Read on Twitter
I've had a lot of enquiries about home studio setup from clients old and new recently. So, to all #actors out there who are looking to set up a home studio in lockdown and venture out into the world of #voiceover work, here is a thread of Useful Advice 1/17
First up, my talented home studio-expert sound engineer friend @bee_productive has written an article about how to set up a #homestudio during lockdown https://b-double-e.co.uk/2020/03/31/setting-up-a-voiceover-studio-during-a-lock-down/ 2/17
If you're setting up a studio because your #voice or #acting #agent is getting you work, there's a good chance you'll need to be directed remotely. Source Connect is preferred by many clients, and @georgethetech has a great how to guide 3/17
#Audiobook narrators (new and experienced) recording from home for the first time will want to have a read of this excellent advice by @HelenLloydAudio for @EquityAudio https://www.equityaudio.org/ 4/17
Not sure what mic to get? Everybody's voice - and recording space - is very different. Cheap mics sound cheap and high-end mics need high-spec studios. Check out @BoothJunkie's mic shootouts for honest real-time comparisons in a real voice booth 5/17
For more mic comparison, @GravyForBrain have a nice clear article with comparisons between a wide range of mics, with prices in US $. You don't need to spend ££££ to get a decent VO mic https://www.gravyforthebrain.com/the-best-microphone-for-voice-over/ 6/17
Do those portable "voice booth" solutions - reflection filters, eyeballs, small padded boxes - actually work? They'll never be a complete alternative to a properly treated space or booth as they don't completely control the sound. 7/17
You'll still hear your voice reflecting off the walls (and ceiling, and floor) that you're not facing. They can be used WITH additional acoustic treatment to create a more absorbent recording space - though I personally don't recommend the eyeball-type foam covers 8/17
Acoustic treatment, also known as sound treatment is DIFFERENT from sound proofing. Sound PROOFING is isolating a space from the outside world - so you can't hear train rumbles, birds, planes, your kids, and more importantly, neither can your mic. 9/17
Sound TREATMENT or acoustic treatment will absorb the sounds you make inside the space so that your voice doesn't reflect off the walls (echoey). Acoustic tiles, acoustic blankets, duvets, soft furnishings, can all act as sound treatment. They won't stop sound getting in! 10/17
Commercial studios spend £££££+ on sound proofing, usually by having floating floors with a nice absorbent air gap. For home studios, you can invest in a professional prebuilt voice booth like a Kube, Esmono, Studiobricks or similar which cost upwards of £3K 11/17
Obviously this is an expensive solution. The alternative: make the space surrounding your studio as quiet as possible. Record in a room away from exterior walls & windows. Record late at night or early morning. Negotiate with family & neighbours to reduce external noise. 12/17
Interfaces: the box that goes between your mic and computer. Focusrite do a good range of USB interfaces aimed at VO artists, as well as packages that include mics and pop shields. The Focusrite Solo is under £90, or for a bit more you can get the Focusrite 2i2 13/17
Software: what editing software is best? This depends on your experience and skills. The most popular entry-level editor for VO is Audacity (free). Many pro VOs move into Adobe Audition (not free), another option is Reaper (more complex). Comparison: https://www.gravyforthebrain.com/voiceover-software-reviews-top-recommendations/ 14/17
As well as setting up your space, mic, pop shield, interface, cables, software, headphones and remote direction solution, you'll also want to learn how to use everything. You have to be your own engineer as well as the voice actor. Online tutorials are your friend. 15/17
Be realistic about the studio space you can create and the services you can offer professionally as a result. VO is a very crowded market and there are a lot of full-time VOs who have already invested in broadcast-quality home studios and sound engineering skills. 16/17
Directors & producers will often do a sound test of your studio before recording. Be honest about your setup, and understand that sound quality will be a factor in casting for remote recordings. You need a professional-sounding studio to book professional work. 17/17
