Work from Home: A New Trend for Aspiring Voice Over Talents
Working in a recording studio gives a voice actor a different kind of tingly feeling. Admit it, the engineer, the high-tech equipment, expensive microphones and a “big-time” producer on the other side of a double-glass window – they all give you goosebumps and all. Very exciting but also quite intimidating, especially for the neophytes.
The technological advances in computers, and software and audio recording technology, the voiceover business is now rapidly evolving and it is very much favorable for those who want to start a career in voice acting. Working at the comforts of your own home is now possible because of the changes that is happening around the world. You can actually set up your own voice over recording studio by having a wifi connection, and have a complete set of awesome recording equipment by visiting sites like Voice over Herald. The business also is getting faster paced, where the work needs to be done quickly at a moment’s notice and e-mailed or uploaded to the producer right away!
Work from Home
Affordable but very much reliable technology now exists. It allows real-time remote recording over the Internet. These technological advances not only allow more people to do their work at home, but they have also lowered the entry barriers into the voiceover business, creating more competition than ever before, and much more opportunities for voice over professionals.. However, advances brought about by technology resulted to higher expectations from producers and talent buyers.
It is expected that today’s professional voice actors will be able to record audio from their home that sounds just as excellent as if they were recorded in a million-dollar recording studio. Also, because anyone can now build their own studios, it is not just about the talent anymore. Investing in quality audio recording equipment is not considered as a luxury now, but as a need. Besides the actual voice acting skills, voice actors should invest in an acoustically treated space at home to make their recordings sound great.
Investing on Acoustic Room Treatment and Soundproofing
Two main aspects must be given attention when equipping a home studio: soundproofing and acoustic room treatment. The cost of equipping a home studio vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousands, depending on the need.
Acoustic room treatment for audio recording means that the microphone should only pick up the voice and not the echo bouncing around a room. Acoustic treatment is intended to create an “acoustically dead” space, but not necessarily a soundproof, isolated environment. External sounds will be minimized. So, if your neighbor mows his lawn all day, it may mean that the recording needs to stop temporarily.
Soundproofing is expensive and complicated. A “soundproof” room will be completely isolated from all external sounds. Most soundproof studios are essentially a specially designed room within a room. A beginner may find it easier on the budget to find a quiet room or time where the recording can be done without the chances of being interrupted.
One thing that is important to remember is that if a room is properly soundproofed, there still is a need to treat the room acoustically. The good news is that creating an acoustically dead space beneficial for audio recording can be done relatively quickly and inexpensively by using acoustic blankets or even using a portable acoustic vocal booth.VocalBoothToGo.com. provides acoustic room treatment and soundproofing products but also information about soundproofing, sound absorption, acoustic room treatment and a comparison between acoustic foam and acoustic blankets.
The Voice Actor’s Home Studio “Starter Pack”
After taking your time considering soundproofing or acoustically treating your home, you should think next of the home studio must-haves. But what should be in your ‘voice over actor starter pack’? First are microphones. Quality microphones can come in different shapes, and sizes, well, of course, prices. Surf the Internet to look for the type of microphone that fits your needs, and then, go to reliable websites to purchase your future awesome microphone.
Next, you’ll be needing an Audio Interface, recording software, headphones and monitors, pop filters, cables, and stands. Sounds expensive? Well, delivering quality voice over audio requires quality equipment. If you produce quality products, sure that clients will come after you, and the money and time you invested in building your own home studio will definitely pay off.
All in all, working in your own home is not as easy as you think. The effort should definitely still be there. But think about it, by working at home, you will be able to save some money for you will not be enduring the pain of daily commute, food will always be free and accessible, you can work at your own pace, and the most important thing is, you will be able to spend more time with your loved one while doing the work you love.
Now considering of setting up your own home studio?