Setting up a voiceover studio at home is more complicated than you might think. For instance, in addition to a decent microphone, a way to get the sound from that decent microphone in to your computer, record that sound, edit that audio, and so forth and so on; you also need to be concerned with how your room sounds.
Not just are there sounds coming through from outside (though if there are, that is a problem that will have to be dealt with); but also what kind of coloration is your room adding to your recordings? And don’t imagine that slapping a bunch of acoustic foam up all over the place is the magic solution. Each room has its own unique acoustic characteristics and taming the challenges can be a time and money consuming process.
Recently I stumbled upon a wonderful web page with loads of information about Small Room Acoustics and Sound Theory. I hope you find some useful information there. I certainly have.
Update: Note, that page is geared toward music recording, but the same issues apply to recording voiceovers.
Hi Bob,
This is an excellent post. Thank you so much for finding and sharing this with us here at your most wonderful blog site.
All the Best,
Bobbin
Bobbin,
You’re welcome. Thank you for contributing to the conversation.
Be well,
Bob
I went through the same thing recently:
http://someaudioguy.blogspot.com/2007/11/audio-guy-mail-bag-booth-for-home.html
I also link to a GREAT Sound on Sound article about NOT setting up a booth, but treating a whole room instead.
I just wonder why so many people are so ready to jump into closets. I had to fight one of the agents from telling talent to record with a blanket over their heads. It didn’t help the sound, and was producing rushed, claustrophobic reads.
Some Audio Guy,
Thank you. Excellent stuff in your post. While I have done the blanket over my head thing (under extreme circumstances in a hotel room where that was truly the only option) it does require a commitment to being uncomfortable for a while in order to produce the best performance.
Be well,
Bob