What equipment needed for newbie?

Elliott Krakow · **Voice Talent** Joined: 26 Apr 2004 Posts: 1

Dear fellow lords of the larynx,
I know this question has probably been asked ad nauseum, but I need to know if there is any special equipment needed to create a demo for the website. Also, how might I locate a 'mentor' who would be willing to help me along until I learn the ropes? Any suggestion will be be appreciated.

Please respond directly to: savapet@aol.com

Byron Purvis · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Posts: 33

I'm sure a lot of people will tell you to buy a lot of expensive equipment right out of the gate, but I'm actually getting started myself with very little, and I get fairly good results. If you have plenty of cash laying around, buy the best system you can afford! Smile

If not, buy the best for your budget. My budget happens to be $0 so I have to make due with what I have :-/

If you have the choice, I would highly recommend an Apple Macintosh computer/laptop. I used PCs for many years, and they were always a headache for me when recording audio.

I'm not saying this is what you should use, but here's what I get by with for my home sound setup...

- A cheap $50 V-tech stage mic ( I wish I could afford better, but right now, it works ) w/ an adjustable boom stand and pop-screen ( you have to have a pop screen! )

- My "mixer" is actually a Tascam 4-Track recorder that I don't use as a tape recorder anymore, since it's so much easier and better sounding to record on a multi track software program Smile

The "mixer" is plugged into my computer's mic/input jack with an RCA to Mini Stereo "Y" cable. I've never tried them, but I've seen other people use some sort of pre-amp box that plugs into your usb port for your Mic to plug into.

- GarageBand Software - This comes with most new Macs ($79 as part of iLife if bought seperately) It's not really designed to be a voice over program, but I use it for that since it has some great effects, and it's really easy to use! There's also a freeware program called Audacity that's pretty good and fairly simple to use. Ideally, you'd be recording with Pro Tools, but it's expensive. It's what the pros use, hence the name Wink

- Headphones - Get the kind that have pads over the ears to block sound from escaping. You don't want your mic to pick up echo from your headphones while you're recording.

- Monitor Speakers - Mine are crap. I would like to invest in some good monitor speakers.

If you have a Guitar Center near where you live, they should have almost everything you need all in one spot!

Ed Gambill · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jun 2007 Posts: 585

Elliott

First hello and welcome, I wish you good luck.

So far you have been handed a line of crap from what we call a newbie. This has been discussed to death by folks with strong backgrounds in sound. The advice has been given many times

Look in the archives on the Geek and Pro thread and you will see that many of us have given strong deliberation to the advice we give folks starting up.

If this is a lark for you take the previous advise, If you are serious and want to give it a go, look to folks with a track record to help you. For the record to get a fair shot at doing it right you will need equipment the will cost in the $500.00 to $1,000.00 range. Many professional have well over 5K invested. Don’t let that deter you get the basic kit and use it to practice and get better.

Aside from a good voice and ability to use it the best tool you will need to have is the ability to listen critically to your work and others. Overtime you will discover that the folks who do VO work are just as good at listening as they are at talking.

Just for the record, I taught production sound for film and television at the college level and got paid for that service. I am also a professional and I don’t use ProTools, others here do. They and I know that the kind of software and the equipment doesn’t make you a Pro.

If you can't find some of the past info PM me and I'll help you find it.

Byron Purvis · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Posts: 33

Ed, I think "line of crap" is a little harsh. If you read a little closer I said, "I'm not saying this is what you should use, but here's what I get by with for my home sound setup..."

Trust me, by no means do I think anyone should use what I have as a "pro" setup, because mine most certainly is not. But for those people who are just starting out and want take a crack at V.O. before investing in a bunch of gear, they should know that there are cheap options to get started with.

If you're just bleeding money, by all means, go wild and spend 5 grand!

Ed Gambill · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jun 2007 Posts: 585

Byron here is where you went wrong right out of the gate "I'm sure a lot of people will tell you to buy a lot of expensive equipment right out of the gate". I am only speaking for myself, but you front loaded the argument. You characterized me and a community of folks with that one sentence. Yea that offhanded remark made me ill. So it a line of (Ill informed postulating) you see crap is easier to write Very Happy

If you were better informed you would know that on many occasion I and others have endeavored to help new folks with ways to get a good kit and keep the cost as low a possible. You had not idea what if any thing would be said.

I have a SM 57 that I cut many a spot with and they sounded good. I also have three matched tube mic (matched to .5 db) with MSRP of $1,500.00 each with out the cost of factory matching. The SM 57 will get er done and it’s a good start.

Cheap is not the way to go, frugal is the way to go and there is a difference. I don’t know the $50.00 VTec, but I do know the SM57 and although is about twice retail it’s know for quality that will last.

If you want a chance in VO you or any body needs to be able to do work that meet a minimum standard for broadcast. Aside from gear there is one essential you didn’t touch on. Without a proper space for recording, no amount of gear will help.

I'm glad to help you or any body, but don't presuppose what I or any one else will say.