overdub

[ verb oh-ver-duhb; noun oh-ver-duhb ]

verb (used without object)

, o·ver·dubbed, o·ver·dub·bing.

1. to add other recorded sound or music, as a supplementary instrumental or vocal track, to a taped musical track to complete or enhance a recording.

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·dubbed, o·ver·dub·bing.

1. to add (a track or tracks) to a musical recording.

noun

1. a recorded segment or layer of instrumental parts, vocalization, or sound effects integrated into a musical recording.

overdub

verb

1. to add (new sound) on a spare track or tracks

noun

1. the addition of new sound to a recording; the blending of various layers of sound in one recording

Word History and Origins

Origin of overdub¹

First recorded in 1965–70; over- + dub ⁴

Example Sentences

We also spent a moment in an overdub room, mimicking the creation of white noise from a crowd.

From Los Angeles Times

As McCartney explains, “This is 'Band on the Run' in a way you’ve never heard before. When you are making a song and putting on additional parts, like an extra guitar, that’s an overdub. Well, this version of the album is the opposite, underdubbed.”

From Salon

With nary an overdub in earshot, the song takes on the raw sheen of its rock ‘n’ roll origins.

From Salon

When someone tries to create a new Overdub voice, the software asks the owner of the voice to read a short statement into the microphone stating that they agree to have their voice cloned.

From Slate

This should make it difficult for anyone to use Overdub for impersonation scams or to clone the voice of a celebrity.

From Slate