In today’s day and age, we are all familiar with voice recording devices and personal set-ups. It is in fact just an app away sometimes and most of us end up recording on our phone devices.
Now how would you like to know how to set-up? an independent set-up at home or your studio if you re a musician?
This article exactly describes the same, the pre-requisites of a voice recording set-up. This minimal set-up can be used by musicians or non-musicians, videographers, cinematographers – in all sorts of artistic and musical fields.
How Do To Set Up A Voice Over Studio At Home?
There is no such thing as the right moment to set up your home studio in your voice-over profession.
Having said that, you could be a novice in the field, with no agency or even a seasoned professional with regular commercial work. In case of both of these situations you could believe that owning a home studio can greatly advance your professional prospects. The time of this realisation is not crucial, but it is crucial to give some attention to the kind of equipment you will be purchasing.
Home Studio Set-up requirements for Voice Recording
It is really quite simple to set-up a home studio for your recording purposes actually. There is no need to be an expert in the field to get the job done correctly and to a satisfactory level.
Listed below are 6 key elements/ devices you would need serving you as the most important aspect of a regular home studio set-up.
A PC & A Software (DAW) for Voice Recording
One of the most costly necessities, which ideally you already own. All of your recordings will be first stored on your computer, which will also serve as your method of transmitting them to clients. Whether it’s external (a plug-in device) or on the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, or a comparable service), you should make sure you have a backup as well.
It may now be used to record, edit, and clean up your sound clips after adding the necessary software. The free internet recording tools, like Audacity, can be of interest to the newbie. Such software is straightforward and simple to use, making it a wonderful tool for rehearsal before going on to something a little more difficult.
Any budget may be accommodated by one of the several voice over recording software alternatives available. The most popular software, according to Voices talent, is Adobe Audition, which has a monthly membership fee. Commonly utilised free choices include Audacity and GarageBand. Pro Tools and Logic are two options for more sophisticated recording and editing software that may be bought outright.
The audio software/program you select should ultimately be based on how comfortable you are. Use any free trials that may be offered by the software’s website to determine which features suit you the most. You should consider your unique demands, the software compatibility with your computer system, and if it will meet those needs before you buy recording and editing software.
A Microphone
While it could be tempting to use the least expensive microphone when you first start out as a voice actress, you’ll quickly discover that you need a more durable mic with higher-quality output. However, bear in mind that even the most costly microphone might not be the best choice for your home recording setup.
For voice over, a condenser microphone works best. They will be able to pick up a wider variety of sounds since they have a better audio signal. Showcase all the unique qualities of your voice—definitely beneficial! Additionally, a microphone stand is required.
Purchasing this microphone is a no-brainer for the professional. But the novice may also take into account another kind: the USB Microphone. This can be hooked straight into a computer and is great for artists who are on the road, but it won’t provide the same high-quality sound. Which can enable the newbie to forego purchasing the next essential item…
An Audio-Interface
The audio interface will serve as a go-between for the microphone and the computer. The soundwaves from the microphone will be translated into a digital format on your computer by simply connecting the interface to the microphone using an XLR connection (which should be included with the interface).
The newbie may have avoided purchasing this with the USB microphone (for the time being), but they should under no circumstances view this as a long-term compromise.
A Pair of Headphones
Every home studio set-up goes on for long hours. So you would need appropriate, cozy & comfortable headphones. Ones that you can wear comfortably for a very long time. Although Bluetooth is catching up, wired headphones still tend to give the finest quality for the money.
Any producer needs a pair of headphones. especially if your monitors are feeble and your room is badly or not maintained.
They offer a degree of detail that monitors just cannot match for the same price.
When creating on the go, headphones are a great tool.
M50X Audio Technica is a favorite pick for all audio engineers and music producers.
A Pop-filter/ Pop Shield
To reduce “popping” noises, such as the kind you might have experienced when recording with your phone, the pop shield will be fastened to the front of your microphone. One of these will improve how clear your speech sounds.
There are two sorts of pop filters to think about for voice actors of any skill level: nylon mesh pop filters and metallic mesh or metal pop filters. The most popular form of pop filter is made of nylon, which is also an affordable alternative. Metallic or metal pop filters are noted for their strength and compact size.
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Recording Environment for Voice Recording
The most crucial thing on the list is also possibly the hardest to locate: a conducive recording atmosphere. Your surroundings must be relaxing, a place you would like spending hours of your day, and most importantly, they must be silent. Car horns and smashing cabinets cannot be muffled by a pop shield. Pay attention to the room’s sound quality as well as any outside noises. You neither want the sound of your microwave beeping in the background nor do you want your recording to be damaged by reflections and echoes of sound bouncing about the room.
When setting up your home studio, you should pick a location where you’ll feel at ease working in addition to being quiet. You’ll be spending a lot of time there, after all! To maximise your performance, your home studio has to be big enough for you to stand up and walk about.
The next thing you need do after selecting a location is soundproof the area. Before going on to more expensive solutions, such as home renovation, it is advised for beginners to address the problems in their area with less expensive materials like carpets and moving blankets.
There are several pricey, soundproof choices available here. A sound booth, a whisper room, or a studio brick might simply be placed in a room’s unoccupied corner. These may run anywhere from 4700$ to 6000$, but for a creative professional who makes a regular, comfortable living from voice over work (and has extra room) the price may be justified for this soundproofed, cozy and adaptable area.
Similar to any other firm, it is essential to perform a feasibility study before making a significant financial commitment. Start with the fundamentals and gradually advance once you’ve established that this is a profession that can provide you a consistent income. Although you could begin as a beginner in the closet under your stairs, you should eventually become an expert with the home studio of your dreams.
Recognize that setting up your system takes time, and that analysis paralysis is a common occurrence. Prior to upgrading your equipment, I would make sure that each time you do receive something new, you really understand it. Understanding your DAW and how various plugins might impact your sound is a wonderful place to start. You are a voice, but if you take the time to fully immerse yourself, you can be so much more. And it’s really enjoyable!
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