Home recording equipment for voice overs consists of a computer to store and playback recordings, an audio interface to convert mic signals to digital files, an external hard drive or cloud storage solution and microphone stands with pop filters attached that lower popping sounds caused by pronouncing consonants such as “p” and “b.”
An isolated space is essential, yet blocking out noise from outside sources may prove challenging without the appropriate studio setup.
Microphones
Microphones form the backbone of home voice over recording equipment. They amplify your vocal waves and convert them to electrical signals that your computer can understand, with three main categories of microphones including dynamic mics, ribbon mics and large diaphragm condenser mics.
Finding the ideal mic starts with understanding your vocal range and environment. From there, consider frequency response of mic (which determines which sounds it can “hear”) as well as maximum sound pressure level, sensitivity levels and other specifications of microphones.
Professional voice over artists typically opt for high-quality condenser mics with large diaphragms when recording at home studios, though more affordable USB mics may provide similar results. They tend to provide a more neutral frequency response suited for new voiceover artists.
While not mandatory, investing in a microphone stand will keep your mic at an appropriate height and prevent vibrations. Furthermore, you’ll require a pop shield (also referred to as pop filter) in order to reduce any bursts of air created by consonants like “b”, “p”, and “t”, which could compromise recording quality.
Finally, finding a quiet space where you can record without distraction is of utmost importance. That could mean creating your own DIY whisper booth in one of the rooms in your home by hanging curtains and blankets to block external noise from reaching your mic. Many audio retailers sell microphones and recording equipment in packages that may save money over buying individual items; however if this package is designed to meet a certain price point then compromises may need to be made somewhere along the way.
Audio Interface
An audio interface connects your microphone to the computer, transforming its signal into an electronic file that can be edited. More advanced models offer high-quality converters for superior audio quality as well as built-in mic preamps to boost and drive signals from microphones with lower output levels (thus avoiding distortion).
Make sure your audio interface supports at least 16-bit recording; 24-bit would be even better, providing more room to adjust volume without clipping.
Affordable yet reliable USB interfaces such as the Behringer Q802USB are widely used by new home voice actors. If you want to invest in quality gear like Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 with third-generation mic preamps.
As a more established professional, it may be worthwhile to invest in an elite large diaphragm condenser mic like the Sennheiser 416 that’s widely used worldwide studios. You should also select either a boom arm or microphone floor stand so you can record comfortably.
Finally, you’ll need audio editing software. Audacity and GarageBand come standard on most Mac computers; for a more advanced and comprehensive editing tool that’s popular among home voice actors due to its intuitive user experience and wide array of advanced features and plugin support. Or for advanced mixing capabilities try Adobe Audition first; industry-standard Pro Tools may be more appropriate as an option as well.
Microphone Stands
Voice actors need a comfortable recording space with a microphone stand to produce quality recordings, such as a closet or alcove with foam-padded walls or an easy DIY whisper booth. For optimal quality recording, an XLR mic with audio interface may be better; or USB mics may save money while still offering good audio quality recording capabilities.
A mic stand is a sturdy platform designed to secure and support a microphone during recording sessions. Height adjustments can be easily made to suit different recording environments and preferences; some models feature boom arms to reach further away, while shorter stands may be mounted directly to desks or work surfaces for desktop recording sessions. Some special-purpose stands even feature adjustable necks to support different types of mics.
People also often purchase additional accessories for their microphone, such as shock mounts that reduce vibrations picked up from both stands and floors, or pop filters that help eliminate consonants like “p” that produce popping sounds when spoken aloud.
Home recording equipment for voice overs includes digital audio workstation software (DAW). A high-quality DAW can make recordings sound great, and there are both free and low-cost versions to choose from; however, professional VO artists should invest in professional-quality versions to achieve the best possible results and quality. Preamps convert mic low-level analog signals into standard digital signals so finding one without negatively affecting quality will also be essential.
Headphones
Headphones can help when mixing or editing audio for voice over projects, as they allow you to focus on listening out for any stray sounds that might pop up from time to time – for instance if a mic touches another microphone during recording, or performers brush against the mic, these sounds may show up in your recording; studio headphones allow you to identify such issues so they can be corrected immediately.
Headphones come in various styles and forms, but their most valuable attribute is insulating your ears from external noise, so that the exact sounds that will appear in the final version of your work can be heard clearly.
They allow you to take regular breaks while working, which is especially important if undertaking an extensive project like creating an audiobook.
Home studio headphones come in all sorts of prices and types; the ideal ones usually fall below $50. When searching for home studio-quality headphones with replaceable ear pads and cables – something sturdy that will stand the test of time – is key.
Your recording system requires compatible headphones; look for models with 1/8″ or 1/4″ jacks or which connect via USB or wirelessly.
Home studio voiceover sessions require more than just microphone and headphones; microphone stands are essential components. You may require adjustable floor stands, desktop microphone stands that sit on desks, or boom arms attached to ceilings in order to hold and secure your microphone properly. These stands provide stable support.
Studio Monitors
Studio monitors differ from headphones by not amplifying soundwaves; instead they seek to keep all frequencies flat. Therefore, low frequencies may be harder to hear in studio monitors than they would in conventional speakers, providing more accurate evaluation of how a recording sounds as opposed to more pronounced effects that headphones will present.
Studio monitors typically take the form of near-field designs (though far-field options do exist). This style works especially well when recording voice over as it allows you to focus on hearing only what comes directly from the speaker without hearing natural reverberations from your space. Furthermore, near-field monitors minimize distortion caused by reflections off hard surfaces like desks or mixing consoles which may result in subtle comb filtering which degrades monitoring accuracy.
For optimal results, it is also advisable to invest in a pop filter to reduce popping noises caused by pronouncing consonants such as “p”, “b” and “t”. By eliminating distortions from your microphone’s input signal and eliminating popping noises caused by pronouncing consonants like “p”, “b”, and “t”, more accurate voiceover recordings will result when played back across various equipment or environments.
An essential speaker stand allows you to set your studio monitors at an ergonomically comfortable height. There are various options available, from adjustable floor stands and desktop mounts that sit on a desk or table, all the way to those designed specifically to support heavy monitors such as floor stands. Just make sure it can support their weight!