2 answers
Pearl
Student
10
Questions
Updated
3428 views
Setting up Voice acting tech
What kind of tech and software/webs do I need to prepare for voice acting practice and future auditions? I saw some suggestions about special mics, but I don't know what they are or how they work. Like a "condenser mic" or "pop filter". Which ones are the best for price and quality? The prices are crazy for some and i'm not a pro at finding the best quality of items. I am willing to spend a moderate amount (not cheap, or super expensive) of money to fulfill the set up for VA. What kind of device do I need to run the stuff?
Login to comment
2 answers
Mel Rose
Voice Over Actor
7
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Mel’s Answer
Pearl!
Hi there!
Your tech questions are exactly what voice actors need to tackle when starting out. It's great you're asking them!
At the beginning, you don't need the priciest microphone. The key is to find a quiet spot to record. Many people start with just a blanket over a milk crate! Some begin in a closet lined with a soundproof blanket. Later, you might want to invest in or build a booth. Michelle (from the previous answer) recommended Bill D. as a great starting point, and shared some links. He's fantastic for both tech and performance advice.
I've included links to several places offering free instruction, which are amazing resources. There's also a link to the VO Academy, which is $25 a month. If you check out their site, you'll see it's a fantastic place to learn about tech, performance, marketing, and more. They have industry mentors, practice sessions, and a supportive community of voice actors at all experience levels. Lastly, there's a link to Dervala Trainor. She costs a bit more, but her lifetime access to updated info on all aspects of voice acting is totally worth it.
Starting a voice acting career is thrilling, though it can feel a bit overwhelming. Remember, you're becoming your own entrepreneur. It's an investment in your acting, marketing, and tech skills. Focus on honing your acting and finding a quiet recording space. You don't need to break the bank on equipment to begin.
By checking out these resources, you're in excellent hands!
Wishing you the best of luck,
Mel
Mel Rose VO Actor
Web: MelRoseVO.com
Some FREE Resources - https://georgethe.tech/webinars
Worth the Investment - https://www.antlandproductions.com/
FREE Resources - https://usa.gravyforthebrain.com/free-stuff/
FREE Resources - https://patfraley.com/pf/free/
$25/month - https://thevoacademy.weebly.com/
Worth the Investment - https://www.dervlatrainor.com/education
Hi there!
Your tech questions are exactly what voice actors need to tackle when starting out. It's great you're asking them!
At the beginning, you don't need the priciest microphone. The key is to find a quiet spot to record. Many people start with just a blanket over a milk crate! Some begin in a closet lined with a soundproof blanket. Later, you might want to invest in or build a booth. Michelle (from the previous answer) recommended Bill D. as a great starting point, and shared some links. He's fantastic for both tech and performance advice.
I've included links to several places offering free instruction, which are amazing resources. There's also a link to the VO Academy, which is $25 a month. If you check out their site, you'll see it's a fantastic place to learn about tech, performance, marketing, and more. They have industry mentors, practice sessions, and a supportive community of voice actors at all experience levels. Lastly, there's a link to Dervala Trainor. She costs a bit more, but her lifetime access to updated info on all aspects of voice acting is totally worth it.
Starting a voice acting career is thrilling, though it can feel a bit overwhelming. Remember, you're becoming your own entrepreneur. It's an investment in your acting, marketing, and tech skills. Focus on honing your acting and finding a quiet recording space. You don't need to break the bank on equipment to begin.
By checking out these resources, you're in excellent hands!
Wishing you the best of luck,
Mel
Mel Rose VO Actor
Web: MelRoseVO.com
Some FREE Resources - https://georgethe.tech/webinars
Worth the Investment - https://www.antlandproductions.com/
FREE Resources - https://usa.gravyforthebrain.com/free-stuff/
FREE Resources - https://patfraley.com/pf/free/
$25/month - https://thevoacademy.weebly.com/
Worth the Investment - https://www.dervlatrainor.com/education
Michelle M.
Actress
2310
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Pearl !
I shouldn't be giving advice about this because I share your experience exactly and have hesitated to submit a demo for voice over work now that it's being done digitally ! It used to be quite quick and easy peasy when we did it through simple cassette tape recordings and mailed it through the U.S. Postal Service ! and if you got the project, you recorded in the employer's studio !
I once used Voice Recorder on my smart phone and sent it to a friend just for her to evaluate how it sounded on her computer and she said it was very clear. So experiment with Voice Recorder and get opinions from friends on how it sounds on their devices. But this is just a very beginning level. We need a home studio.
From what I have read, the expectation is to have a complete, professional home studio. The quality is going to have to sound perfect from what people advise. In other words, many auditors expect it to sound just like something that is played on the radio or TV.
That being said, it may just be worth it all. You can gradually buy the equipment - nothing comes overnight, so give it time and gradually build up the equipment for a home studio. There is a lot of information online and I would recommend following Bill De Wees on Linked In and You Tube. He is a prolific voice over professional and a Voice Over Coach. I left links below for you so you can watch his videos. I also left a link below for some videos that discuss what to buy in order to set up your home voice over studio.
A friend of mine who is a professional voice actress said that the employers expect you to edit the demo reels yourself, too. So this is part of the deal, too. It has always been my observation and experience that we learn by trying. You can become familiar with the audio recording and editing app Audacity (link is below). It's worth a try. Yes, the tech part of this is more work than the acting, LOL !
If you are in high school or college, a quick visit to the video club, computer lab or any video type groups at your school could probably help out a lot. As for the purchases. discuss it with your parents and relatives to work something out. Peruse E-Bay and Amazon for some equipment for lower priced items.
The most important thing is to never ever give up. Keep at it. Once this career takes off, it's very satisfying and marvelous. Stay with it. You definitely can do this. After all, everything is just a matter of time.
THE VOICE OVER BLUEPRINT CHANNEL ON YOU TUBE WITH BILL DE WEES VIDEOS https://www.youtube.com/@TheVoiceoverBlueprint
VOICE OVER COACH BILL DE WEES ON LINKED IN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/voice-over/
INFORMATIVE VIDEOS ON WHAT TO BUY FOR A HOME STUDIO https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=what+to+buy+for+a+home+voice+over+studio
AUDACITY AUDIO RECORDING AND EDITING APP https://www.audacityteam.org/
I shouldn't be giving advice about this because I share your experience exactly and have hesitated to submit a demo for voice over work now that it's being done digitally ! It used to be quite quick and easy peasy when we did it through simple cassette tape recordings and mailed it through the U.S. Postal Service ! and if you got the project, you recorded in the employer's studio !
I once used Voice Recorder on my smart phone and sent it to a friend just for her to evaluate how it sounded on her computer and she said it was very clear. So experiment with Voice Recorder and get opinions from friends on how it sounds on their devices. But this is just a very beginning level. We need a home studio.
From what I have read, the expectation is to have a complete, professional home studio. The quality is going to have to sound perfect from what people advise. In other words, many auditors expect it to sound just like something that is played on the radio or TV.
That being said, it may just be worth it all. You can gradually buy the equipment - nothing comes overnight, so give it time and gradually build up the equipment for a home studio. There is a lot of information online and I would recommend following Bill De Wees on Linked In and You Tube. He is a prolific voice over professional and a Voice Over Coach. I left links below for you so you can watch his videos. I also left a link below for some videos that discuss what to buy in order to set up your home voice over studio.
A friend of mine who is a professional voice actress said that the employers expect you to edit the demo reels yourself, too. So this is part of the deal, too. It has always been my observation and experience that we learn by trying. You can become familiar with the audio recording and editing app Audacity (link is below). It's worth a try. Yes, the tech part of this is more work than the acting, LOL !
If you are in high school or college, a quick visit to the video club, computer lab or any video type groups at your school could probably help out a lot. As for the purchases. discuss it with your parents and relatives to work something out. Peruse E-Bay and Amazon for some equipment for lower priced items.
The most important thing is to never ever give up. Keep at it. Once this career takes off, it's very satisfying and marvelous. Stay with it. You definitely can do this. After all, everything is just a matter of time.
Michelle recommends the following next steps: