So, you want to learn how to do voice overs, but have no idea where to start when it comes to getting a professional-quality recording?
Thankfully, with a bit of knowledge and a trustworthy recording process you’ll be able to create a voice over which sounds better than most other voice recordings out there.
In this guide we’ll go over a simple setup to record your voice without breaking the bank. The setup has 3 components:
- Microphone
- Room
- Software
1 - Choosing a Microphone
When picking out a mic, you’ll need to check which kind of connection it has. If it has a USB output it will plug directly into your computer. An XLR output will deliver better quality, but needs to be connected to the computer via an audio interface.
Next, you’ll need to choose between the two types of microphones: dynamic and condenser. A condenser is the usual choice for voice over as it has high sensitivity and can pick up all the little details of your voice. However, if you’re concerned about picking up background noise or just want something sturdier, a dynamic would be more beneficial.
Some ideal choices for microphones include the Audio Technica AT2020, Rode NT1A and Aston Microphones Origin.
Two of them also have a USB version: the AT2020 USB+ or the Rode NT USB.
For a super budget-friendly option, the USB Blue Snowball iCE is very popular or the Behringer B1.
Audio interfaces are much more consistent in terms of quality, and there are plenty of easy-to-use USB devices out there such as the PreSonus AudioBox series and the Behringer U-Phoria series.
2 - Finding a Room
Ideally, your recording room should be of a medium size and have plenty of soft furnishings. A kitchen or bathroom will have a lot of hard, reflective surfaces and sound echoey - not ideal for voice recording. It should also be away from any background noise like traffic outside or humming electrical appliances.
You can test out your room by clapping or talking loudly. Listen out for any ringing sounds which suggest there is too much reverberation. You can reduce this with soft items like mattresses and pillows placed in front of any hard surfaces.
3 - Software
Lastly, you’ll need to choose a DAW (digital audio workstation). For a free software which works on both Mac and Windows, Audacity is the ideal choice.
The main issue with Audacity is the lack of an ‘undo’ button when applying effects. Some great alternatives include Avid Pro Tools, Reaper or Logic Audio (Mac only).
When recording, you want your voice to sit around -18dBFS on the meter (the yellow area in Audacity). Recording at a low level prevents the risk of distortion issues later. Try to avoid recording over your mistakes, it’s easier to leave them in and re-record on a new track, then edit them together later.
Putting it All Together
To recap, the recipe for recording a fantastic voice over is simple: choose a good mic, set up a suitable room and get familiar with your software.
Once you are confident in voice over recording, why not earn some extra cash by offering your services on Artiista? Artiista is an online marketplace specifically designed for audio-based services. It saves time in your schedule by connecting you with potential clients and makes audio freelancing a breeze.
Referencies
- Paulo Castro (2020). 5 DAWs Perfect for Recording VO. Audient.
- Rob Mayzes (2016). How to Do Voice Overs: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide. Musician on a Mission.
- Tim McGlinchey (2021). What is Voice-Over and How to Add it to Your Video. Artlist.