FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about Narration Assistant software and ReTake. Find out how ReTake works, what you can use it for, how it can benefit audiobook narrators, voice-over artists, content creators and others who work from prepared scripts, which features work independently, and how it integrates with your DAW.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Getting started
What is Narration Assistant ReTake? Narration Assistant ReTake is a Windows software application designed for anyone working with manuscripts, audiobooks, scripts and text documents to prepare, follow and record spoken material efficiently. It provides a focused workspace with tools for narration, script preparation, annotations, performance cues, Voice Follow, Error Highlighting, Audio levels for ACX guidance and more. ReTake can be used as a standalone application with or without a DAW, and its features do not depend on having a DAW connected. The one-click ReTake function and deeper DAW integration are currently only supported with Fender Studio One / Studio One Pro.
How does ReTake fit into an audiobook recording workflow? ReTake keeps your manuscript and narration workflow together while your DAW handles the actual recording. You can prepare your script, follow your place as you narrate, and recover from mistakes without manually searching through the timeline.
Can I use ReTake for voice-over work outside audiobooks? Yes. ReTake is designed for anyone recording from a prepared script, including voice-over artists, content creators, documentary makers, e-learning creators, YouTubers and podcasters.
What's the difference between Annotation Mode and Narration Mode? Annotation Mode is designed for preparing your script, making notes and organising your performance. Narration Mode provides a focused workspace for following the script while you narrate. Either mode can also be used on its own.
Do I need Studio One to use ReTake? No. Both Annotation Mode and Narration Mode can be used as standalone features in Windows, with or without a DAW. Annotation Mode lets you prepare your script, characters, notes and performance cues independently of any DAW. Narration Mode can also be used without a DAW, including Voice Follow, Error Highlighting and all your manuscript annotations, as well as audio levels meters, project info and notes.
However, for the ultimate experience, Studio One Pro or Fender Studio Pro is currently required for ReTake's deeper recording integration, including the unique one-click ReTake feature.
What is a DAW? A DAW is a Digital Audio Workstation. For example, Studio One, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Reaper and Audacity are all DAWs.
Why do I need Studio One? Studio One is currently required for ReTake's deeper recording integration — including the unique one-click ReTake feature, the transport bar (play, record, stop, etc.), markers and functions, Studio One macros, time synchronisation and locating a word directly in the recorded audio. Other DAWs will be supported in the future.
What features can I use if I don't have Studio One or a DAW? ReTake can still be used as a standalone Windows application, with or without a DAW. Annotation Mode can be used independently for script preparation, creating annotations, performance cues, Character Cards, Project Notes, General Notes and Word Search within the manuscript.
Narration Mode can also be used without Studio One, providing Voice Follow, Error Highlighting, audio level meters, plus all the features available in Annotation Mode.
Can I use ReTake without importing a script? Yes, but its use will be more limited. ReTake is designed around working with a manuscript, so the full narration workflow depends on having a script loaded. Annotation Mode can be used without a script, to create project notes, character cards, but not annotations, while Narration Mode can still be used for functions such as the transport controls, level meters and other standalone features, but the features that follow or interact with the manuscript require a script to be loaded.
What happens when I switch between Annotation Mode and Narration Mode? Everything you prepare in Annotation Mode will be carried over automatically to Narration Mode, including the script, Character Cards, Project Info and your annotations.
How does Voice Follow work? When Voice Follow is turned on, ReTake follows your speech, highlights the sentence you are currently reading and automatically scrolls the script in time with your voice, to keep it in view. If you prefer to scroll manually, you can turn Voice Follow off and use the mouse or keyboard to navigate the script.
Is my voice recording sent anywhere over the internet? No. Voice Follow's speech recognition runs entirely on your own computer. Your actual voice recording is handled by Studio One as usual, not ReTake.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Working with ReTake
How do I do a ReTake? While your DAW is recording, use the ReTake button or double-click the word you want to redo. A punch and roll retake will be performed from the beginning of the sentence you are currently on or from the word you double-clicked, and your DAW will start a punch and roll recording from that point. You can also use a MIDI controller to trigger ReTake hands-free. Or use your keyboard F keys to trigger ReTake and other commands.
Why isn't my ReTake working? ReTake only works while your DAW is actively recording, and ReTake must have recognised enough of what you have said to know where you are in the script, usually just 2 or 3 words. If it cannot determine the correct position, it deliberately does nothing rather than guess.
Can I have multiple Character Cards open at once? Yes. You can open as many Character Cards as you like and use the CARDS button to show or hide them together. You can also 'pin' them on top of the workspace so they remain visible while you work with the script.
What's the difference between Project Info and General Notes? Project Info belongs to a specific project and contains information such as Client, Book, Author and Deadline. General Notes is a separate notepad that is shared across the projects you open. Use General Notes for information that is not specific to a single project, such as your own personal notes, settings or reminders.
My project won't open. What should I do? Double-check that you are opening a genuine .nap project file. If the file appears damaged, try opening a recent backup.
How do I report a problem? Use Help → Report a Problem in Narration Assistant, where you can send a diagnostic report and optionally describe the issue to help us investigate and to help improve the app.