Setting up a Recording Space to Record Voice-Over
What does your studio setup and gear look like?
Let me know in the comments below.
How to Get Into Voice Acting – Step 2
by Jason McCoy
Updated August 2022
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I have a Yeti Blue, and a Sterling Audio ST51, which one would you recommend I use? I have some experience, but not a whole lot and Im just wanting to do some FIVERR commercial gigs.
Hi Ruben,
I would test both and see which ones sounds best in your studio. Without hearing samples, I would go with the ST51.
Thank you so much, Jason!
I have a studio set up in my other bed room. Did some sound proofing and used pillows and blankets to ward off some noise. I am on a budget. Have a maino mic, headset and a laptop with audacity software for now.
Sounds like a great setup!
Oh my. I had no idea what all went into doing voice-over. Dang. All I’ve used is a free app called Voice Recorder-Voz. I did some reading samples and sent them off and now I have to figure out my finish rate. Still trying to learn how to figure that one out. I’m low on funds, so not sure how to proceed without being able to buy a mic, adapter, pop filter, etc. A lot to learn still.
Hi Carol, try Amazon. I bought a mic from there that suites my budget. $45 it was on sale. So far so good. Happy Recording.
Which mic did you go with?
Why can’t I watch this video?
Video seems to be working – not sure why you’re unable to view it.
Hello Jason,
I built a sound booth out of PVC. It is 4′ x 4′ x 7′. the outside is lined with heavy moving blankets. On the inside l have another layer of moving blankets and thick egg crate mattress covers hanging on the end where I speak into the microphone. White Christmas tree lights wrapped around the PVC on the ceiling provide plenty of light for reading scripts. I record with a 2012 Macbook Pro. My equipment: AT3035 mic, PreSonus Audiobox USB 96 Interface, DAW – Adobe Audition, pop filter and mic stand.
I record with my computer in the booth. I know that it doesn’t have an SSD so I keep it on a small table below a shelf. The shelf is about 18″ wide, so I drape a thick blanket to deaden the sound of the computer. I am thinking about using a layer of foam to cut down on the sound as well.
I have been practicing VO scripts and have been work/practicing with Audition to produce my own demo. I am looking to produce my own demo to start with, until I can save up to have one professionally done. I have a radio, acting and public speaking and teaching (TV Productions, Journalism and Public Speaking) background. I am looking to start a voiceover career because it is something that I have always thought about doing. Been told numerous times that my voice captivates an audience. I have also watched and guided a few of my former students towards the entertainment business. I am thinking that If I educate myself, then I can break into doing voiceovers.
Thank you for the information about how to get started. I will not doubt use these steps as a guide to get started.
Mike
Thank you for the information. Setting up a studio will be difficult for me for several reasons; one I live in a very small apartment and I do not have a separate room to dedicate to voice over, second my computer is very close to my work station. With all that being said I will make it work. I am very determined and resourceful. I have the editing software Adobe Audition and know how to use it.
As long as your neighbors aren’t noisy this shouldn’t be a problem.
I have on order and awaiting receipt of a Mackie onyx 1-2 Audio pre-amp as an interface, Rode NT1 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone (not the 1-A which is also a good mic), MS 7701B Mic stand w/ boom with intent to use the boom for the mic, pop filter and shock mount embedded in a clothes filled armoire and a blanket on a panel behind me for acoustic and sound reflection control, K240 AKG Headphones around-the-ear with partially meshed external (facing outward) plastic ear covers as a starter set of cans which would serve well as a permanent post production work set of headphones (eventually will purchase a Sennheiser closed external (facing outward) ear cover to reduce ambient sound bleed). Through Sweetwater, this will cost less than $550.00. Initially, I will use Audacity (free shareware) as my DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). My intent for a recording space is to use an approximately 4x4x6 sound booth in a spare room using schedule 40 PVC piping with Acoustibloc 15 covering for the walls, floor and ceiling screwed into the PVC frame on the inside and another layer on the outside with an air cushion between. On the inside, I will attach several sheets of Acoustibloc quiet fiber. This will be one of my first business investments after initial income from this endeavor, since it is one of the most important aspects of providing clients with a technically acceptable result. I will need to open the door (flap) from time to time to vent it since it will become quite warm in there. I expect this sound booth set-up to cost around $700 with only one layer of Acoustibloc and perhaps $1100-1200 with the double layer and air insulation.
I have my room im going to use and going to either use blankets or buy some foam padding for the walls as well, and I am using the Blue Yeti on a Mic Stand and a Pop Filter and going to start with Audacity
Thank you so much for making these tutorials! I’m really looking forward to becoming a voice actor, because it’s PERFECT for me and my lifestyle.
I had a question though, in your experience, or others’ experience, how did you find work when you were a beginner?
I’m aware that you need to do some free work, to build your resume in voice acting, but where can you find this work?
Thanks for that great list. I can use my square shaped closet, and would a blanket stuck under the door be enough, or should the door be covered? I have to purchase everything, and will probably go with the Adobe Audition, might make my training with you easier.
Ideally, the door would be covered. Adobe Audition is great for voice-over- Audacity can work when just starting out as well.
I’ve finally completed my setup and got the home studio all ready to go. I’ve got everything staged in my closet. Clothes hanging on one side, a blanket on the other and sound padding/panels covering the door perfectly so that they cover up the cracks around the door. Works like a charm! I’ve got a Blue Yeti, HD280 Senheisser headphones, a pop filter, and just recording on garageband on my laptop! Having tons of fun learning about all this stuff.
That’s great to hear Josh!
Thank you Jason. I didn’t want to start recording anything until I had all of my equipment. Ive bought a Desk, 40 sound panels, a mic, a pop filter and I’m using my iPad. I’ve just purchased a Mac mini and a monitor so that I can use adobe audition. I am working everything from my iPad right now and I’m confused about the software i can use.
Have you tried Twisted Wave? That would work for an ipad.
Thank you for that. I couldn’t live with myself not using the right equipment so I bought a Mac mini and a monitor with adobe audition.
Hello again J! I have a Blue Snowball Ice microphone hooked up to my MacBook Pro, I have GarageBand and I use my wife’s closet which has enough space and, with all the clothes, keeps the echo to a minimum. Sounds pretty basic, I know, but your little story of how you got started gave me some encouragement.
Hey Jason! Basic can still sound good. Just make sure the closet is well treated if the clothes aren’t enough.
Purchased mike, mini mixer, soundproofing, headphone. Will be downloading software and setting up soon.
Hi Glen,
Great! Which mic and foam did you go with?
I will be upgrading my old MacBook Air to a MacBook Pro, and possibly getting an iPad with pencil for scripts. I’m going to get the Rode mic with all the goodies, a Scarlet, and I have Audition.
For the studio I’m debating. I need to have sit/stand capability and vocally standing is better for diaphragm usage. I’ll get a larger sit/stand desk and possibly the acoustic blankets on ceiling rails around it. My house is very open, but carpeted so I’m using space in the middle of the lower floor to stay far enough away from windows, street noise, and walls with neighbors. Oh and I’m under a flight path. I also may use a little wetbar area I have that already has partial interior walls and use the acoustic blankets on hooks or curtain rods in there.
I’ve seen where some have box-type foam enclosures surrounding their mics. But when that is done to absorb sound that tight, and you have to be close to it, how is a script read with your face in a box?
Something on the side?
Do you use an iPad or just read off your computer screen (somehow buffering the computer sound)?
Hi Joni,
Great plan.
Usually, you’d speak into the box and hold your script above the box. But boxes tend to sound to muffled.
I read off computer screen in studio. If I’m working on the road, I’ll read off a phone or tablet screen.
If your computer makes noise you’ll want to have it in another room. Best option would be a computer with an SSD so it’s silent.
I think the macbook pros have SSDs So I should be good, and I have a curved matte Samsung 32” monitor, so I’m guessing since you read off a monitor that it doesn’t cause any sound reflection…or at least it is not picked up by the mic as placed (or because it’s in the dead zone of the cardioid pickup pattern).
There probably is some reflection from the screen but it’s minimal.
Pros still have a fan so can be a bit loud. The Airs with M1 chips don’t have fans. Perfectly silent and fast.
What is an SSD, sorry for my ignorance.
Solid-State Drive. it’s a silent hard drive with no moving part. So it’s quiet enough to be near a mic.
Thanks
I have an Audio Technica AT2020, 3 metre Stagg XLR cable, cheap Tencro shock mount and pop filter from Amazon, Focusrite Scarlet Solo audio interface and a Pulse PLS00042 bass drum mic stand from Amazon. I recently downloaded Audacity editing software and I am planning to clear out the cupboard under the stairs, where I will try and install the Pro-coustix foam panels I bought on ebay which are 12″x12″ square and just under 2″ thick. I’m considering mounting them on to cardboard and using velcro or command strips as I live in rented accommodation and don’t want to damage the walls. The laptop I am using is a Lenovo Thinkpad X220 which I hope is up to the job!
The cupboard is small and a bit cramped but I’m hoping it might cut out a lot of shouting so I don’t bother the neighbours. In future I may consider building a vocal booth from PVC pipes, connectors, curtain rings and sound absorption blankets!
I am planning to use a small room in my house and just put up some moving blankets around the room. I am going to need to get the rest of the stuff the only other thing I have is a computer. I did download the list for help finding what I need. Thank you for the list.
Currently my equipment is limited to a closet, some blankets, borrowed XLR cable and head phones, and a computer. I’ll need to do some research into getting pop filters, mic, audio interface and editing software which I plan to start doing this weekend.
Hi Kari, Check out https://voiceacting101.com/voice-over-resources/
Maono AU A03 ..Which consists of microphone condenser, air or pop filter ,micro stand, XLR cable, laptop
I do have a mic coming, so I’m okay there. I got it for almost $10 from EBay, he he. For software, I plan on using audacity, and the space for right now I’m using the whole house when no one is home. I use other family members computer, or I will use a mp3 voice recorder app on my cell phone. I do have a walk in closet I may use when no one is home, and have thought about using one of our old sheds as a studio. 🙂
I think you’ll need a quiet area of the house that is padded out, such as the closet / wardrobe. The flooring will have an effect too. If it’s wooden floorboards, that will create a hollow sound.
I’m thinking of using my master closet. It’s very roomy, and I believe the clothes will help with the deflection.
I have used AT 2020 but now am using Shure sm7b (although I was a little unhappy when I learned that i needed to spend extra for a pre-amp. And I have two interfaces, M-Audio Fast Track and M-Track. I notice that none of these made your list. Comments?
There’s nothing wrong with those mics but they aren’t my top choice for VO work. Some VO actors do use them. I had an M-Audio interface years ago. Again nothing wrong with it but prefer Focusrite or Universal Audio. https://voiceacting101.com/voice-over-resources/#mics
I have the following set up:
USB mini mic and another microphone for the booth
Headphones (don’t use these)
windscreen and mini windscreen
Portabooth
Separate reflector for mobile sessions
Rack stand to hold booth and equipment
For the DAW, you do not mention Reaper. Any particular reason?
Audacity is free, Adobe is a subscription, Reaper appears to be full featured with a low cost to own. Thoughts?
Hi Charles,
Reaper works too. And the low cost to own is a nice benefit. It’s included here: https://voiceacting101.com/voice-over-resources/#audioediting I don’t normally mention it since it’s more than you need for voice-over…kinda like pro-tools. Where Adobe Audition allows you to work on a single waveform. But yes, Reaper or really any daw will work fine – it’s just what you get used to using.
Jason, thank you so much for the video and the equipment list. Summer break is finally here, so I can focus on setting up my recording space.
I was able to find a used MXL V67G HE (comes with pop filter and a shock mount) and used Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen interface on eBay for a total around $150 including shipping. Many kudos for suggesting to check eBay since new for everything scouring the internet would have been anywhere between $300-400 before shipping costs. Tested out equipment using the free Audacity software. It’s crazy how amazing the sound quality is compared to two older Shure mics I used on loan from my brother in law.
I have a walk-in closet that I believe would be the best place for recording at the moment when additionally throwing up a blanket on the door. Hopefully later on I can convert front office with some sound panels like your set up or get a whisper room.
Sounds like a great deal and setup! I’ve had a lot of success using eBay for used voice-over gear.
Is Audio Technica 2020 the best microphone to do voiceovers?
Hi Richard,
Best mic is subjective but in my opinion, no – it’s not the best mic for voice-over. I prefer a TLM103 or V67G.
My current hobby setup pipes a dirt-cheap Neewer NW-700 through a Mackie 1202 VLZ4 mixer (connected to other audio equipment) into a dirt-cheap Behringer UCA202 interface (the Mackie also outs to other amps/monitors). I know the mic will need to be upgraded. Do you think the Mackie compensates for a more expensive audio interface? Or would skipping over the mixer completely and going into a better interface be preferred?
The signal will only be as good as the weakest link in the chain. I also use a mixer. I go mic to audio interface to computer and use an audio interface output into the mixer. This way the mic is a straight shot, skips the mixer and the recording is the best signal possible. Here are some mic and audio interface options https://voiceacting101.com/voice-over-resources/
I did start my search for finding the best microphone and audio software. I do have an office to work with I plan to hang a blanket over the window to cut down outside noise. I also plan on updating my current computer and finding the right audio software for me in the near future.
Great – let me know which mic and audio editing software you go with. I love Adobe Audition, but Audacity is free.
I did download audacity but I still am not 100% which mic to go with some sites say the Snowball or Yeti is a fine choice but others say that USB mics are unprofessional. So I am still looking for suggestions and information.
I just bought a Shure Sm7B with a cloud lifter. I’ll be mounting my sound panels by the end of the week. I have a editing suite I use for film. Software Adobe so even though I have ProTools in my opinion Audition is better for VO. Scarlette 2 interface to a Mac tower. Hoping to have this studio Upgraded within a week or two.
I agree Adobe Audition is more fitting for voice-over than ProTools. Looks like a nice studio setup!
For what it’s worth. i use a Snowball USB mic and a laptop. I record in my bedroom which has carpet. I will probably start recording in the closet. I seem to get a really quiet recording. Is there a place I can upload a sample?
Hi Vincent, if you sign up for the voiceacting101 updates, feel free to respond to an email with your sample. I’ll give it a listen.
How do I sign up for that?
Looks like you are already signed up. You can just respond to an email you receive from me.
Thanks for listening to my demo. I’ll make the adjustments you recommend.
Wooow I have heard about this long ago but I didnt know how to go about it
I’ve heard from a voice actor on youtube that you only need a pop filter if you get a ribbon mic since those are so sensitive
Thanks for the tips Jason. I have a nice walk-in closet at home. I’ll probably drape blankets over the door and walls in addition to the clothes that are currently in there. The dimensions should allow for a great sound with minimal reverberations that I can monitor and add more blankets to for better absorption, if necessary. Plus it’s at the far end of the home.
Sounds like a great setup Mario!
This should be fun as a Techniphobic – although I married a Technical Engineer.
However, I do need to master this skill; as most work will be done whilst he’s at work.
It’s really not too difficult. Once you set it up the first time – it will run like clock work.
Also, I live in the Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda.
Hi Jason, both videos so far are very informative. I don’t have those equipment but I only have a laptop. This process is helping me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new which I thought about in the past. Whatever you can do to help is greatly appreciated.
Hi Kim,
Great to hear! You can practice without the studio gear, but it’s better to playback your recordings and learn from what you hear.
Thanks Jason this was very informative!!! I have a quiet place in mind but the quiet time is iffy. I had all the equipment you recommended but unfortunately the coach I had helped me with a great demo but not with setting up the equipment. So I ended up returning most of the items and purchased a USB Audio Technica mic.
I definitely want to upgrade in the future. Thanks!
Hi Denise, I’d love to hear your demo and know what equipment you originally had.
Hi Jason, The equipment that I originally had was:Audio Technica AT2020 Condensor, ART TubeMP Preamp and Mic stand MS7700B Tripod. I still have the ATHT200 Closed back headphones, Pop filter, XLR Cable and I downloaded the audacity software on my labtop. Ok regarding my demo. Let me know where to send it since I received the files via email. Thanks.
Sounds like a nice setup! I’ll send you a message where you can send your demo.
Ok. Thank you!
I have sought advice from several audio/vocal recording professionals RE: what kind of microphone to get, and depending on who you ask, they’ll advise that I spend $100 or more for high end equipment. I haven’t even created a demo yet, let alone, made any money from my voice acting, so price is definitely the main consideration for me. I find Amazon.com very helpful in the selection process, as they have customer reviews (good and bad) about each microphone. I’ve found a Tonor USB condenser mic for studio podcast work for $16 and comes with a tabletop mic stand. Throw in the pop filter and my grand total is around $30. The best part is, I can easily purchase both items within two weeks. I already have a 2012 MacBook Pro and the soundproof room so once I buy my gear and download Audacity, I’ll be ready to rock!
That’s great Kim! I’d love to hear a sample of the Tonor USB to hear how it sounds. I’ve heard amazing quality on inexpensive microphones. Depending on your results, once you begin making money you’ll probably want to upgrade your mic.
All very good points Jason thank you! Currently for myself, finding
the quietest time has been an issue so there isn’t any background noise in my
recordings(I work in my basement). I’ve started on the construction of a booth
and also feel this is key for anyone doing voice acting. The last thing your
client wants to hear is background noise from the furnace, washing machine, sub
pump, or children. YouTube has many ‘how to’ video’s for low budget builds.
Exactly Brian! I’d love to hear which build you go with and how it turns out.
Hey Jason, just a quick question for you. I’ve been interested in getting into voice acting for a little while, and have some basic equipment that I’ve collected over the years to help me do that. But one thing I am on the fence about is my current microphone, a Somson Meteor Mic that I’ve used for years. The nice thing about it is that is uses a USB plugin so it can go straight to the computer, but I am worried about audio quality. It might be good enough to at least start with, but I wanted to get your opinion on the pros and cons of using a mic like that for entry work. Thoughts?
Hi Joel,
I haven’t used the Somson Meteor Mic but if you send a sample using the mic, I’ll let you know about the quality. Without hearing it, I’m thinking it’ll be fine to start with as long as your room is treated well.