Hands-On Tech 203: Voice Acting Setup & Gear

Host: Micah Sargent
Release Date: February 16, 2025
Podcast Series: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio) by TWiT

Introduction to Voice Acting Technology

In this episode of Hands-On Tech, Micah Sargent delves into the essentials of setting up a successful voice acting career. Responding to a listener's query, Faye, Micah provides a comprehensive beginner’s guide to the necessary technology and environment for aspiring voice actors.

Understanding the Importance of Your Recording Space

Micah emphasizes that the recording environment is more crucial than the microphone itself. He states, “The space you are in is more important in so many ways than the microphone you are using” (01:30). Properly treating your recording space can significantly enhance sound quality, sometimes even making high-end microphones unnecessary.

Key Recommendations:

• Soundproofing: Use acoustic panels, egg crate mattress covers, carpets, or thick moving blankets to block external noise and dampen vibrations.
• Room Setup: Incorporate furniture like bookcases filled with books to absorb sound and prevent echo.
• Door Treatment: Apply door sweeps or dense pillows to cover gaps, ensuring no sound leaks in or out.

Micah advises, “Putting even just normal stuff into your room... will help to make you are producing better sound” (04:15).

Choosing the Right Equipment

Once the space is optimized, Micah shifts focus to the equipment, particularly microphones and audio interfaces.

Microphones: Micah recommends starting with a USB microphone due to their simplicity and ease of use. He strongly advises against the Blue Yeti Snowball, stating, “Under no circumstances do I ever recommend getting the Blue Yeti Snowball” (07:50). He explains that while the Blue Yeti can produce good sound, its sensitivity and default settings often lead to subpar recordings if the space isn't perfectly treated.

Audio Interfaces: For those ready to invest further, Micah mentions the Focusrite Scarlett as a reliable audio interface commonly recommended on ACX.com’s starter guides. This device pairs well with various microphones, offering flexibility as one’s voice acting career progresses.

Enhancing Recording Quality

To ensure professional-quality recordings, Micah highlights additional tools and techniques:

• Pop Filters: Essential for dispersing plosive sounds (like “P” and “B”), which can create unwanted noise in recordings. Micah explains, “A pop filter... helps to disperse the plosives and anything that pushes air at the microphone” (11:20).

• Microphone Isolation: Using boom arms or shock mounts prevents vibrations and handling noise from affecting the recording. He notes, “Anything that will keep [the microphone] isolated from the things around it... is incredibly important” (14:00).

Leveraging Online Resources

Micah recommends visiting ACX.com, Amazon’s Audible platform for audiobook narration. He praises their resources, stating, “ACX has some good guides for people who are starting out, including a guide called A Studio of One's Own” (02:55). This guide offers detailed advice on setting up a home studio, emphasizing the significance of location and sound treatment.

Practical Tips for Beginners

Micah shares practical advice for those just starting:

• Start Simple: Begin with a modest setup and gradually upgrade based on your needs and success.
• Test and Adjust: Utilize ACX’s audio quality tools to refine your recordings, stating, “You can use that to kind of test and make adjustments...” (10:00).
• Compare and Learn: Listen to professional narrations and compare them to your recordings to identify areas for improvement.

Encouragement and Next Steps

Micah encourages Faye and other aspiring voice actors to share their journey and progress. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation, mentioning, “Over time you kind of upgrade from there, right? And add to your system... depending on what works for you” (16:45).

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Micah reiterating the significance of a well-treated recording space and the judicious selection of equipment. He points listeners to ACX.com for further resources and invites them to engage with the community by sharing their experiences and setups.

Notable Quotes

• Micah Sargent (01:30): “The space you are in is more important in so many ways than the microphone you are using.”
• Micah Sargent (04:15): “Putting even just normal stuff into your room... will help to make you are producing better sound.”
• Micah Sargent (07:50): “Under no circumstances do I ever recommend getting the Blue Yeti Snowball.”
• Micah Sargent (11:20): “A pop filter... helps to disperse the plosives and anything that pushes air at the microphone.”
• Micah Sargent (14:00): “Anything that will keep [the microphone] isolated from the things around it... is incredibly important.”
• Micah Sargent (16:45): “Over time you kind of upgrade from there, right? And add to your system... depending on what works for you.”

Final Thoughts

Hands-On Tech 203: Voice Acting Setup & Gear serves as an invaluable resource for anyone looking to venture into voice acting. By prioritizing the recording environment and making informed equipment choices, Micah Sargent provides a clear roadmap to achieving high-quality voice recordings. Whether you’re a beginner like Faye or looking to refine your setup, this episode offers practical insights and actionable advice to kickstart your voice acting journey.