Everyday VOpreneur® with Marc Scott

Episode: Mobile Studio Hacks: Recording VO from the Road with Jay Preston

Guest: Jay Preston
Release Date: November 13, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode tackles the evolving art and science of recording professional voiceover (VO) while traveling. Host Marc Scott welcomes back Jay Preston, fellow voice actor and seasoned road warrior, to dive deeply into the hacks, gear, mishaps, and pro-tips of running a VO business from cars, hotels, yurts, and family guest rooms. As holiday travel season ramps up, they break down how to achieve premium results outside the home studio—without losing your mind, your bookings, or your sound quality.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Reality of Travel VO: Flexibility & Ingenuity

Jay’s Travel Schedule: In 2024, Jay and his wife spent over half the year on the road, traveling through 22 states, and regularly recording from makeshift setups. (03:36)
Permanent Setups at Relatives': To ease logistics, they bought duplicates of key gear and shipped them to relatives’ homes in Iowa and Boston. (03:36, 29:21)
"Pillow Forts" Are Evolving: Hotels now provide fewer extra blankets and pillows, adding to the challenge of “pillow fort” construction. Jay shares his journey from basic PVC setups to robust, portable metal frames. (01:13, 15:29)

Memorable Moment:

"If we can do it there near a yurt, then I think we're all fine. Meg recorded auditions while I was driving on the highway."
—Jay Preston [00:00, 18:12]

2. Connectivity and Tech Upgrades: Starlink, Hotspots, Source Connect

Internet Realities: Jay trialed Starlink for connectivity but found his phone’s hotspot worked better, with fewer setup headaches and noise. Starlink required clear sky view and hardwiring, plus emitted distracting sounds. (04:20)
Source Connect 4: The upgrade offers solid performance for remote sessions, removing the need for an iLok and offering new audio buffering. Certification and tech savvy allowed Jay to bridge sessions seamlessly between versions. (04:36, 06:12)
Looking Forward: Anticipates further improvements as T-Mobile collaborates with Starlink for satellite-to-phone VO. (09:33)

Notable Quote:

"Source Connect's getting better... The new version is working great and you don't need to have an iLok... We were able to connect in every state every week."
—Jay Preston [04:36]

3. What Can—and Can’t—You Record on the Road?

Suitable Genres: Everything but long-duration, high-intensity video games (due to sustained yelling and hotel noise risk) is fair game. Most commercials, eLearning, and repeat client sessions are handled remotely. (06:47)
Solving “Matching” Issues: For eLearning pickups that don’t match, Jay records and offers both a pickup and full reread (at no extra charge if needed) to ensure consistency. (20:08)

Story Highlight:

"Meg had to do a dying zombie once in a hotel, and it was like she was screaming bloody. I was like, people are going to think I'm killing you."
—Jay Preston [08:49]

4. Booth Construction: From Makeshift to Methodical

Portable Booth Blueprint:
- Metal projector/cloth frames (Amazon, ~$60 each) for walls.
- Audio Mute Blanket: “The most important part”—lets voice through, blocks reflections. Bulk ordered, sometimes shipped directly to travel spots. (11:18, 12:10)
- Vintage comforters or moving blankets for doors, layering.
- Circular pop-up green screen-style roof, draped with anything available.
- Heavy-duty C-clamps and a compact folding table.
Adaptable & Affordable: Jay reinforces that his solution is robust but cost-effective—a “few hundred bucks” for repeatable, modular setups. (33:48, 31:29)
Improvised Solutions: Don’t hesitate to use random pillows, comforters, or to thrift local for supplies.

Memorable Quote:

"You just got to be malleable with your setup. It doesn’t have to be pretty. It just has to work."
—Jay Preston [41:23]

5. Essential Tech & Recent Gear Discoveries

Microphones: Sennheiser 416, DPA 4060 (for omnidirectional use), and the new Shure MV7 Plus—praised for onboard DSP, pop filter, noise reduction, and auto gain. (14:18, 17:31, 20:55)
Preamp & Interface: Universal Audio Apollo Solo or Twin (matches home studio sound; very portable).
Headphones: Sennheiser HD 280 Pro for closed-back monitoring—essential to keep sound in (48:31).
Laptop: MacBook Air for silence and portability.
New Favorite: Folding, tool-free portable table with simple knobs for quick booth setup.
Sound Matching Tools: C Suite C Vox plugin (for real-time noise suppression), especially with Apollo interfaces; trusted for minimal artifacts and great results (23:51).
iPad/Computer in Booth: Stands and tables for varied positioning; reading and session management.

Notable Quotes:

"The Shure MV7 Plus has an onboard electronic pop filter, auto gain control, and real-time noise canceller. Meg recorded auditions while I was driving on the highway and has booked with highway auditions."
—Jay Preston [17:35, 18:12]

"C Suite C Vox... it's just literally taking out anything that's doing the hum... leaves your voice alone. It's pretty fantastic."
—Jay Preston [23:51]

6. Tips for Matching Home & Road Recordings

Consistency Strategies: Match booth dimensions and material qualities (rectangle layout, same major blankets) to home studio. Mimic mic chain/setup as closely as possible; consider multiple versions for pickups in case of voice/tone mismatch. (12:10, 20:08)
Good Engineers Help: Having skilled audio engineers on the production end helps smooth over small sound variances. (06:52)

7. Booking, Communicating, and Expanding Networks

Transparent with Agents: Always inform agents and clients in advance if you’ll be in transit or fully unavailable. Flexibility in booking increases as trust in your traveling setup grows. (43:21)
Studios on the Road: Jay leverages the Voiceover Resource Guide (VORG) to locate and connect with studios nationwide, both for emergencies and to network/build future leads. He also leaves complete duplicate kits at frequent travel destinations (e.g., parents' homes). (29:21, 44:42)

8. Resource Guide (VORG) & Industry Community

TheVORG.com: Jay now manages the Voiceover Resource Guide, which lists studios, agencies, engineers, coaches, and more. The digital version is free and constantly updated; a major print edition is in the works. (45:09, 52:02)
Extra Perks: Advertising partners often give discounts if you mention finding them via VORG.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

On Session Challenges:

"We just pulled over to a winery. I had to do a political. Turned off the car, did it. They said it was great—we're using it."
—Jay Preston [15:15, 19:24]
On Voicing in Bizarre Places:

"The craziest place? Off a highway, behind a building—my phone had three bars. The car hit 100 degrees in minutes, and we draped a blanket over it for sound."
—Jay Preston [39:08]
On Traveling Comfort:

"If you've got family you visit often, have a kit you can leave there. For a few hundred bucks, you’ve got everything you need."
—Jay Preston [31:29, 33:48]
On Keeping It Real:

"We spend so much time in our home booths, we want them to look nice. I’d hate to live my whole year in a makeshift fort. But you can make almost anything work for a week or two."
—Jay Preston [42:21]
On Tech Changes:

"I did not expect, at this day and age, I’d have a microphone like that—that does everything—for $300."
—Jay Preston [53:57]

Timestamps for Key Sections

Travel VO Realities & Setup Evolution: [01:13] – [06:47]
Internet Troubles and Source Connect 4: [04:20] – [06:47]
Genre Considerations & Video Game Dilemmas: [06:47] – [09:33]
Booth Build Details, Materials, and Portability: [11:18] – [16:47]
Shure MV7 Plus and Highway Auditions: [17:31] – [19:24]
Handling Audio Matching for Pickups: [20:08] – [20:43]
Equipment List & Sound Management Tools: [20:55] – [24:49]
Business Side of Booking, Client Communication: [43:05] – [44:42]
Networking with Studios Nationwide: [44:42] – [45:05]
All About the Voiceover Resource Guide: [45:09] – [46:56], [52:02]
Pro-Tips & Hacks (Headphones, Portable Table): [48:31] – [51:14]

Additional Pro Tips & Hacks

Closed-Back Headphones: Essential to prevent leakage during sessions. (48:31)
Be Resourceful: Use thrifted or locally purchased comforters, gift them to family/hosts after your stay.
Leave Kits at Frequent Locations: Saves luggage space and sanity.
Stay Adaptable: Sometimes, the prettiest setup isn’t possible—effective is better than perfect.
Photos Help: Take pics of your setup for fast assembly next time—and to keep track of what works.

Resources Mentioned

Voiceover Resource Guide (VORG): thevorg.com
Key Equipment:
- Sennheiser 416
- DPA 4060
- Shure MV7 Plus
- Universal Audio Apollo Solo/Twin
- Audio Mute sound blanket
- Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones

Conclusion

This episode is packed with stories, hacks, and humility, showing that great voiceover work is possible just about anywhere with the right prep, affordable gear, and willingness to improvise. Jay’s advice: invest in quality equipment, keep your setup repeatable but flexible, and never let logistics or travel stop you from booking (and delivering!) great work.

"Let's not wait five years for version five. Maybe soon it'll be a booth setup by drone..."
—Jay Preston [53:22]

[For photos and gear links, see the episode’s show notes or visit thevorg.com.]

Everyday VOpreneur® with Marc Scott

Episode: Mobile Studio Hacks: Recording VO from the Road with Jay Preston

Guest: Jay Preston
Release Date: November 13, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Reality of Travel VO: Flexibility & Ingenuity

Jay’s Travel Schedule: In 2024, Jay and his wife spent over half the year on the road, traveling through 22 states, and regularly recording from makeshift setups. (03:36)
Permanent Setups at Relatives': To ease logistics, they bought duplicates of key gear and shipped them to relatives’ homes in Iowa and Boston. (03:36, 29:21)
"Pillow Forts" Are Evolving: Hotels now provide fewer extra blankets and pillows, adding to the challenge of “pillow fort” construction. Jay shares his journey from basic PVC setups to robust, portable metal frames. (01:13, 15:29)

Memorable Moment:

"If we can do it there near a yurt, then I think we're all fine. Meg recorded auditions while I was driving on the highway."
—Jay Preston [00:00, 18:12]

2. Connectivity and Tech Upgrades: Starlink, Hotspots, Source Connect

Internet Realities: Jay trialed Starlink for connectivity but found his phone’s hotspot worked better, with fewer setup headaches and noise. Starlink required clear sky view and hardwiring, plus emitted distracting sounds. (04:20)
Source Connect 4: The upgrade offers solid performance for remote sessions, removing the need for an iLok and offering new audio buffering. Certification and tech savvy allowed Jay to bridge sessions seamlessly between versions. (04:36, 06:12)
Looking Forward: Anticipates further improvements as T-Mobile collaborates with Starlink for satellite-to-phone VO. (09:33)

Notable Quote:

"Source Connect's getting better... The new version is working great and you don't need to have an iLok... We were able to connect in every state every week."
—Jay Preston [04:36]

3. What Can—and Can’t—You Record on the Road?

Suitable Genres: Everything but long-duration, high-intensity video games (due to sustained yelling and hotel noise risk) is fair game. Most commercials, eLearning, and repeat client sessions are handled remotely. (06:47)
Solving “Matching” Issues: For eLearning pickups that don’t match, Jay records and offers both a pickup and full reread (at no extra charge if needed) to ensure consistency. (20:08)

Story Highlight:

"Meg had to do a dying zombie once in a hotel, and it was like she was screaming bloody. I was like, people are going to think I'm killing you."
—Jay Preston [08:49]

4. Booth Construction: From Makeshift to Methodical

Portable Booth Blueprint:
- Metal projector/cloth frames (Amazon, ~$60 each) for walls.
- Audio Mute Blanket: “The most important part”—lets voice through, blocks reflections. Bulk ordered, sometimes shipped directly to travel spots. (11:18, 12:10)
- Vintage comforters or moving blankets for doors, layering.
- Circular pop-up green screen-style roof, draped with anything available.
- Heavy-duty C-clamps and a compact folding table.
Adaptable & Affordable: Jay reinforces that his solution is robust but cost-effective—a “few hundred bucks” for repeatable, modular setups. (33:48, 31:29)
Improvised Solutions: Don’t hesitate to use random pillows, comforters, or to thrift local for supplies.

Memorable Quote:

"You just got to be malleable with your setup. It doesn’t have to be pretty. It just has to work."
—Jay Preston [41:23]

5. Essential Tech & Recent Gear Discoveries

Microphones: Sennheiser 416, DPA 4060 (for omnidirectional use), and the new Shure MV7 Plus—praised for onboard DSP, pop filter, noise reduction, and auto gain. (14:18, 17:31, 20:55)
Preamp & Interface: Universal Audio Apollo Solo or Twin (matches home studio sound; very portable).
Headphones: Sennheiser HD 280 Pro for closed-back monitoring—essential to keep sound in (48:31).
Laptop: MacBook Air for silence and portability.
New Favorite: Folding, tool-free portable table with simple knobs for quick booth setup.
Sound Matching Tools: C Suite C Vox plugin (for real-time noise suppression), especially with Apollo interfaces; trusted for minimal artifacts and great results (23:51).
iPad/Computer in Booth: Stands and tables for varied positioning; reading and session management.

Notable Quotes:

"The Shure MV7 Plus has an onboard electronic pop filter, auto gain control, and real-time noise canceller. Meg recorded auditions while I was driving on the highway and has booked with highway auditions."
—Jay Preston [17:35, 18:12]

"C Suite C Vox... it's just literally taking out anything that's doing the hum... leaves your voice alone. It's pretty fantastic."
—Jay Preston [23:51]

6. Tips for Matching Home & Road Recordings

Consistency Strategies: Match booth dimensions and material qualities (rectangle layout, same major blankets) to home studio. Mimic mic chain/setup as closely as possible; consider multiple versions for pickups in case of voice/tone mismatch. (12:10, 20:08)
Good Engineers Help: Having skilled audio engineers on the production end helps smooth over small sound variances. (06:52)

7. Booking, Communicating, and Expanding Networks

Transparent with Agents: Always inform agents and clients in advance if you’ll be in transit or fully unavailable. Flexibility in booking increases as trust in your traveling setup grows. (43:21)
Studios on the Road: Jay leverages the Voiceover Resource Guide (VORG) to locate and connect with studios nationwide, both for emergencies and to network/build future leads. He also leaves complete duplicate kits at frequent travel destinations (e.g., parents' homes). (29:21, 44:42)

8. Resource Guide (VORG) & Industry Community

TheVORG.com: Jay now manages the Voiceover Resource Guide, which lists studios, agencies, engineers, coaches, and more. The digital version is free and constantly updated; a major print edition is in the works. (45:09, 52:02)
Extra Perks: Advertising partners often give discounts if you mention finding them via VORG.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

On Session Challenges:

"We just pulled over to a winery. I had to do a political. Turned off the car, did it. They said it was great—we're using it."
—Jay Preston [15:15, 19:24]
On Voicing in Bizarre Places:

"The craziest place? Off a highway, behind a building—my phone had three bars. The car hit 100 degrees in minutes, and we draped a blanket over it for sound."
—Jay Preston [39:08]
On Traveling Comfort:

"If you've got family you visit often, have a kit you can leave there. For a few hundred bucks, you’ve got everything you need."
—Jay Preston [31:29, 33:48]
On Keeping It Real:

"We spend so much time in our home booths, we want them to look nice. I’d hate to live my whole year in a makeshift fort. But you can make almost anything work for a week or two."
—Jay Preston [42:21]
On Tech Changes:

"I did not expect, at this day and age, I’d have a microphone like that—that does everything—for $300."
—Jay Preston [53:57]

Timestamps for Key Sections

Travel VO Realities & Setup Evolution: [01:13] – [06:47]
Internet Troubles and Source Connect 4: [04:20] – [06:47]
Genre Considerations & Video Game Dilemmas: [06:47] – [09:33]
Booth Build Details, Materials, and Portability: [11:18] – [16:47]
Shure MV7 Plus and Highway Auditions: [17:31] – [19:24]
Handling Audio Matching for Pickups: [20:08] – [20:43]
Equipment List & Sound Management Tools: [20:55] – [24:49]
Business Side of Booking, Client Communication: [43:05] – [44:42]
Networking with Studios Nationwide: [44:42] – [45:05]
All About the Voiceover Resource Guide: [45:09] – [46:56], [52:02]
Pro-Tips & Hacks (Headphones, Portable Table): [48:31] – [51:14]

Additional Pro Tips & Hacks

Closed-Back Headphones: Essential to prevent leakage during sessions. (48:31)
Be Resourceful: Use thrifted or locally purchased comforters, gift them to family/hosts after your stay.
Leave Kits at Frequent Locations: Saves luggage space and sanity.
Stay Adaptable: Sometimes, the prettiest setup isn’t possible—effective is better than perfect.
Photos Help: Take pics of your setup for fast assembly next time—and to keep track of what works.

Resources Mentioned

Voiceover Resource Guide (VORG): thevorg.com
Key Equipment:
- Sennheiser 416
- DPA 4060
- Shure MV7 Plus
- Universal Audio Apollo Solo/Twin
- Audio Mute sound blanket
- Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones

Conclusion

"Let's not wait five years for version five. Maybe soon it'll be a booth setup by drone..."
—Jay Preston [53:22]

[For photos and gear links, see the episode’s show notes or visit thevorg.com.]

Mobile Studio Hacks: Recording VO from the Road with Jay Preston

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Summary

Everyday VOpreneur® with Marc Scott

Episode: Mobile Studio Hacks: Recording VO from the Road with Jay Preston

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Reality of Travel VO: Flexibility & Ingenuity

Memorable Moment:

2. Connectivity and Tech Upgrades: Starlink, Hotspots, Source Connect

Notable Quote:

3. What Can—and Can’t—You Record on the Road?

Story Highlight:

4. Booth Construction: From Makeshift to Methodical

Memorable Quote:

5. Essential Tech & Recent Gear Discoveries

Notable Quotes:

6. Tips for Matching Home & Road Recordings

7. Booking, Communicating, and Expanding Networks

8. Resource Guide (VORG) & Industry Community

Memorable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Sections

Additional Pro Tips & Hacks

Resources Mentioned

Conclusion

Summary

Everyday VOpreneur® with Marc Scott

Episode: Mobile Studio Hacks: Recording VO from the Road with Jay Preston

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Reality of Travel VO: Flexibility & Ingenuity

Memorable Moment:

2. Connectivity and Tech Upgrades: Starlink, Hotspots, Source Connect

Notable Quote:

3. What Can—and Can’t—You Record on the Road?

Story Highlight:

4. Booth Construction: From Makeshift to Methodical

Memorable Quote:

5. Essential Tech & Recent Gear Discoveries

Notable Quotes:

6. Tips for Matching Home & Road Recordings

7. Booking, Communicating, and Expanding Networks

8. Resource Guide (VORG) & Industry Community

Memorable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Sections

Additional Pro Tips & Hacks

Resources Mentioned

Conclusion