Acting : Home voice acting studio by Behzad Farahat

Hi It's true. All you need is a good environment and when I say that it means a nice quiet place in your home. If you can soundproof it a little bit, it's even better. That's the most important thing, beside your talent. You already know that's number one on your list. Then, the technical part comes in, which means mics and software and so on. My oppinion is to get a USB Mic [Yeti blue]. It's about $150 and you'll not need a mixer and other gadgets in the system. As long as you have a laptop and you have a nice recording and editing software from Free Audio Editor and Audacity to SoundForge and Adobe Audition. And... that's it. Please remember: the better the sound quality [noise level] is when you record, the less work you have to do in the editing and delivery. Then: you'll need to get yourself in the voice acting markets like voices.com, voicebunny.com and voice123.com and of course there are a lot more... but these ones are the best ones at the moment. Good luck and I hope it helps! Florin MARKSTEINER

Also if you use an Ipad rather than a laptop, you eliminate the fan noise---much better quality!

Where do you go to get the jobs though? Where do we send the demo mp3s?

Even reading the script from a phone or iPad while you record the session on your laptop is a quiet way to go about it, provided your mic is set far enough away from the computer or is encased in Auralex foam. To get work, I recommend oDesk and Voices123. I've gotten projects through both. For anything bigger (anime, videogames, etc) you'll probably need to go through an agency or have connections in the biz. As for the studio, you can find lots articles and videos online on how to go about getting the essentials. Good luck!

JoAnn: the freelance markets like voices.com It's a good business but a tough one :)

Thanks for the info Florin. Have you signed up with them? What does it cost? I see a "free" option, but I also see a upgrade option, but no price for it. I will check it out tomorrow.

It certainly sounds as easy as setting up a recording area with a mic and computer. That's really just a tiny part. Since your question, Behzad, was specific to setting up a studio, I recommend starting with the equipment you already have. If things don't work out, it's easier to sell off a few pieces instead of several high end ones. -Computer -USB Mic -Audio Software -High Speed Internet -Phone Access for patched sessions -Some type of treatment for the environment you'll be recording in to reduce echo and reflection. (*Note: Sound proofing is a process that costs thousands of $$$ to eliminate the transfer of sound from outside your recording booth into your mic. While it is a goal for a home studio, it's overkill for somebody just starting out. Next, how will you market your business? Having a web presence with a variety of audio demos of your abilities will be your storefront. First impressions are key so make sure you are ready to make a good one. The Pay to Play (P2P) sites like voice.com and voice123 are certainly one way to go. In addition, I highly recommend (when you are ready) creating relationships with advertising agencies, production studios, and media companies. Unless you are truly fortunate, it will take some time to build your business. Expect the first year to work in a deficit. The second year you may break even. The third year you may start to see an incremental financial improvement over the previous year. I wish you well in your endeavor!

There are a lot of ways to create a setting with lower noise for when you record. I have been writing and recording songs for on line competitions for 4 years now, and have used everything from headset mics from Logitech to stick mics to my latest an m-audio mic. There are videos on YouTube on ways to create a personal soundbooth- it can be as simple as gluing egg carton foam to a large box which you have taken one side off of. I even tried singing under a heavy blanket a few times, to try and block out ambient noise, but it got too stuff under there for me. And dark. Hard to read lyrics like that. Get/make a pop screen to go between you and your mic! A fast and easy way to make one is to cover a small wire coat hanger with a ladies nylon stocking. Wash the stocking first. Don't ask me how I know. I record using audacity, which is a free recording and editing program you can get. I am still learning how to edit, but it has been really useful for me. Good luck!

woderful topic and I whole-heartedly agree ! I plan on doing many works that include "seniors" in power roles.

I'm an audio-horror-tales producer..at home. with good results and broadcasting in several radio stations. First, the room is full of my books and it help to elimenate reverbs. The microphone is a Thomann T-bone sc440 usb conection and the software is Cool edit pro2.0...a sample: http://youtu.be/LfLXClhgfe8

Important...the micro is 3m. away from the computer with a long wire to avoid the fan noise...

If the microphone can't be that far away, try getting one of those tri-fold display signs used in science fairs. That, some foam or a blanket and you can cut down on a lot of noise- I put it around the tower, which is located above me. The computer can still "breathe", it just isn't as loud. Also, learn what clipping is and keep an eye on those levels...My early songs had horrible clipping problems until I learned how to set things up right!

Ok. I understood that Behzar wanted to know what he needs for a simple start up. There are ways and ways of getting perfect sound :) but right now he needs to know how he can break into the business. After he starts making money, then he, like everyone else, can expand and improve. Tips to eliminate reverb and improve sound recording: 1. Get a shotgun mic - it's unidirectional so it picks up only your voice. 1.1. Get a sound recorder with a mic sponge [about$100] and use it as a mic. It's great it's designed for sound recording. 2. Set up a blanket [a fuzzy one] behind you. SImple with some clips. 3. Learn breathing technics that will allow you the separate the breaths from the words. That will help you a lot when it comes to editing 4. Look on E-bay for Soundforge. I got one with $20. Let better then the free software. JoAnn: The websites run around $300/year.

Thank you all for very informative comments,