From the Booth: Volume 2

May 18

Microphones, software, gadgets, oh my!

How can you possibly know what to buy?

Tips:

#1 Learn

Before purchasing anything, gather as much information about the types of technology as possible. Watch videos online, read articles and reviews, ask friends in the industry.

#2 Budget

How much money do you have to spend? The amount can add up pretty quickly, especially if you go in without a plan. You can end up having to buy double if you get one wrong piece. Set a budget and use that as an outline for what you need versus what you want. You can always save up for more items in the future!

#3 Test

Run some tests with the equipment you do have. Ask others to review your setup and tell you what they hear and see. From the list of items you are looking to buy, figure out if they work in succession from one to the next. Play out a scenario from setup to recording to editing/processing to submitting. Run an internet “speed test” from an online search and jot down the results. Repeat the process in different rooms.

#4 Start simple, build up

An often overlooked aspect of studio tech is home internet. If you can figure that one out, then the next step is to get something that works for you at the time. As you learn and grow in your voice acting pursuits, more equipment and better upgrades may be helpful. No need to cross that bridge right away.

Getting the Gear:

Internet
- Terminology.
  - Broadband - this includes things like fiber, cable, and satellite
  - Ethernet - a physical cable which connects a computer to a router
  - Cellular - wireless tech providing data through towers
  - Routers - the device which creates a network of internet
  - Bandwidth - an amount of available connectivity
  - Gigahertz - a unit of frequency, equal to one billion cycles per second
  - Mbps - also known as megabits per second, a measurement of data transfer
  - Latency - how long it takes data to travel away and back again
- How to test it.
  - Testing your internet speed is simple, but speed isn’t everything. Many voice actors will identify that they are “remote capable,” meaning they have all the necessary things in their environment to work away from the studio who casted or employed them. This includes a good internet connection.
  - To start, run a simple search for an “internet speed test.” Once it completes, jot down the results. Then, you can compare to industry standards, depending on what type of project you are working on. For “remote capable” voice acting roles, specify that in your search.
Microphones
- What are microphones?
  - A microphone converts energy by translating acoustic energy into electrical. This sound is amplified.
- How do different types of microphones work?
  - Microphones come in many different types. The most common of these are dynamic and condenser.
    - Dynamic microphones act like reverse speakers, changing sound pressure and producing energy from their coils. These microphones do not need batteries or external power to work. They do not need much maintenance and can work well for a long time.
    - Condenser microphones, on the other hand, rely on power to produce sound. They weigh less and may be smaller. Sound pressure against the film in these microphones create movement and thus an electrical output.
- Do they connect to your laptop, PC, or phone?
  - Depends on the microphone! If you run it through an interface or complex audio system, it is generally of higher quality. But you can buy mics that have USB connectivity, and converter can be used to connect it to your particular device.
- Are there any accessories I need for my microphone? Here are four common ones:
  - Pop Filter: Used for minimization of “plosives,” or the noises produced when pronouncing particular sounds. In English, these include “p” and “b,” “t” and others.
  - Mic Stand: Used for minimization of hands-on operation of the microphone. These come in different types, such as an adjustable horizontal arm from a vertical pole (boom stand), a desk-mountable version (boom arm), or a simple pole (straight stand).
  - Shock Mount: Used for minimization of noise transfer from the stand. It also holds the microphone in place.
  - Windscreen: Used for minimization of wind and other unwanted noises. These slide over a microphone and are made of foam or a furry material.
Processing/Editing Software (some cost money, others do not)
- Audacity
- GarageBand
- Logic
- Adobe Audition
- Reaper
- Pro Tools
Interfaces
- As mentioned previously, an audio interface connects your microphone to your device (such as a computer). But it is a bit more complicated than that. What you need to know is that these are often considered important when it comes to seeking out the best quality audio.
- Sampling rate and bit depth are two terms that are often associated with these devices. Some casting calls note their expectations for these numbers. For example, you may see a requirement that auditions are to be sent using 32-bit and 48 kHz. Interfaces can support up to a certain sampling rate and bit depth, which is good to keep in mind when making a purchase.
Headphones
- Why does using headphones matter?
  - The most simple answer is that when you listen back to your recordings, you may not hear buzzing sounds or echo, even when the volume is cranked up. Headphones can help you review your audio and pick up on these things. Depending on the project, the person assessing your auditions may be using headphones and could notice things you do not. Plus, it is much quieter in the studio (or your home) if you are not listening to audio out loud and disturbing others.
Soundproofing (may be even more of a priority than an expensive microphone)
- Low-budget options.
  - Blankets, closet, PVC pipes
- Medium-budget options
  - Foam, portable vocal booths, studio rental
- High-budget options
  - Modular vocal booths, custom fits