Lesson #13 -
How to Set Up Your Studio, Part 2
How much does it cost to build a professional voiceover studio? What equipment do I need to get started? These questions are at the top of the list of those trying to get started in the voiceover business.
If you’re asking the “how much does it cost” question there is a high likelihood that you’re high on ambition and short on cash. Don’t feel bad. My best educated guess is that 99.9% of the people getting into this business are in the same boat. Maybe a better way to phrase the question is “What’s the least I can spend on a professional voiceover studio?” Also a fair follow-up question, “Can I expect a good return on my investment?”
Assuming you already have a computer you can get started with an investment of as little as $100. Plug a cheap microphone into your pc or laptop and use a free audio program and you can get to work. You can also expect to be a miserable failure as a voiceover artist. Additionally, if you don’t have the voice, talent, and work ethic necessary for success you can spend thousands on audio equipment and still fail. Before you make the investment in a professional home voiceover studio you should be convinced that you have what it takes. Get a working pro in the business to assess your potential.
This article will focus on the “how much” question as well as addressing essential audio equipment needs. As far as a guaranteed return on investment there is none. However, the old expression “you have to spend money to make money” definitely applies here. Your goals should be to showcase your talents and abilities in the best ways possible and to provide your clients with a quality product and superior service.
Here, then, are 5 Essential Keys to Building a Professional Home Voiceover Studio:
1. Don’t Skimp On the Computer
Make certain that you have adequate processor speed and ample hard drive storage for handling a growing library of sound files. The $300 Walmart special will not give you the quality and reliability that you need. Run a Google search for “best CPU for a digital audio workstation.” Do your homework before you buy.
You can purchase a computer designed specifically for audio applications. However, these workstations are costly. If you don’t plan on bringing in the local symphony or rock band for a session and your sole function is for voiceovers then a good quality computer will suffice. You can get the computer that you need for professionally recording voiceovers in the $500 to $700 range. I’ve found some great prices on excellent systems at http://www.tigerdirect.com/ .
Desktop of PC? It doesn’t matter. That’s a personal preference issue. I use a laptop because it’s better suited to my needs. I like the flexibility of being able to lay down my voice tracks where all my sound equipment remains stationary and then moving to a more comfortable setting for the editing process. It also gives me the luxury of taking my studio with me when I’m on the road. Use what makes the most sense for you.
Designate one computer for handling your voiceover business. You’re opening the door for trouble if your audio workstation is also the family computer.
Purchase an external drive and backup your files regularly.
2. Use a Professional Microphone
Select a high-end pro microphone that is best for your voice. You can spend anywhere from $200 up to $7000. Currently I use a Rode NT2-A which can be purchased in the mid to high-$300’s. If you’re really strapped for cash you can get by with a MXL DRK condenser microphone which sells for a few pennies under $100. However, as your business grows you will want to replace the MXL with something better. Shure, Neumann and Sennheiser make superior microphones to name a few. The more you work with your voice the more you’ll be sensitive to the sound quality that you want to achieve.
When selecting a microphone you will want one that is unidirectional. That keeps the sound focus on you and not on what’s happening on the other side of the microphone. The Rode NT2-A is omnidirectional but can be set to a unidirectional mode and has additional filters that can be utilized for achieving your desired reproductive sound. Again, do your research and select the product that puts you in the best possible light.
3. Cleanup Sound Card Issues
Generally, factory installed sound cards leave a lot to be desired. Sometimes you’ll encounter speed issues where the soundcard won’t keep up with the computer processor or vice versa. A more troubling issue is that internal cards pick up noise from within the computer. The extraneous sound is barely detectable but a nightmare for generating clean recordings. One solution is to invest in a high-end audio workstation soundcard if you can afford it. Most of us mere mortals aren’t in a position to swing for that kind of cash so I recommend that you go for an external solution. The best that I’ve found in this regard is made by M-Audio which offers a line of USB audio interfaces for multiple applications. The M-Audio Fast Track should be sufficient for your needs. It sells for about $150 and provides phantom power if you use a condenser microphone. The pro model costs about a hundred bucks more and is good if you plan on doing some midi recording. The M-Audio device also solves some issues that cause your headphones to be out of sync with your voice as you record.
4. Use the Right Software
I wish I would have invested in the M-Audio product sooner. It would have saved me a bunch of money on audio software. The Fast Track comes with an introductory version of Sound Pro. I’ve played with it a little and it appears to be and good choice for voice-tracking and multi-track recording and editing.
If you want to pay out some big bucks you can purchase Adobe Audition which sells for $300 to $400. I prefer a product made my Magix called Samplitude Music Studio 15. I like it because it gives me the capacity to do user-friendly multi-track production and it only costs $80. Every function I have needed has been available on Samplitude. Another good basic audio product is the AVS Audio Editor that sells for $35. AVS is good for laying down tracks and simple editing. If you lack experience in audio production and have no interest in developing that skill and providing that service then AVS Audio Editor is an excellent choice.
Sony produces a product called Sound Forge. I know some folks in the biz who use it exclusively and have had good results with it. There are several versions ranging in price from $40 up to the high $200’s.
5. Master Your Sound Environment
In a previous article I addressed this important issue. For more info on Mastering Your Sound Environment go to Lesson #12.
Good luck to you as you build your professional voiceover studio. If you need some free advice I’ll be happy to help. Send me an email with your voiceover questions.
These lessons have been written by Richard Weirich.
For help with your voice talent career contact Richard at rw7475@gmail.com or (205) 260-9362.
Voice Talent coaching services are available. Initial critiques are free.
