The Essential Tools for Voice Actors

It is important to understand the essential tools for voice actors in this industry. Knowing what equipment is required to support your business can seem overwhelming due to the exhaustive list of voiceover tools, programs, and equipment. However, finding the right balance between quality and cost is crucial. This guide aims to streamline your search for the best voiceover tools, focusing on hardware and audio editing software.

Voiceover Hardware Essentials

Producing industry-standard sound is more accessible with the right gear. Here are some essential hardware tools every voice actor should have:

Computer
A PC or laptop is necessary to send, store, and edit audio files. To avoid using up your computer storage, consider investing in cloud storage or an external hard drive. If your computer fans are noisy, you can set it up outside your booth to avoid interference with your recordings.

Microphone
Built-in computer mics may not deliver quality sound; thus, purchasing a condenser microphone with a mixer/interface and XLR connections is critical. The choice of mic may depend on your recording location, mic technique, and compatibility with your recording device.

Studio Headphones
These allow you to hear your voice during a recording and prevent your mic from picking up any noise from your speakers. Closed-back headphones are recommended because they prevent sound bleed and do not pick up noise from the mic.

Mic Stand
To keep your mic steady, consider investing in a mic stand that suits your needs; options include a desk stand, a studio arm, or a floor stand.

Shock Mount
Shock mounts prevent movement or vibrations from the mic, ensuring smoother audio quality. They usually attach to the end of the microphone stand and are sometimes included with them.

Pop Filters
Pop filters are screens that rest in front of the mic to neutralize harsh exhales or hisses of any plosives, leading to more consistent audio levels.

Soundproofing and Acoustic Treatment
Soundproofing keeps outside sounds out and inside sounds in, contributing to a more professional recording environment. Adding mass-loaded vinyl, Sheetblok, or dense rubber can increase sound isolation. Acoustic treatment is also essential to control sound inside the studio by preventing reverb and echoes. Using bass traps, acoustic paneling, and diffusers can significantly improve your studio's acoustics.

Voiceover Audio Editing Software

There is a plethora of voice recording software available in the market. Here are some that offer a balance of affordability and functionality:

Audacity
This easy-to-use software is great for beginners. It features a multitrack editor, live audio recording, import/export settings, plug-in support/creation, mixing, and mastering, and supports 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit.

Sound Forge
Available for $60, Sound Forge includes all the essential tools needed to create quality audio. It includes multitrack editing, live audio recording, import/export, mixing and mastering, real-time monitoring, and collaboration tools.

Adobe Audition
This professional-grade software offers various industry-standard features for a $20/month price point. Features include multitrack editing, live recording, import/export settings, frequency splitting, auto speech alignment, and more.

Reaper
Reaper is a feature-rich, affordable software with a discounted license cost of $60 or a commercial license cost of $225. It includes API, multitrack editing, live recording, import/export, plug-in integration, and more.

Twisted Wave
Designed for Mac and available for $99, Twisted Wave comes with live audio recording, mixing and mastering batch file processing, pitch shifting, and more.

Logic Pro
This Apple-exclusive editor, costing $200, includes mobile support across Apple devices, a workflow manager, a score editor, and more.