Unless you are lucky enough to have access to a professional recording studio, then the chances are most of you who record from a home studio setup are probably operating out of your closet!
Some Closet Studios are likely to be kitted out with top notch sound-proof foam, (which is a misnomer, but more on that in another blog). Sound absorbing wall panels and sound deadening rubber flooring. In fact, if you had the mind to and the budget; you could end up throwing a fat wedge of your precious budget at Amazon (other marketplaces are available) and turn your home studio into something the BBC would be proud of.
Or, take two steps back. Inhale sharply, open up your wallet/purse and take a look at how deep it really is!
"Do I really need to spend a bunch of cash to get good results?"
Well, the answer is: It depends! It depends on what quality recording your willing to put out there. Don't forget, your voice is your USP. No! not USB, Unique Selling Point. It's basically the product you are trying to sell. Imagine if you were making clothes to sell to the market. You went out and bought a budget sewing machine, set up a sellers profile on a popular online retail platform and populated it with images of your clothes, but when you came to actually making them, you didn't sew them properly, or used substandard materials. It wouldn't take long before word got around that your clothes were, rubbish!
So why cheapen the quality of your voice (product)?
Home Closets can be a great budget stepping stone into the VO industry for a few good (cheap) reasons.
#1 They're already built
#2 They already have lots of lovely sound absorbing material in them. (Clothes)
#3 You may even discover a long-lost garment to fall in love with all over again! (Providing you can still fit into it).
What equipment do you really need for great sounding audio?
Ok, full disclosure here...I'm not an industry expert with degrees in acoustics coming out my ears, or decades spent in audio production. Neither do I work for, or am I affiliated in any way with any of the merchants I cite in this blog...It's all just information for you to help aid you with your decision making. I started out doing what I could with what I could afford to spend at the time. (Thank you Visa). So all that really boils down to the following disclaimer...
"...this advice is purely my own opinion and not a solid, cast iron recommendation to buy one brand or the other. I have included a link to the seller's website for your information and discretion only. There is no obligation to purchase."
Good, glad we got that out of the way. So as I was saying, what equipment do you need? Well, here is what I have.
Crystal clear audio with accurate sound reproduction. The SZC-300 is a great quality large diaphragm condenser microphone with a wide frequency range designed to complement a wide variety of vocal and instrument applications. More details can be found by clicking the image or link above.
Pop Shield £9.99
Pop Shield is designed to eliminate harsh sibilant sounds and boomy plosives. For clearer and more intimate vocal recordings, without impacting sound clarity.
Boom Mic stand £9.99
Boom Mic stand with fully adjustable height, tilt, and swivel.
The SZ-MH200 headphones feature closed back sealed earcups with ergonomic pads, which are not only comfortable for longer recording and mixing sessions, but also provide a very direct, isolated sound which helps prevent loud headphones mixes from leaking into adjacent microphones. With a three meter cable and a comfortable non-clip headband which is perfect for staying in position when playing drums or moving round. Ideal for studio or live recorded sessions.
The reflection filter provides unparalleled acoustic control whenever and wherever you need it. Whether you’re recording gentle acoustics or powerful vocalists. You’ll no longer have to worry about reflections and boxy recordings when working in untreated rooms.
The inclusion of ultra-transparent preamps enable the AI2 to deliver optimised 24-bit, 96kHz recordings. Utilising the on-board impedance switch allows you to effortlessly switch between high (guitar bass, drum machines, and synths) and
low (microphones)impedance sources. Thanks to the inclusion of 48V phantom power, you'll be able to imbue excellent levels of clarity and detail into your recordings through the use of condenser microphones.
Or get a bundle deal with the SubZero AI2 Audio Interface, SZC-300 Condenser Microphone, SubZero monitoring headphones, boom mic stand and pop filter! Simply plug your mics and instruments into either of the combination inputs and hit record on your included Bitwig Studio 8-Track DAW.
However, I was already using Audacity as my DAW, (another saving there as its free). But we've covered quite a bit already, so I suggest we talk about the finer points of that piece of software another time.