Cheif, Cook and Bottle Washer

J.S. Gilbert

Perhaps the hardest part of being a voice talent that operates a home based studio is the necessity to be talent, engineer and often director in one fell swoop. I would suggest that everyone go out and take a class or two on audio engineering, or at the very least take some engineer you know to lunch and pick their brains. As for equipment, There are a ton of variables from the microphone to the preamp to the analog to digital convertors, as well as choices for software. Depending upon your personal situation, purchasing a balanced power distribution unit may make for cleaner sound than spending an additional $600 on a microphone would.

There is also a big difference in having okay sound for an audition and being able to produce the audio quality that many broadcast producers are used to getting.

I generally do not recommend beginners get ribbon microphones, as they are less forgiving and usually require more drive than a cardioid.

I'm not saying you have to spend thousands of dollars for good sound, however an understanding of audio and how your voice relates to different microphones can matter. When it comes to booking the job, knowing copy that can benefit from subtle compression or when an EV-RE20 mic works well for certain copy, vs. a Neuman u87, I think can make a difference in you getting the gig.

I'm wondering if there are any of you out there who have thought it out to this level and what gear you may find beneficial or other tricks you've developed.

Feel free to ask me.