For Newbies and Such Looking for Equipment

Stan Davis-Potopa · **Voice Talent** Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Posts: 15

Since I've seen a lot of folks with questions about what gear to buy, make sure you visit these sites:

1) http://www.emusician.com. This is Electronic Musician's site. It's Mix for the technically challenged. You can not only search for product reviews, but also for articles and tips on topics like: studio construction, voice recording techniques, business and the like.

2) http://www.mixonline.com. Mix magazine's site. This the recording industry bible. You can glean a lot from this site, although it's often a bit more technical than its sister publication above.

3) http://www.harmony-centrtal.com. Although this site is geared more toward musicians, it has a wealth of product reviews, how-tos, seminars, etc. It's a joy just visiting.

4) http://www.sweetwater.com. Sweetwater Sound's site is chock full of help for newbies. Check out the Word Of The Day and Tech Tip Of The Day archives. And, if you buy from them, customer support is second to none.

HTH.

Freddie Molina · Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006, 03:55 (GMT) Post subject:

Thank you Stan, great info. daumen rauf

Darren Chabluk · Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2006, 01:58 (GMT) Post subject:

Instead of listing an "advanced newbie" list of equipment, can somebody please just hammer off one answer for equipment?

What kind of MIC do I need? What Kind of other equipment do I need?

The answer I am looking for, would be the simple simon newbie one liner answer such as...

"Darren, you can pick up the Sony Model xxxx beginner Mic at walmart, and the other equipment I recemmend is the XXXX, as for software you can get away with the XXXX"

Do you see what me, as a newbie, is looking for? A one liner, simple simon met the pie man, one liner answer.

Please, and thank you Surprised

Freddie Molina · Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2006, 15:26 (GMT) Post subject:

Hello Darren,

I totally understand all of these must sound confusing, let me break it down for you a little.
The equipment you need is basically a microphone, a pre amplification device that connects to your computer via USB or firewire, then recording and editing software.

Ok, when it comes to microphones you should do a little research, each microphone has different qualities and it is intended for different uses and voice types. I personally like Shure mics, here’s a link to their page: http://www.shure.com/index.htm

Preamp interfaces are kind of the same, it really depends on what you want to accomplish, check the Fast Track Pro by M-Audio, quite versatile, easy to use and good for beginners, here’s a link: http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrackPro-main.html
The Fast Track Pro comes with recording and editing software, Live lite 4 (I Think) don’t really care too much for it, but it’s ok.

Recording software, well, there are many programs out there that will do the trick, I use Adobe Audition, click here for more information on recording software.

This is one of the reasons a voice coach is strongly recommended when coming in to the VO field, they normally will guide you on set up needed, demo creation, etc.

Hope this helps.

Martie Dakota · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006, 20:06 (GMT) Post subject:

What to buy really depends on what sound quality that you want or need. A really good system for someone to be set up would be

A mac computer with at least a 1 Gig.
An editing software you can understand and navigate around with.
Pro Tools 7.0 is my favorite
A firewire to allow you to do multiple tracks and use a great deal of space.
A CD burner.
A Mbox .. And if your just mixing and producing commercials you just should get a good microphone and there are many differnat types.. I like a nice condesor mic, but I have heard a lot of people who have specific favs. You need to feel your way into all of it. Make an initial purchase and add latter. Put more into the software, the computer and remember your cords because your sound flows that way. Theres really no recipe and you wil have your own preferances. And go to a reliable store that can direct you further. But Good Luck... I love this work and its a good buisness to enter. - martie www.martiedakota.voice123.com
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Matthew Hinman · **Voice Talent** Joined: 18 Jan 2007 Posts: 25

Don't forget about http://www.americanmusical.com. Also, http://www.breakintovoiceover.com has a link called "Home Studio Equipment" with some great affordable ideas.

Dan Powell · **Voice Talent** Joined: 19 Jan 2007 Posts: 89

Hi, the one I found really helped break down All kinds of information and gave tips on what to get etc. is http://www.tweakheadz.com/ they have tons of articles but at the end of the day it's down to three things, how serious are you, how much can you afford and (with mics in particular) what sounds good with your voice.

Sorry to be a bit Vague but that's the short of it. The long would take weeks to write up Smile

My advice is to read around, there's no 'quick answer' to your question but most of all have fun! Hope to hear you soon!