve on-set audio. Dubbing refers to recording a translated version of the dialogue in a different language. Both processes use the same studio setup and technical workflow.
How long does an ADR session take? It depends on the number of lines and the complexity of the sync. A focused session with a prepared actor can cover 20 to 30 lines per hour. Full-day ADR sessions for a feature film are common, and some productions run multi-day schedules for lead actors.
Do you offer Foley recording alongside ADR? Yes. Our Camden studio has a dedicated Foley stage, and we can schedule Foley and ADR in the same facility. This reduces the time and cost of moving between studios during post-production. Find out more about our audio post production services.
Can I attend the session remotely? Yes. We support remote direction via Source Connect. Get in touch to confirm the setup ahead of your session.
Soho Sonic Studios — ADR and audio post production in central London. Camden studio available for bookings. Enquire now.