Audio

In the modern era, most voice over artists work from home as opposed to traveling to professional studios. So in order to compete as a VOA, you must not only possess the proper training and talent, but also a great home studio.

In this article, I will explain how to set up a professional home studio, including all of the voice over equipment you will need to help your business thrive. I am operating under the assumption that you already have some of the basics you need, such as a computer and desk. This will include not only a list of the equipment and accessories for different budgets, but also links to where one can purchase these items.
My Voice Over Equipment:

My Top 4 Voice Over Microphones
Audio Interface
Recording Software
Monitors and Headphones
Cables
Pop Filter
Stands
Soundproofing
Seven Tips on How to Set Up Your Voice Over Studio
Useful Videos
FAQ

My Top 4 Voice Over Microphones
One of the biggest decisions that both new voice talent as well as veteran voice talent mull over is: which mic is best? This is a complicated topic, probably the most complicated when it comes to your equipment chain. For the current purposes, I will tell you about the best options based on an ideal recording environment; i.e., a properly treated room.

Let me start by ruling out USB mics. While there are some newer USB mics that are worth looking at, such as the Apogee, the vast majority of successful professional voice over artists, studios, agencies, etc. do not use USB mics. An XLR microphone is the preferred choice for true professionals. Remember that all condenser XLR mics require 48 volts of phantom power. Let’s discuss some options of various price ranges and styles.
1. Neumann TLM-103 →
The industry standard among cardioid condenser mics is the Neumann TLM-103.

What’s special about it?
A cardioid condenser mic is a microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. This means the area of sensitivity is “heart-shaped” in front of the mic. So even at a slight angle, if you speak toward the front of the mic, the signal will be strongest there, and weaker behind the mic. This helps cancel outside noise behind the mic such as the hum from air conditioner vents or fans.

Top Features

You will find this mic in many professional studios all over the world. Some reasons are its composition, durability and style.
The TLM-103 picks up the human voice very naturally. You do not need to project as much when using this mic.
You can also record clear, true-sounding VO without turning the gain up high on your interface or pre-amp.

The biggest drawback to this mic is that it is on the higher end of the price spectrum, but trust me, it is worth every penny.

Best for: professional and home recording as it picks up low noises.

Check out the video below to get an inside look at the microphone and some of the features that users love about it.

2. Rode NT1-A →
Rode makes a lot of great microphones of all styles. The Rode NT1-A is a fantastic mic, especially for the price.

What’s special about it?

My favorite aspect of Rode is that they offer no-questions-asked 10-year warranties on all their mics. I damaged my NT1-A years ago. I contacted Rode and they sent me all the details immediately on how to get my mic fixed or replaced FREE of charge. They even handled the shipping.

Top Features

The NT1-A is a great mid-level cardioid condenser mic. It served me well for years before I built up my business enough to purchase my Neumann TLM-103.
It cancels out most noise behind the mic, while remaining great at picking up what’s in front of it with a bright full sound.
The 10-year warranty gives you some peace of mind. While you might worry about the microphone breaking or the components wearing down, this warranty lets you rest assured that it will meet your needs.

Best for: home recording due to the included stand that lets it sit right on your desk.

I found the following video helpful when weighing the pros and cons of the NT1-A. It puts a focus on the quality of the microphone and the features it has that others at this price point often lack.

3. Sennheiser MKH-416 →
This is a shotgun mic that is popular with many voice talents and studios. The Sennheiser MKH-416 is the Cadillac of shotgun mics.

What’s special about it?

Shotgun mics have a unidirectional polar pattern, which means they mainly pick up sound from straight in front of them. This is why shotgun mics are used often in film and TV. They can pick up the sound of what they are pointed toward, even from far away (several feet).

Top Features

You can perform a lot of breathier dynamic reads with this mic. It is very popular for trailer voice overs.
This mic performs well with the gain high or low.
You can also back up a few feet away from this mic and still get a smooth, clear sound.
As you would expect, this mic also is pricier, but that’s because it is as good a shotgun mic for home studio as there is.

Best for: home recording because it works in all climates and does a good job of picking up different levels of sounds.

I like the video below because it goes over some of the reasons why and when you should upgrade your studio in addition to focusing on the benefits of the MKH-416.

4. Rode NTG-4 →
A more affordable, yet solid shotgun mic is the Rode NTG-4.

What’s special about it?

This is a newer model by Rode. The NTG-3 is also fantastic and overall a better mic, however for the purposes of a home studio, the NTG-4 is the better option when you consider it is about half the price of its big brother.

The NTG-3 carries the heftier price tag, in my opinion, because it is the better mic for use in the field, which, after all, is the traditional purpose of shotgun mics. The 3 handles the outdoor elements better than the 4, but since you are in a treated indoor studio space, I recommend the 4.

Top Features

It has a -10db pad and high frequency boost.
These are great for adjusting your sound on the fly.
I like the high pass filter because my voice often causes a low rumble when analog signals are converted to digital, and the high pass filter allows me to fix it while I am recording rather than in post production. This saves me a lot of time.

Best for: beginners and those who work from home and want to save money.

The video below offers a great look at the NTG-4 vs NTG4+. If you’re on the fence about which one to buy, give it a quick watch.

I reviewed many microphones that are nice choices to consider for voice-over recording mics. You will also want to consider using reflection filters to improve the quality of your recordings. I also review pre-amps that you can use to improve the signal strength that connects a mic to your mixing board or audio interface. A pre-amp increases low-level mic signal up to line level, which is needed by recording equipment. A pre-amp adds a “gain” of 30 to 60 dB or more to a mic signal.
Microphones for Your Different Needs
In these review articles about microphones, I cover all the mics styles.

Wireless Microphones →
Lavalier Microphones →
Condenser Microphones →
XLR Microphones →
Budget Microphones →

Microphones for Vocals →
Microphones for YouTube →
Dynamic Microphones →
Omnidirectional Microphones →

Learn everything you need to know about wireless, lavalier, condenser, and XLR mics. I give suggestions for budget mics, mics that work best for vocals, and ones you can use to make YouTube videos. I review dynamic mics and omnidirectional ones as well.
Microphone Types
In these guides about different mics, I explain how different microphones work.

How Does a Dynamic Mic Work? →
USB Mics vs 3.5 mm Microphones →
XLR Microphones vs USB Mics →
How does a Wireless Mic Work? →
What Is a Condenser Microphone? →
What Is an Omnidirectional Microphone? →

I explore the differences between USB, 3.5mm, and XLR mics. Read my recommendations regarding wireless mic systems. Understand the inner workings of condenser mics and explain omnidirectional mics.
How to Use Your Mics
It is also important to know how to use them in different situations.

How to Clean a Microphone →
How to Avoid Mouth Noises When Recording →
How to Fix High Pitch Noise →
Use a Sock as a Pop Filter →
Pop Filter vs Foam Cover →

What Is the Fuzzy Thing on a Mic? →
Why Does My Mic Sound like a Robot? →
Why Does My Mic Sound Muffled? →
How to Change Mic Sensitivity →

My guides are helpful if you want to learn how to best clean microphones, how to avoid recording mouth noises, and how to fix a high-pitched sound coming from a mic. I show you how to use a sock as a pop filter, describe the differences between a pop filter and a foam cover, and explain that fuzzy thing on a mic. I give suggestions about what to do if your voice recording sounds like a robot, is muffled, and what you can do to improve mic sensitivity.

Audio Interface
Your audio interface is a vital piece of voice acting equipment. It controls and translates the signal from your mic to your computer. One of the most important aspects of an audio interface is the pre-amp. The pre-amp is essentially what drives the microphone’s signal strength. If your pre-amp is weak, then you will have to turn the gain up very high which will negatively affect your signal-to-noise ratio.
1. Focusrite

Focusrite is one of the most popular choices for newer voice talent. It’s small, sleek and effective for basic VO projects and even podcasts, as you can use multiple inputs.

What’s Special About It?

Perfect for hosting a podcast from the comfort of your home, this interface comes loaded with the professional audio tools that you need. Get the gain that you need from the two preamps and use the outputs to connect it to your headphones. The 2GB of included samples make it easy to change your audio. I also like the three-year warranty and that it’s compatible with Mac and Windows computers.

It works in real-time to help you convert your files and add samples. The interface runs at speeds of up to 192kHz or 24 bits.
Use the pro tools to get the backing sounds that you need. You can choose from instrumental tracks and other samples.
The four built-in outputs let you use the interface with all types of equipment. It works with both headphones and microphones.

Best for: podcast recording because it helps you create professional audio files at home or in the studio.

Take a look at the video below to see just how easily you can set up the Scarlett 2i2. I also like that the demo gives you an idea of what to expect from it.

2. Behringer
For years, I used a Behringer. This AI allows for manual EQing and has a lot of other useful features to adjust your sound manually rather than in post. It also has become a lot more affordable in recent years.

The pre-amps on this model are especially great for the price.

What’s Special About It?

Capable of picking up the lowest and softest noises in the room, this is a favorite interface among professionals. Included with the device is some software that helps you edit your work before sharing it. You also get an accessory bundle for connecting other electronics to the interface. The low price makes this quite affordable, too.

Two preamps provide the same professional quality that you would expect in a large studio. Similar products have only one preamp.
Thanks to the included accessory bundle, you shouldn’t have any problems connecting it to your other devices. You get both male cables and a cleaning cloth.
Behringer included software that helps you edit your work. That software is suitable for podcasts and other audio recordings.

Best for: beginners who want an interface that is easy to use but delivers big results.

I like that the following video talks about the features that make this a good entry-level option. You can get a good look at those features.

3. Apollo Twin
If you have the budget to spend, then Universal Audio has some amazing AI. The Apollo Twin is my personal favorite, and many other successful VOAs swear by it. This baby does it all, and comes with hundreds of dollars’ worth of extra software and plugins for your DAW. If you are a voice talent who also embraces the audio production side of voice over, then the Apollo Twin will make you geek out!

What’s Special About It?

While the high price tag might make you think twice, this is the ultimate interface for those with extra money to spend. Compatible with most Windows computers, it provides real-time processing that responds as quickly as you need it to respond. You get all the inputs and outputs that you need for all of your accessories, too. It’s one of the leading choices for those who do voice work.

Top Features:

It has two inputs and two outputs along with other connections. No matter what you use in the studio, you can connect them to this interface.
Thanks to the plug-in bundle, you will have no problem finding the tracks and samples that you need. It comes with both modern and vintage elements.
Use the setups to get started as quickly as possible. You can always save any of the settings that you like as presets for future recording sessions.

Best for: voice actors and workers who want to do more editing.

Watch the following YouTube video that I found to hear everything that you need to know about the Appolo Twin. At less than 90 seconds, the video doesn’t take too long to watch.

Find more options between single and dual channel mic preamps.

Recording Software
You will need recording and editing software, often referred to as a DAW (digital audio workstation).

1. Audacity
Audacity is a popular DAW, and best of all you can download it for free. It is easy to use, and does everything you need for basic voice recording and editing.

What’s Special About It?

Audacity is one of the only free DAWs that you can use in a home or professional studio. Designed to work with all systems, it’s compatible with Windows and Apple computers as well as Linux operating systems. Import and export the files that you need and choose the sound quality that works best for your recording. Audacity works with all of your favorite plug-ins, too.

Top Features:

Use Audacity to record in any way that you want. It allows you to use a microphone during your session but can also use digital files.
Adjust the sound quality based on your recordings and equipment. Audacity has support for 16-bit and 32-bit formats as well as 24-bit samples.
Add special effects and edit your work quickly with Audacity. The plug-in manager ensures that you find the right samples and anything else that you need.

Best for: beginners and anyone else looking for an affordable DAW.
2. Pro Tools

A lot of folks swear by Pro Tools. This is the most dynamic software in many ways. However, in my opinion, it better suited for music production and projects where multiple tracks are needed. Even if you are tasked with handling the post production of a voice over gig, chances are you will need two tracks at most.

What’s Special About It?

I recommend Pro Tools for readers who sing and produce music tracks. It’s best for those who want to mix multiple tracks and include samples. If you do voice recordings, you may find that you don’t need most of the tools. Pro Tools has tons of plug-ins that help you get more out of your music.

Top Features:

Capture audio recordings at the rate that is right for your project. It allows you to both compose and record at the same time.
Take care of mistakes and errors with the editing tools. Those tools let you eliminate background noises and make tracks that sound more professional.
Choose the right plug-ins based on what you need for your recordings. You get 23 plug-ins for free and can add more than 100 for around $100 a month.

Best for: singers and anyone tasked with editing and creating music recordings.
3. Adobe Audition

Therefore, if you want a dynamic DAW for voice over, my personal choice is Adobe Audition. You can purchase a license for a lifetime, a year, or even monthly.

What’s Special About It?

My top choice for the best DAW is Adobe Audition, which you can purchase for a year or a month at a time. If you’re serious about your work, a lifetime license is your best choice. Compatible with other tools and software from Adobe, Audition turns any studio into a professional workstation. Use just the app or go with a bundle that includes multiple plug-ins.

Top Features:

With multiple license options, this is a good choice for many. You can pay a monthly or annual fee or choose a lifetime option and pay for the plug-ins that you need.
Thanks to the helpful included guide, beginners can learn everything that they need to know about podcasts. That guide walks you through each step in the process.
A variety of tools and kits come with each license. Those tools give you convenient access to background noises and samples for your recordings.

Best for: beginners and advanced users who want more flexibility with a DAW.

That should cover all the major components of a solid home voice over studio to compete on a high professional level. Now I want to go into some detail about all the accessories you will need to put the icing on the cake. Remember, your studio chain is only as strong as its weakest link. So if you are spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the major components, it is worth taking the time to pick out the proper accessories.

Other things that I find useful are the editing techniques to remove breathing sounds from vocal recordings. I find it easy to add voice-overs to Google Slides, which is a free tool that is similar to PowerPoint. A presentation made with Google Slides, with your voice-over, can be used as part of your portfolio to create a voice-over demo. This presentation can be accessed online by job prospects and potential employers.

Monitors and Headphones
There are two ways to properly listen to your recordings. One is with headphones, and the other is with studio monitors. The key for both is to get the kind that act as monitors, meaning they play back the true recorded sound. A lot of stereo speakers and hi-fi systems filter the signal with bass boosts, compressors, levelers, etc. You want to make sure you’re monitoring your recordings with voice over equipment that reproduces the actual raw sound.

Sony MDR-7506
My recommendation for headphones, or cans as they are affectionately referred to in the industry, is the Sony MDR-7506. I began using these in 2000 in my broadcasting days. I have been turned on to several other sets of headphones, but I always come back to these. They are comfortable, durable, and produce true sound.

What’s Special About It?

These Sony headphones are my hands-down favorite and a pair that I wear nearly every day. You get more than you expect for $100, including 40-millimeter drivers and a gold-plated plug. A soft case comes included to keep the headphones safe when you’re out of the studio. It has a strong frequency, too.

Top Features:

The headphones are wired to save you some frustrations in the sound booth. You don’t need to worry about charging or finding batteries.
Thanks to the over the ear design, you can more easily block out background noises. The headphones have padding to keep your ears comfortable also.
You can move freely as you work and record. Sony gives you an attached 9.8-foot cord with a plug that is compatible with most of your voice acting equipment.

Best for: self-directed sessions and client directed sessions.

A lot of readers contact me with questions about affordable audio recording. The following video looks at the MDR-7506 and other options priced at less than $100.

Studio headphones are helpful to concentrate on the audio mix and listen carefully to the tracks. You want to get headphones that accurately reproduce the recorded tracks without adding anything or taking anything away. Studio headphones provide clear sound that is as close to what was recorded as possible. What are your favorite headphones? Share your opinion with me after reading the article on the best studio headphones.
KRK Rokit 5 G3

As for speakers, KRK has become the new standard in most professional studios, and for good reason. These monitors are dynamic, solid and very powerful. The 5” will fill most home studios very nicely. But as a rule of thumb with all monitors, if you can get 8” you should. Simple audio physics will tell you that for absolutely true low-end sound, you must have 8”.

What’s Special About It?

Good speakers ensure that you hear the softest of noises in your studio, which is why I like this set. The soft dome tweeters give you smooth sounds and detect each noise in a track. You can adjust the bass and other settings to use the speakers when recording and editing. The low price makes this a popular choice, too.

Top Features:

The versatile design ensures that the speakers work with all types of music and recordings from heavy metal and hard rock to classic and country.
Though the speakers weigh less than you might expect, they deliver clear sounds. The speakers work with bass levels of all types.
You get both a five-inch woofer and a one-in tweeter. Those parts combine to make recordings sound as clear as possible.

Best for: low distortion, perfect clarity, and large headroom.

Finding out the benefits of these speakers is as easy as watching the video below. I like that it covers the top features of the speaker set.

Some cheaper options for both are Sterling Monitors and OneOdio cans.

To fully outfit a recording studio requires a functioning monitor setup. There are three components you need to consider. The first is choosing the monitors from the ones that I reviewed. The second is using monitor isolation pads as needed to improve the recording environment and reduce unwanted vibrations. The third thing you need is some monitor stands to place them at the level that is best for listening to them.

If you are a monitor geek like me, you will want to compare the monitors in a similar category. In my reviews, I compare popular monitors with each other:

KEF LS 50 vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf vs ELAC Uni-fi UB5 vs KEF R300 →
PreSonus Eris E3.5 vs Mackie CR3 vs Edifier R1280T →
M-Audio AV42 vs AV40 vs AV32 →

This gives you a detailed comparison of the specifications to make your analysis of the models that will work best for your recording studio.

Cables

The XLR cable is what connects your mic to your interface. Though you can use ordinary USB cords, I recommend XLR cables. Some of the benefits that you get from XLR cables include sharper signals between connected devices and stronger clarity. You should avoid gold-plated cables that cost extra as they don’t add much – if anything – to your session.

Pop Filter
A pop filter is very useful to minimize plosives when speaking. These are the harsh sounds your mouth makes into the mic when saying “P” and “B” sounds. You can find all kinds of pop filters that suit your individual setup. Here’s a metal pop filter, and here’s a traditional nylon one.

A nylon mesh pop filter diffuses air to stop it from hitting the microphone. Metal pop filters push air away from the microphone. Another difference that you hear is in sound quality. Metal filters are usually better and produce better quality but cost more. You may find that nylon filters interfere with your vision more than metal filters do, too.

Stands
You also want to have a proper mic stand or boom arm. Again, this choice is very dependent on your studio setup. If you are recording and editing in the same spot, then a scissor arm mic stand attached to your desk is most suitable. If you have the money, then get a sturdier and more versatile arm like this.

If you have a booth setup that’s separate from your desk, then a stand is most useful.

You may also consider getting a stand for your copy. If you read the copy off of your computer, tablet or phone, you may not need one.

Desk stands are another option that you might want to try, especially if you work from home. These stands are smaller than others and fit right on top of a desk. A desk stand may not fit your microphone though.

Soundproofing
You need to record in a quiet area. Your noise floor when recording should be at -60dB or lower. If your noise floor is higher, you will need to treat the room or adjust where you are recording in the room. Closets are great, as you can easily soundproof them with items already in your home like thick blankets. Just tack them up on the walls and ceiling of a closet to dampen outside noise as well as eliminate echo.

Of course, the best way to treat a room is with acoustic tiles or sound panels. Bass traps are handy as well, as they cut down on vibrations that can affect your recordings from room corners.

Heavy carpets can help with soundproofing, too. If you work in an area with hardwood or tile floors, simply placing heavy rugs or carpets on the floor will block some of the sounds coming from your studio. When you choose audio tiles and other soundproofing supplies, make sure that you cover the walls and ceiling along with the floor.

Many have the misconception that foam panels are meant to block out all exterior sounds. Foam panels may reduce some outside noise, but that is not their main purpose. Foam panels are more useful to fine-tune the interior environment of a recording studio. Their main important function is to reduce reflective sound and unwanted echoes.

Seven Tips on How to Set Up Your Voice Over Studio
The first thing that you need to know about setting up a voice over studio is what equipment you need. As I already talked about above, you need at least a microphone and an interface along with DAW and some accessories such as a stand and speakers. You also need a computer that can run your software and work with your equipment. Though some think that Macs are the best option for recording, Windows computers work equally well.

Those just starting are often surprised at how much some of the essential equipment costs. While you can look for ways to save money, make sure that you cut back on your accessories and not any must-have items. The audio interface and microphone are two places where you should splurge. The microphone needs a good signal range that picks up your voice when you stand a few feet away. Buying the wrong audio interface can result in poor recordings and background noises that sound louder than your voice does. You should expect to spend at least $2,000 on your studio without factoring in the cost of a computer.

If you are like me, you will spend a lot of time in your home recording studio. Make sure you have a nice desk, so I reviewed some low-cost desks. I recommend using rack-mounted equipment to keep everything neatly organized. I give some tips on how to build a vocal recording booth that you will find helpful.
Choose the Right Spot
Though you might assume that you need to pay thousands to rent a studio, you can build a small studio in your home. Many of the people who make the most popular podcasts started from home. Some of those professionals still record at home, too. Finding the best spot is the key to making sure that your recordings sound professional.

A few of the optional things that you might need when working from home include headphones, a hard drive and a music stand. The music stand holds the lyrics and music close to your face and can also hold a script that you read as you record. Using a hard drive allows you to save your work in case of an emergency. I also recommend a good pair of headphones to block out all the noises around you. Headphones let you focus on your voice and not the distractions in the background.
Soundproofing Your Space
If you ever lived in an apartment or condo before, you probably remember hearing your neighbors next door. Even if you live in a house, you still need to soundproof the space. You want to make sure that the noises you make remain locked in the roof, but you also need to ensure that you block the ambient noises outside. This can include everything from cars and trucks driving down the street to friends and pets
running through the house.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on soundproofing equipment or take a lot of extra time to work on the room. Just make sure that your studio is airtight. I don’t mean that you need to create a room that doesn’t let you breathe. You essentially want to create a space that serves as a vacuum when you open your mouth. Acoustic tiles are perfect for most homes because they come in a range of styles and colors. Not only can you pick a shade that matches the design of the room, but you can pick the right sizes for each wall along with the door and floor. Some professionals swear by the soundproofing tiles that resemble egg crates.
Voice Over Software
Voice over work allows you to make money from home. You can record commercials and jingles that you send to clients as well as podcasts that you sell to subscribers online. Many people make money from podcasts after they partner with companies that run ads on their shows. Before you begin looking for work, make sure that you have the right software.

A common question that readers ask me is about how much they need to spend on a software package. As I mentioned above, some of this software is available for free. You can download Audacity to any computer and start recording your voice today. One of the nice features about Audacity is that it’s compatible with both computers and tablets. If you don’t want to move your laptop to your studio, you can do a little work with your tablet. Other software packages charge a license fee that lets you use it for a specific period. For example, Adobe Audition has packages that start at around $21 a month with the option to buy a lifetime subscription or license.
Setting Up Your Space
Once you have all of your essential equipment, it’s time to set it up and think about how you will use it. This isn’t always as easy as putting everything on a desk and finding a comfy chair to sit in as you record. I recommend using a desk chair that allows you to move freely around the room, but you should make sure that the chair has an ergonomic design that fits your body, too. You might spend hours working on a voice recording and spend most of the day in that chair.

I think that a good studio includes both a desk and some shelving. The desk holds your computer and interface, but it also gives you a place to rest your hands and edit your work. Shelving gives you room for speakers and other accessories as well as your headphones and microphone when you finish for the day. As you set up the studio, choose the right cables to make sure that you can connect all of your components.
Move Your Speakers
When you create a home theater room or set up a surround sound system, experts tell you to put the speakers in the corner of the room. No matter where you sit, you hear every noise that comes from your television, including small whispers in the background and the conversations that characters share. You should not put the speakers in the room’s corner when designing and setting up a studio though.

Speakers are important because they help you recreate the experiences that your listeners have. The speakers allow you to hear people on the stairs or in other areas of your home that the microphone picked up. When you put them in the corners though, they can block some of the noises that others pick up on that you can’t hear at the moment. I often recommend that you skip the speakers until you feel confident in your recording skills. All you need is a good pair of headphones that let you focus on the sound of your voice and not everything in the background. If you do use speakers, put them closer to the center of the room and your workstation.
Control Noises
Eliminating background noises is the biggest tip that I can give to anyone interested in building a home studio. This tip also applies to those working outside of the home who record in areas where other people are around. Anything that you can hear while wearing headphones and recording are things that listeners will hear later. That is a big reason why professional studios have large signs that
tell others when a session is going on.

You can get similar signs to hang outside of your studio, too. Look for neon lights that you can plug in when you start recording. If you want to save money, go with something basic such as a paper sign that you can hang on the door. Before starting a new recording session, let everyone in your home know that you need them to stay quiet. I usually recommend moving your pets to another room or putting them outside.

Useful Videos
This video will cover a variety of mics in more detail that will be especially useful for those who are new to voice over work.

Here, you will learn more about why a perfect recording environment is so important, as well as a few tips on how to fix your sound in case your recording environment isn’t as ideal as you would like.

Be sure to check out my recommendations for a voice-over training course to improve your recordings. They teach how to control your breathing, improve pronunciation, helpful mic techniques, and give you vocal exercises to strengthen your voice.

FAQ
Q: What is phantom power?
A: To operate the electronic circuitry in a microphone, it needs power. This power may come from batteries placed inside the microphone or from DC-power transmitted through the microphone cables. This electrical power may also supply active direct boxes. This type of power, transmitted through the microphone cables, goes by the name of “phantom” power.

Q: How do I improve the signal strength of the microphone?
A: If it is necessary to turn up the mic gain so high that this interferes with the sound quality by causing noise in the recordings, the solution would be to improve the electrical output coming from the pre-amp to the microphone. A higher amount of electrical energy coming to the mic from the pre-amp allows the gain on the mic to be lower. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio, which reduces the unwanted noise in the sound recording.

Q: Why do you need a pop filter?
A: When peoples speak, they tend to “pop” the words that start with the letter “P” or “B.” Words that cause this are “plosives.” When recording a voice, the sound needs to stay within the dynamic range of the recording equipment. A popped letter “P” sends a rush of air toward the mic, which results in a loud short spike of sound. When watched on an analog volume meter, this sound causes the needle to jump up to the red. On a digital display, there is a high peak in the signal. This causes distortion and sounds unpleasant. It is best to record a voice-over without these spikes. A pop filter removes this unwanted sound and leaves the rest of the vocal sound intact. It is a simple physical solution, achieved by placing a pop filter in front of the mic to block the rush of air that makes the noise.

Q: Can I use home stereo headphones and home speakers in my home recording studio?
A: The problem with home stereo headphones and home speaker systems is that they may have a design that includes filters that change the signal using bass boosting, compressors, levelers, or other sound limiters. While this home equipment may make your favorite music sound great, this is not desirable in a home recording studio. Studio headphones (aka “cans”) and monitors have a design that reproduces the recorded sound as accurately as possible. This goes by the name of “true” recorded sound. The true sound does not have any extra enhancements or modifications that may not be desirable when the sound is heard on other systems or when using other headphones. The goal is that, upon playback on the studio monitors or in the studio headphones, the true sound is very close to the actual raw sound.

Q: Is fancier audio recording software, with more features, better?
A: If, you plan to do more than voiceovers, then, consider getting a fully-functional, professional software recording system such as Pro Tools. Plan to spend many hours learning how to use the software. For many, it is better to take a course to learn how to use it. If you only plan to do voiceovers in your home recording studio, save yourself the time and trouble of learning a complex recording software system. You will not need most of the features that are for recording projects, which are more complex. With voiceovers, you want great sounding voice recordings, and, usually, that is all. There is no need for all the features of complex recording software to do a simple accurate recording of a voice. Instead, opt for the free Audacity or the Adobe Audition as easier to learn choices.

Q: What is the difference between soundproofing and sound treatment?
A: If you have unwanted noise coming from the outside, you will want to soundproof the home recording studio to block out that noise. Soundproofing is challenging because you have to block all the air and vibration that comes from outside to keep the noise from traveling through the air and a vibration that gets inside. Sound treatment is using the placement of the equipment, acoustic tiles, sound panels, and bass traps to make the room sound better when recording. Sound treatment of a room removes any unwanted room reflection of undesirable sound effects that give a bad recording. Refer to our article about sound treatment to learn more about this important topic.
Conclusion
Now, you have a guide to the kind of voice over equipment you need to start a proper home studio, or upgrade your existing studio. Remember that with all equipment, personal preference comes into play heavily. If you can, try out a few different combinations and see which suits your voice best.

It is important to understand that YOUR VOICE is the instrument. No amount of fancy equipment can make you sound professional if you have not mastered the art of using your voice properly to convey the content of a script. Voice over work is more about acting, reading comprehension, and emotional control than just reading aloud. If you hone your skills and fully develop your craft, you will succeed no matter what your studio budget. You can always reinvest in your business as you become more profitable. I certainly did. Most of all, have fun!

Voice over work is an exciting and creative career. You should enjoy every aspect of it, such as playing around with your new toys.