With all of the different brands and types of gear on the market, it can be tough to figure out what you need - and what will work best for your home studio set up. In this blog post, we'll break down some of the best options for microphones, headphones, and recording software for your home studio (and budget)!
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Microphones
Condenser microphones are typically used in professional voiceover studios, because they capture a wide range of frequencies. Because of the sensitivity, they can pick up all of the subtleties and nuances of a great voice over performance.
If you're just starting out, or if you're on a budget, the Rode NT1-A or the Apogee MiC Plus are great options. But if you have the money to invest in a higher-quality microphone, or if you want to make sure you're capturing every detail of your performance, the Neumann TLM 103 or the Sennheiser Professional MK 4 are fantastic choices. Then of course there is the 'gold standard' which is the classic Neumann U 87. Below are a few highly reviewed microphones for every budget!
Audio Interface
Another piece of equipment you'll need is an audio interface, which converts microphone and instrument signals into a format your computer and software recognize. Unless you're using a USB microphone, you'll need an interface that allows you to connect your microphone and headphones to your computer and record directly into digital audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Twisted Wave, or Audacity.
When choosing an audio interface, there are several factors to keep in mind. First, decide how many inputs and outputs you need. If you're only ever going to be recording one track at a time, 2 inputs / 2outputs should suffice. Ease of use is also a factor as some interfaces are much more complex to learn. Finally, consider the price tag, as they range from around $100 to over $1000 depending on their features and specifications. Even the most affordable interfaces sound great and provide the basic features, so don't feel you need to break the bank on this!
Headphones
Wearing headphones while you record allows you to hear yourself clearly without any unwanted echoes or feedback. There are lots of different types and brands of headphones on the market, so it's important to find a pair that's comfortable for you to wear for long periods of time. You'll also want to make sure that the headphones don't leak sound, so that your recordings are as clean as possible. Below are our favorite tried-and-true headphones for your voiceover studio!
Office Supplies
A few office essentials... these pens are perfect for marking scripts and color-coding your takes!