In the VO Studio: Does One Size Fit All? – Tuesday Voiceover Tech Tip

A common type of question arises in various discussion groups, classes and emails: “What mic should I buy?” or “Which voiceover booth is best?” These questions contain an implicit bias that there’s only One Thing which will be the correct option. I’m not so sure it’s quite that simple. The more voice actors I work with, the more it becomes clear that very little of what we do in our personal studios is truly One-Size-Fits-All. 

Each of us has a tolerance for technical detail and how much extra stuff we want to mess with. If you are consistently and efficiently producing and delivering quality audio, that remains the only valid test. The unique challenge we face is that combination of technical and creative. We need to capture a brilliant performance, while not having anything constrained by the process. As long your workflow makes you feel inspired behind the microphone, it’s a solid approach.

It’s just that I’ve had a number of voiceover studio clients mutter “I hate (fill in the blank)…” as their software opens up on their screen and they prepare to step into the booth. That just doesn’t seem like the best way to start a session. Our tools shouldn’t be a distraction or an adversary. It’s why I work with a number of different recording applications. Somewhere, there’s a solution which supports us. Now, I do have preferences toward certain features which make us more efficient, and will generally favor a simpler approach which holds up well under the pressures of deadlines. 

Through quality coaching and experience, we gain skills and confidence over time. Once over that initial learning curve, much of the success in voiceover has to do with focus and attitude. Whether software, recording gear, or the layout of our creative space, that which distracts us from that moment of creation does not work to our advantage. A buzzy mic cable, a computer that crashes, software that is glitchy, or a questionable microphone can all act to deflect our attention when we need it most. 

Working with other voice actors, I’m continually intrigued by how differently everyone builds up their recording space. Bold colors or muted lighting, gee-gaws scattered about or a sparse minimalism… the landscape is quite varied. The idea that you must use a certain microphone model or software approach doesn’t seem consistent with that. Voice actors continue to produce viable work with a huge variety of hardware and working spaces. As I wrote about last week, it’s the refinement of those things which creates the inspiring end result. 

We live in a time of riches for decent quality equipment. While there are best practices, there isn’t a specific piece of gear or software which will add that necessary spark of creativity. It’s the unique combination of what we bring with us when we step up to the microphone. 

Want to receive these resources (and more!) the day they come out?
This information recently went out directly to my email community. Each week I send out a new article about using recording technology in your home voiceover studio, and how to balance those technical challenges with the need to be creative behind the microphone.
If you would like to join in to receive those emails the day they publish, please take a moment to share your contact information through this sign up form.
Thank you!