Getting Started Recording Voice-Overs at Home
By Jeffrey P. Fisher
Do you already have a computer with a sound card that can act as your
digital recorder? You just need to add some inexpensive recording equipment
and software to your PC, and you can produce high-quality, effective
voice recordings easily. What other gear do you need?
Microphone
To get your voice into the computer, you need a microphone. Don't use the crummy
little one that came with your computer. High-quality, inexpensive mics abound
and sound far better than that trash. For basic voice work, I'd suggest a
large diaphragm studio condenser such as those made by MXL, Audio-Technica,
Shure, Rode and others. There are several choices around $100 with some terrific
mics in the $300-$500 range, too.
Microphone Preamp
Microphones put out such a low amount of electricity that their signal needs
to be boosted. The sound card's mic input includes the necessary preamplifier.
Unfortunately, much like the cheapo mic that shipped with your box, most
sound card mic preamps are too noisy for serious work. In a pinch you could
use it, but at least, use it with a better mic.
For the preamp, you can choose either a small mixer to work with your
mic or a dedicated audio interface. Mixers essentially let you connect
several microphones and other devices (such as a CD player) to one
place and adjust their volumes independently. Behringer and Mackie
make some decent little mixers. Alternately, two good choices for stand-alone
preamps include the DBX Mini-Pre Tube Mic Pre-amp and the ART Tube
MP Studio V3 Mic Pre-amp. Both are under $125.
Many professional dedicated audio interfaces (some USB-based, others
Firewire-based) include decent preamps and a far better soundcard.
Options here include Edirol UA-25, M-Audio FW-410, or the Focusrite
Saffire.
USB
Another prudent choice is a USB-based mic, such as the Samson CO1u or Blue
Snowball which plugs directly into your USB port and appears as a soundcard
to your recording software. This means you don't need to invest in a mixer,
preamp, or better soundcard as they have all this built-in. You'll still
need your built-in soundcard for audio playback, though.
Speakers and headphones
While computer speakers are adequate for recording, editing, and finishing
basic recordings, those built-in to laptops are useless. Invest in some decent
powered speakers, such as the M-Audio DX-4 for this purpose. Wear closed-ear
headphones that keep sound leaking from them from being picked up by the
mic.
Recording software
Choose recording software with editing facilities for fixing mistakes, compiling
the best bits, adding music and/or sound effects, creating special effects,
and delivering your finished voice tracks in the formats you need. I like
Sony Sound Forge Studio 8.0 for the PC, but Audacity is a freeware alternative
for Macs, Windows, and Linux.
Quiet recording space
Your goal is to record a clear, intimate voice track, and that means keeping
noise and the sound of the room OUT of the finished recording. Professionals
record in a sound booth specially designed to keep noises out and make their
voice sound good. These costs thousands of dollars and are a bit impractical
for occasional work. A clothing-filled, walk-in closet works as a makeshift
sound booth, though.
# # #
Jeffrey P. Fisher co-wrote "The Voice Actor's Guide to Home
Recording" with veteran voice pro Harlan Hogan. Together they
also produced the best-selling training DVD: "VO Success --
What you must know to compete in today's very different VO marketplace." Both
resources and more are available at http://www.audiosmartactors.com
This voice over Helpful Hint
is brought to you by Sherri Berger.
For more helpful hints and information about Sherri Berger or Voice Over U,
visit www.sherriberger.com.
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