There can be several reasons why some people perceive their recorded voice as sounding better than their voice when they hear it directly. Here are a few possible explanations:
Perception: When you listen to your voice in real-time, you hear it through a combination of bone conduction and air conduction. This gives your voice a deeper, richer tone because the vibrations of your vocal cords resonate in your skull. However, when you hear a recording of your voice played back, it only travels through air conduction, which can make it sound different and perhaps more pleasing to your ears.
Room acoustics: The environment in which you record your voice can have a significant impact on how it sounds. Professional recording studios are designed to have optimal acoustics, reducing unwanted echoes and reverberation. On the other hand, when you speak in an everyday environment, the sound can bounce off walls, furniture, and other objects, causing distortions and altering the perception of your voice.
Microphone characteristics: Different microphones have varying frequency responses and sensitivity levels. Some microphones are designed to enhance certain aspects of the voice, such as warmth or clarity, while others may capture more details or provide a more accurate representation. If the microphone used to record your voice is particularly well-suited to your vocal characteristics, it could make your voice sound more appealing to you.
Psychological factors: People often have a tendency to be more critical of their own voice when they hear it directly, primarily due to self-perception and self-consciousness. When listening to a recording, you might be more inclined to judge your voice as others do, without the internal biases and self-judgment that occur when you hear it in real-time.
It's worth noting that individual preferences and perceptions of one's own voice can vary. While some individuals may prefer the sound of their recorded voice, others may find it less appealing. Ultimately, the perception of one's voice is subjective, and it may take time to adjust to hearing your recorded voice and develop a more positive perception.