The Ultimate Portable Studio Setup for Travel
The idea of working while on vacation is not considered something many people would enjoy. Unless you’re a professional voice over talent!
If you’re serious about sound quality, always being available for clients and wanting the freedom to travel and work from pretty much anywhere then it’s a worthwhile investment in some quality equipment.
Having a crisp sound, being able to turn around recordings in a short time and a setup that can be packed into a small bag is going to bring you more clients and impress existing clients, so spending a little more is worth it.
We’ve put together the perfect setup for achieving this at the best prices, being conscious of balancing portability with cost. Remember a good microphone and equipment should last you at least 10 years if taken care of properly.
We strongly recommend and use B&H Photo and Video in New York for their great customer service and knowledge of products.
MICROPHONE
You’ll want something lightweight and directional. If you’re in a hotel room you want that microphone only picking up your voice and nothing else.
We highly recommend the Sennheiser MKH416. This microphone is used in professional studios around the world. It is super light, something we love.
The sound is crystal clear, and of course it’s manufactured by an established and respected brand – Sennheiser.
XLR TO USB ADAPTER
Rather than a big clunky power adapter, we recommend the SHURE X2u. The X2u provides phantom power so you can use your Sennheiser 416 microphone for direct USB recording
It comes with a cord and all the drivers for quick installation on a MAC or PC. But you’ll probably find that your operating system will recognize it and install it automatically.
Simple and lightweight – The SHURE X2u.
DESKTOP MICROPHONE STAND
Let’s say you’re in a hotel room somewhere on vacation. You’ve got your laptop on the desk, mic plugged in, now you need a stand. We want something lightweight, nothing fancy, just needs to hold the microphone in place.
Solution – The Ultimate Support Mini Tripod Stand
ADOBE AUDITION
This program is easy to use, acknowledged by many industry professionals as robust and packed with features. Perfect for voice talent beginning and complex enough for professionals who want to use multi-track.
The latest version CS6 includes fast and precise editing, real-time clip stretching, automatic speech alignment, EUCON and Mackie control surface support, parameter automation, more powerful pitch correction, HD video playback, new effects; and more features.
WELL WORTH THE INVESTMENT
Break down the cost of all these items over 10 years and see how affordable they really are. You’ll have the freedom to record from any quite location with an internet connection. Everything we’ve mentioned can easily fit into a small over the shoulder bag and even taken onto an aircraft. So now even on vacation you can keep on earning money and keeping clients satisfied.
A FEW TIPS AND TRICKS TO DEADENING THE SOUND OF A HOTEL ROOM
- Put pillows on the desk you’re recording at up against the wall.
- Use a towel over your head for the ultimate deadening of a room.
- Turn off the air conditioner and close all windows.
- Request a high floor.
- Record early in the evening when the cleaners are done in the hallways for the day.
- Make sure the hotel has high speed internet before you book!
