Author: Jono Slatter
How to rip audio CDs in Reaper
- Load your CD.
- Open Reaper and head to File / Batch File / Item Converter
- Select the volume or drive where the CD is located
- Choose your output directory and audio format for ripped audio.
- Start ripping
Reaper doesn’t provide automatic naming or metadata addition, but you can bulk edit metadata using the Batch Converter (as mentioned above) or ‘post rip’ using the Media Explorer.
History of OnHold Audio in the UK
1960s–1970s: The Birth of On-Hold Audio
- The concept of on-hold music originated in the 1960s when a US inventor, Alfred Levy, accidentally discovered that telephone systems could play background music while customers were waiting.
- Early UK businesses adopted basic on-hold music using tape-based systems.
- Most early on-hold audio consisted of instrumental music loops with no voice messaging.
1980s: The Rise of On-Hold Marketing
- UK businesses started realizing the potential of on-hold audio as a marketing tool rather than just background music.
- Cassette-based systems became common, allowing companies to insert custom audio messages.
- Large companies and call centers used on-hold audio for branding, promotions, and service updates.
- British Telecom (BT) played a role in advancing on-hold audio technology for businesses.
1990s: The Digital Revolution
- The transition from cassettes to CD-based and digital playback systems improved audio quality and reliability.
- Businesses started using professionally recorded voiceovers mixed with background music.
- Custom on-hold messaging became popular, including appointment reminders, company news, and FAQs.
- Voiceover artists began specializing in on-hold recordings, offering businesses a professional, polished sound.
2000s: The Internet & VoIP Integration
- The shift to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems allowed companies to manage on-hold messages digitally.
- Businesses could update messages remotely without needing physical tapes or CDs.
- Licensing laws became stricter, leading to an increase in royalty-free music for on-hold use.
- Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems integrated on-hold messaging with automated customer service.
2010s–Present: AI, Personalization & Streaming
- AI-driven dynamic on-hold messaging enables businesses to change messages in real-time based on customer needs.
- Some companies use branded on-hold playlists or personalized messages based on call data.
- Streaming technology allows businesses to update their on-hold audio instantly.
- On-hold frustration remains a challenge, leading some companies to implement call-back options instead of making customers wait.
The Future of On-Hold Audio in the UK
On-hold audio continues to evolve with advancements in AI, interactive voice assistants, and real-time customization. However, its fundamental purpose remains unchanged: to keep customers engaged and informed while they wait.
Jono Slatter has voiced thousand of on-hold messages for businesses ascross the UK and beyond. To get a quote, free sample or find out more please email jono@jonoslatter.co.uk or use the form below. Thanks
A guide to voiceover rates in the UK
Voiceover rates in the UK vary depending on factors such as project type, usage, and distribution. Here’s a general guide:
Basic Studio Fee (BSF)
The standard rate for recording before any usage rights are applied. Jono Slatter BSF is £300.
Corporate & Web Videos
Corporate narration and explainer videos generally start at around £300.
E-Learning Projects
Charged per word @ £0.60 per word, depending on complexity and volume.
Commercials
Rates for commercials depend on the medium (radio, TV, internet) and audience reach (local, national, international). For example:
- Radio commercials follow Equity guides.
- TV & online ads have additional usage fees based on exposure and duration. See usefee.tv
Telephony (On-Hold, IVR)
Voiceover for phone systems is often charged per prompt or follows corporate narration rates for longer recordings. Prices typically start at £10 per prompt.
For a detailed breakdown of UK voiceover rates, jonoslatter.co.uk provides additional insights and rate structures.
I am always open to negotiation, especially for long-term or bulk projects. Please clarify script length, usage, and turnaround time when requesting quotes. Thank you.
jono@jonoslatter.co.uk
How to add a terms and conditions checkbox to the Payhip checkout for digital download products
PBX (Private Branch Exchange) and wav ulaw audio formats for On-Hold and Auto Attendant
Auto-Attendant Messages, On-Hold Music and On-Hold Audio for business telephone systems, often called PBX systems, private exchanges or switching systems.
I can provide music, voiceovers and audio in the u-law wav type format often used by these systems. A normal WAV or MP3 file will often not work.
Popular audio format for PBX Systems
- Channels: Mono (1)
- Sample rate: 8000Hz
- Bit depth: 8 bit u-law
- Format: WAV
Sometimes a 16bit mono file at 8Hz can be used
- Channels: Mono (1)
- Sample rate: 8000Hz
- Bit depth: 16 bit
- Format: WAV
Digital Audio Terminology
Bit depth:
The number of ‘bits” of data in each sample
Sample rate:
The number of times the audio is sampled per second
Bit rate:
Bit depth x Sample rate
BPS:
Bits per second
KBPS:
Kilobits per second
- For example CD Audio is 2 channel (stereo) 16 bit at sampling rate of 4 4.1kHz, which equals 1411.2kbps (2 x 16 x 44.1)
- The first example above: mono 8bit 8kHz – gives a bit rate of 64kbps (1 x 8 x 8)
- The second format above: mono 8kHz 16bit – gives a bit rate of 128kbps (1 x16 x 8)
Why is (was) 44.1kHz such a popular sample rate?
This has do with the theorem developed by Nyquist and Shannon in the 1940s, that states that to accurately record a sound digitally, a sample rate of twice its frequency is required. As human hearing at its very best can go up to 20kHz, a sample rate of at least 40kHz is needed and which is covered by the CD sampling rate of 44.1 kHz
My new Book – How to Make Money from Voiceovers
At last, a slightly more self-depracating & tongue in cheek book about ‘how to make money from voiceovers…’
It’s the perfect Christmas Present! Ho Ho Ho…
Extract: Chapter 6 – Marketing your voice
Business Cards, Email Signatures and Templates
Now you have your demo showreel recorded, you need one more item. A business card. You cannot be a professional voiceover without one.
Top Tip! Once you have cards printed, give one to everyone you meet. The bus driver, a date, the supermarket checkout person, and don’t forget to drop one in all your Christmas cards, or sympathy cards when someone has died. To make it more personal, sign the back with an appropriate message – something along the lines of:
I’m so sorry to hear about Kenneth. If you would like me to read at the funeral, you might like to know I am now a professional voiceover – please see over for booking details. Family rates apply!
Also, when no-one is looking, pin them to notice boards in libraries and clubs and then run.
It’s vital your business card and email signature look really professional. Remember, in the design world less is more. Having said that I still like to have my mantra, I am a Professional Voiceover, including the Yes I am part, splashed across the middle of my business card embossed in gold ink.
If you think people won’t believe you are a professional voiceover, consider adding a picture of your face with a microphone next to it. That way there can be no doubt. You could also underline the ‘I am a professional voiceover’ part.
For your email signature just copy everything from the business card. When choosing an email address, try and make it obvious what you do, but also how professional you are. For example these would work well but may already be taken:
amazingvoiceovernow7856@domain…
voiceoverdemon666@domain…
inyourfacevoiceovers69@domain…
On the following pages I have shared some super professional email marketing templates which really work. Feel free to copy and adapt them for your own marketing.
Template 1
Dear Sir
I am a professional voiceover and fully trained (in voiceovering).
I have been voiceovering professionally for many years now and am writing to you to see whether you might be interested in my voiceover services.
My voice has been described as: (add your own unique qualities)
Abrupt Interesting Unusual Shocking Unexpected Loud
Perhaps some of my unique vocal qualities could be put to use to enhance your company’s reputation and then we can all reap the rewards.
I look forward to hearing from you. Warmest thoughts
Your Name.
Email signature here.
Template 2
Hi Producer
I want to introduce you to my voice. I have been told it’s unique.
Why not try me out. You won’t regret it, but if you do I’ll send you a bar of chocolate.
To prove it, I have attached a picture of your chocolate bar. Enjoy. I’m available all day (and night) every day (and night).
Warmest thoughts
Me.
PS. Your choccy bar is in the fridge.
Email signature here
The Pennypaws 2025 Calendars AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD NOW
I have made 2 beautiful 2025 calendars which you can download on this page. These lovely calendars feature Pennyoaws dogs looking for a home, and are only available to download. We do not have a printed version. They come in PDF format so you can open them on your phone, tablet and computer.
The second calendar features the lovely drawings of Pennypaws dogs looking for a home, drawn by the artist LC.
Pennypaws Rescue Calendar 2025 No 1
Pennypaws Rescue Calendar 2025 No 2
If you would like to download a calendar please consider making a donation to Pennypaws Rescue so we can help more dogs in desperate need. Thank you.
All the payment details are here.
Pennypaws Dog Rescue Christmas video produced and voiced by Jono Slatter
Instead of paying for Christmas card stamps this year why not send a personalised copy of this lovely Pennypaws Christmas video to your loved ones – and help save more dogs this Christmas.
Every single penny raised goes to the dogs. Pennypaws is a UK Registered Charity (1200959) run entirely by volunteers.
To order yours please go to: https://pennypawsrescue.org.uk/2024/12/01/pennypaws-e-card-video-2024/
Thank you. From myself and all the team at pennypaws Rescue we wish you a Happy Peaceful Christmas and best wishes for 2025. pennypawsrescue.org.uk
InStore Announcement Voiceovers
Do you need an instore announcement for your company or business.
Same day recording service available – just email jono@jonoslatter.co.uk to start the ball rolling.
Female voice on this NatWest Life Announcement is Sally Bailey