VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

KaseyKruz · Club 300 Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 336 Location: Michigan

I loves me some beer!
Cadillac isnt far from where I grew up in Grand Rapids. I may look into the Newaygo area when I move back.
I loved living in Florida though. I was in the panhandle and could live there for the rest of my days, however the wife doesnt want to live there so Michigan it is.
Sorry for the threadjack...
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Tina Hansen · Guest

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 10:49 am Post subject:

So the reason I asked about your experience is because spending the $1500+ you're looking at is putting the cart before the horse. You can get far less expensive equipment that will sound just fine with your voice for where you are in your career. Your money will be far better spent on voice lessons, marketing, etc.
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Tina Hansen · Guest

Thanks Jeff, Ed sent me a list of stuff to look for. If we can get a workable setup under $500 we'll definitely go that route. It just seemed that each piece of equipment that people considered good was $1000+ and anything considered pro was $2500+. So we budgeted ourselves to spend in the $3-500 range for each piece just to keep from getting junk. I'd much rather spend $1000 on equipment that will last than $500 on garbage, but it seems we can get a decent setup for under $500. I just hate throwing my money away.

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:49 am Post subject:

I've got an AT3035 Mic and an ART Tube USB pre connected to a computer a neighbor gave me. No mixer. Total equipment expenditure: $299.

My demos were recorded with it, and talent (or lack of) aside, they don't sound "cheap". True, more expensive equipment will sound better, but you get to a point of diminishing returns.
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georgethetech · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 12:09 pm Post subject:

Very well said, Jeffrey.
How far off the grid will you be? Being a VO artist working from home requires that you be well connected to the Internet, at the very least. Want to make deadlines? Then that connection better be fast! If you are doing long form VO in narration and books, expect large files that will take a long time to send to your client.
Research your ISP choices before you commit.
Options:
DSL
Cable
Cellular (not likely very fast out in the boonies)
Microwave (line of site wireless, fast, expensive)
Satellite (way expensive, slow uploads)
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

No real right or wrong answer here, Tina.

Yes, it's easy to overspend, but at the same time you also don't want to buy something that you're going to want to replace in 6 months.

If that happens it's not the end of the world, and most of us have plenty of experience re-selling the gear that we were once enamored with....

I say buy the best you can realistically afford, without going crazy AFTER you address the most important, but LEAST FUN part of it, which is your room acoustics.

The acoustics of your room will (or should) determine basics like dynamic vs. condenser mic, the need for noise gates or high pass filters, etc.

And remember that an acoustically treated closet can still be susceptible to unwanted noises.

Mandy Nelson · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 3:05 pm Post subject:

I don't have time to read all of the answers right now but I wanted to let you know that the majority of my work is done on the SM58. It likes me, I like it and it serves as a hammer when need be. The end.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 5:08 pm Post subject:

I didn't want to bring this up, but there's another reason to go as inexpensive as needed at this stage: What if you don't make it? Or what if you decide that you hate it?

If you're just starting to play the violin, you don't buy a Stradivarius.
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Frank F · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 5:23 pm Post subject:

The very first thing thing to consider is your presentation and style. This should be followed by self questions of why you need/desire a home studio; then what shape or form your home studio will take (PC or Mac based is a good starting point for questions in this arena).

Next up will be a good observation of the room which will be used for a home-based studio by looking and listening.

Smaller rooms, such as those used in most if not all home-based studios, are notoriously known for boomy bass and lots of reflections. Are there windows in the room, how many and where are they placed? How high is the ceiling? How many walls are "outside walls"

Armed with the answers to the above questions one has a good idea of where to start in buying equipment and software.

There are good microphones ranging in price from under $50.00 to over $8,000.00 USD. Begin this part of the "home studio" quest/dream by demo-ing as many microphones as you are able. Microphones are like underwear: what one person likes does not mean another person will want to wear. And, like underwear; don't share your microphones with others. Some microphones will require phantom power, some do not. Some microphones may work best with a pre-amplifier, some do not. Each individual must choose for themselves their budget and needs in this arena.

Next is the process of searching for a hard and software which will be determined somewhat by your choice of computing platforms and your skill level for interpreting the software user interface. This is almost as personal as choosing underw... - er - microphones.

Sound-cards vary also; in price from $50.00 on up, in number of In's and Out's, and in quality. Another --- er - choice.

Search, listen, talk, learn. Then decipher the knowledge which applies to your situation and budget and act upon those choices which fit into your budget.

There is a lot of information about equipment and software in the archives of this site (The Wonderful World of VO-B cool

, they (archives) should be one of your first stops in your search for the right equipment at the right price for your circumstances.

Ask why this pre-amp is better than another and why one costs so much more than another. Ask, "Why one microphone costs more and what does it sound like with my voice"? Ask, "What do I NEED as minimums for a voice-over studio", and why?

As Sherlock Holmes would quip: “Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”

Find your truths.

Good luck.

Frank F
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SomeAudioGuy · Contributor III Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 75 Location: LA

Well, I certainly wouldn't give up "services" for free, but I would never underestimate the value of some freebies here and there:
http://www.patfraley.com/Free/FreeLessons.html

I've used every mic M-Audio has released, and I like them a lot.
For a beginner I think I'd have to recommend the new Luna II. You'll get the same capsule as the Sputnik, plus roll off and pad, you just lack the tube and the variable polar patterns. It's still a LOT of mic at less than half the price.

I would recommend an external interface. Truthfully it wont make a huge difference to the sound of your recordings, but it's easier to move from computer to computer, and you can't use PCI cards on Laptops/iMacs/Mac mini's/and several of the newer "all-in-one" PC's. I think USB/Firewire makes for a more future proofed purchase.

As for which interface to get, you'll need to be REALLY honest with yourself about what you NEED. Once that's satisfied, take a look at your budget, and start adding the things you want.
Personally I'd look for a high Signal to Noise ratio (SNR, most are above 100 these days, but every little bit helps), 24 bit/96Khz recording capabilities, and a LOT of input gain (at the very least more than 45 dB of input gain). I think $300-ish should get you a great little interface.

If you go dedicated preamp try to budget a little cash for it. I used to be a big fan of the budget tube pre's, but recently picked up an FMR RNP8380 for about $500. It's an UGLY little solid state, dual channel preamp, and it does only ONE thing. It delivers a hot signal with plenty of headroom.

When I first got it I did a little shoot out between my old ART Tube PAC (preamp and compressor) and the RNP (with the RNC, which is the RNP's sister compressor). It wasn't a fair fight as the RNP/RNC is about $350 per channel, and the Tube PAC is $100 for a single channel box.

http://someaudioguy.blogspot.com/2008/09/living-room-laboratory-preamps-fight.html

Since I wrote that first impression, I've gotten much better with the RNP. Using about 48dB of input gain (which is a pretty hot signal) on my Solaris, I can generally keep my noise floor hovering around -60 in the middle of my apartment (not where I do most of my actual recording LOL). That ain't too shabby.

If you were to go with the stuff I've mentioned (not saying you SHOULD, just as an option), your mic, interface, and preamp would run you around $1100. That should leave you plenty of cash to treat your recording space, and pick up all the other little accessories you'll need (stands, cables, etc).

Have fun!
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JeffK · T-Shirt Joined: 22 Dec 2005 Posts: 276 Location: Oz

Hi Tina,
I came from the "if I build it they will come" tribe. I spent thousands of dollars on my set up. It works wonderfully but I have not yet mastered the technology thus for most jobs over $500 I will work with a local studio. For me this accomplishes 2 things. First, it keeps me in front of the local studios for networking and picking up additional work. (I have received some of my best gigs from the local studios.) Secondly, working with a professional sound engineer allows me to focus solely on my acting and for me that's a ton more fun!

In my very humble opinion, I would use the majority of available funds on a good coach and sparingly on equipment (computer w/ fast internet a must!) Then as business grows...go shopping! Be forewarned though, shopping for equipment is highly addictive! Wink

cheers,
jjk

Tina Hansen · Guest

I think I did reasonably well for what we want in a recording station at this time. Got a newer white Macbook from a family member on the cheap. Musician's Friend is giving away a free MXL V63M Microphone with every Apogee Duet. http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Apogee-Duet-Firewire-Interface?sku=234444 Hubby placed an order on Amazon for the other odds and ends. That should do for now. We'll head to a studio sometime and try several mics to see which I like best. Thank you all for your valuable advice and making me feel so welcome.