Don’t Use This Mic for Voice-Over

by Jason McCoy

Updated August 2022

In this episode of the Voice Acting 101 Podcast, you'll learn:

  • The main reason you shouldn't use a smartphone mic
  • How different a smartphone microphone sounds to a client
  • How to use an external mic with a smartphone

Links & Resources from this episode

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  • John D. Skinner says:

    i don’t know about others, but
    yes i am listening and do look forward to new episodes
    thanks

  • Hi Jason, thanks for these great podcasts, very helpful. I’ve started doing voice-over for a company. I provide a French voice for animated employee training videos. I got this work from a friend because I’m bilingual, not through an agent or hiring agency etc. I’m new at this and want to expand my client base for possible audio books, podcast presenter, more training videos etc. Is the process for finding an agent the same? I’m in the midst of creating a demo and want to be sure I’m on the right path (btw i live in Canada if that makes a difference). Thanks so much.

    • Referrals are a great way to start gaining clients. Yes, the process of building your client base is similar no matter if it’s clients or agents.

    • Which link are you looking for? Not many mentioned in this episode but they are always available under “Links and Resources” above.

  • Hi Jason. Whenever, I’ve agreed to record a voice job, it’s always been via email or through a 3rd party site. Although emails could be considered a written agreement, there has never been a written and signed contract as such between me and my clients. I am based in the UK and my clients could be anywhere in the world. I sometimes think a written (binding) contract could put off some clients who often want the job done straight away without fuss. Should there be an official contract, no matter where the client is, how small the job is or how fast the client needs it? If my client refuses to pay me, does a contract have the international clout to get me paid? I am with the Equity union here in the UK. Thank you.

    • Hi Peter,

      The only time I use a contract is if the client provides one. Some clients have legal departments that require them. Creating written agreements for each client or job, would slow my whole process down and make it harder to work together. I like to make it easy for clients to hire me.

      When someone asks for a price and I give one, I usually just say “I’ll wait for your approval before proceeding”.

      If a client refuses to pay, you’re working with the wrong clients. And in that case look for warning signs to prevent that from happening again in the future.

  • Hi Jason,
    Would you recommend the Centrance MixerFace R4 for recording short projects while traveling?

    • You could go that route if you’re set on recording with your phone. If you have another device that accepts USB, the Shure X2U USB is a more affordable, easy to travel with option https://amzn.to/2yFek9o

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