Putting The VO Pieces Together - A Step By Step Guide To Building a Home Studio

Mar 14, 2025

Hey there! I’m Tabetha McNeal—actress, voice-over artist, and storytelling enthusiast.

My journey into voice acting wasn’t exactly a fairytale, but it’s definitely been a rollercoaster ride! Just before the SAG-AFTRA strike hit, I made a bold move—grabbed a $40 mic and dove headfirst into voice-over, ready to bring characters to life. Fast forward two months, and I was already landing gigs and making invaluable industry connections. Who knew all it took was a little guts and a LOT of determination?

In the blink of an eye, I upgraded my gear, enrolled in specialized classes, and—bam!—secured my first major brand deal with Sunwing Airlines. I know…all the way from USA TO CAD crazy. From there, the momentum kept rolling, and I became totally obsessed with perfecting my craft.

Now, I’m on a mission to help others take that first step into voice-over without feeling overwhelmed by the tech or the costs. That’s why I’m launching my ebook—where I break down the essentials of creating a home studio on a budget (trust me, it’s easier than you think!).

What’s a HOME STUDIO?

A home studio for voice over is a space in your home that is specifically designed to record high-quality audio for voice over work. It typically includes a microphone, headphones, computer, audio interface, recording software, and acoustic treatment to minimize unwanted sounds and echoes.

When setting up a home studio, it's important to choose the right equipment that suits your needs and budget. A good microphone is essential, as it captures the nuances and inflections in your voice. A pop filter can be helpful to reduce unwanted popping sounds. Headphones allow you to monitor your recording in real time and ensure that you are capturing the best possible sound.

Acoustic treatment is also important in a home studio as it helps to reduce unwanted reflections, echoes, and background noise. This can be achieved by using foam panels, rugs, or curtains to absorb sound. Even moving blankets can help!

Overall, a home studio for voice over provides a convenient and professional space to record high-quality audio without having to leave your home. With the right equipment and set up, you can achieve great results that meet industry standards.

You can even build your own home studio with PVC pipes and a few moving blankets. We want to create a great hub for you to record in.

Versatility

A home studio allows voice actors to work from

the comfort of their own space, eliminating the need to travel

to external recording studios. This convenience can save time

and increase efficiency.

Flexibility

Flexibility: With a home studio, voice actors can set their

own schedules and work at times that suit them best. This

flexibility is crucial in the voice-over industry, where tight

deadlines are common.

Cost Saving

Cost Savings: Renting professional studio space can be

expensive, especially for freelancers or those starting in the

industry. A home studio eliminates the need for ongoing rental

costs, making it a cost-effective solution.

Remote Work Opportunities

Remote Work Opportunities: Many voice-over projects are

conducted remotely, with clients and producers often located

in different geographic locations. A well-equipped home studio

allows voice actors to collaborate with clients from around the

world without the need for in-person meetings.

Control Over Environment

Control Over Environment: Voice actors have greater

control over their recording environment at home, allowing

them to minimize background noise and create a controlled

acoustic space. This is essential for producing clean and

professional audio recordings.

Career Independence

Career Independence: A home studio provides voice actors

with a level of independence and autonomy in their careers.

They have more control over the types of projects they take on

and can manage their workload without relying on external

studio availability.

The Space: Pick a Quiet Corner

First things first—your voice-over studio doesn’t need to be fancy, but it does need to be quiet. Look around your space and pick a place that’s as free from noise as possible. This could be a small corner, a closet (yes, really!), or any room that isn’t next to a busy street or a noisy family member.

Trust me! The closet is the best place to be sometimes. It’s like The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, but better and less Turkish delights.

The goal is to reduce background noise, so avoid spaces with windows or large open areas. A walk-in closet is often a great choice because the clothes naturally help absorb sound. And if you don’t have a closet available, no worries—make do with blankets, pillows, or even cushions to block out any unwanted noise.

2. Essential Gear: Mic, Audio Interface & Headphones

Here’s where it gets a little techy, but don’t worry, this is easy!

Microphone: A good microphone is your most important tool. No need for an expensive, high-end model—a budget-friendly USB mic can work wonders. Popular options for beginners include the Audio-Technica ATR2100x or the Blue Yeti, both of which are durable, clear-sounding, and affordable.
Audio Interface (optional for USB mics): If you’re using an XLR microphone (which is a step up from USB mics), you’ll need an audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. This converts the analog signal from your mic into a digital signal your computer can understand. USB mics don't require this, but it’s important if you go for an XLR setup.
Headphones: Don’t skimp on quality headphones! You need to hear your recordings clearly. Look for something closed-back, which will keep sound from leaking in or out. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are a solid, affordable choice. Or finally break out the BLUE YETI. (I know you got one) lol
3. Recording Software: Free & Easy to Use
Now, onto recording your first demos! There are plenty of free or inexpensive software options to get you started. Here are some popular ones:
- Audacity: Free, open-source, and perfect for beginners. It’s easy to use and has all the basic tools you need to record, edit, and export your voice-over files.
- GarageBand (for Mac users): Another free option that comes pre-installed on most Macs. It’s beginner-friendly and provides solid editing features.
- Adobe Audition (for the pro level): If you’re willing to spend a bit more, Adobe Audition is the industry standard for sound editing. It’s packed with advanced tools but has a learning curve.

4. Sound Treatment: DIY Absorption

We all know how important it is to have a clean, crisp recording, right? So, what’s the secret? It’s all about sound treatment. No one want’s a bad sounding sound…ever!

The goal is to reduce echoes and unwanted noise, and you don’t have to go for high-end soundproofing to achieve that. Here are some affordable ideas:

Foam Panels: These can be placed on the walls around your recording space to absorb sound. You don’t need to cover every inch of the room—just the spots where sound tends to bounce back. If foam panels are too expensive, consider egg cartons or blankets as a temporary solution.

Pop Filter: A simple pop filter (usually around $15) can be attached to your mic to reduce plosive sounds like “p” and “b” that can pop on the mic. This will make your voice sound cleaner.
Reflection Filter: A reflection filter, often used behind the mic, helps block out any remaining echo in your space. While this isn't strictly necessary for beginners, it can help enhance your sound. You can find affordable options or even make one with materials you already have. *Example*: Thick Socks!

5. The Recording Process: Slow Down and Keep it Simple

Now that your gear is set up, it’s time to record! Keep these tips in mind to make sure your recordings sound great: Remember it’s your audition. Your time.

Warm Up Your Voice: Just like any other actor, voice actors need to warm up. Do some vocal exercises to loosen up your muscles and ensure your voice is clear.
Test Your Levels: Before recording, do a quick test to make sure your mic levels aren’t too loud (which causes distortion) or too soft. Aim for your peaks to stay around -6 dB.
Stay Comfortable: Your body affects how your voice sounds! So, make sure you’re in a comfortable position. Stand or sit with good posture, and avoid straining your neck or shoulders.

6. Editing and Exporting

Once you’ve recorded your masterpiece, it’s time to edit! You can clean up any mistakes, remove unwanted noise, and even adjust the timing of your delivery. Don’t worry if editing feels intimidating at first—it gets easier with practice.

Once you’re happy with the final result, export your file as an MP3 or WAV file (WAV is often preferred for professional use). Make sure to give it a clear, professional file name—something like “TabethaMcNeal_VO_Demo1.wav.”

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