Voice Over Equipment and Resource Guide.
Having the right voiceover recording equipment is important for obvious reasons. I've researched and listed the best microphones for voice over (and a bunch of other equipment too) here on this page.
(Scroll down for the list.)
A couple pieces of advice to help you make your decision.
You don't have to break the bank! I recorded national radio spots from my closet with a $100 mic that I already owned. Don't feel the need to get only top of the line gear (especially when you are just starting out). Get good gear that will get the job done and upgrade later.
Focus on comfort: If your mic stand makes you bend over backwards to get close to the mic, you aren't going to be able to focus on your performance. If your audio cables are so short that you have to move your computer in and out of your booth/closet in-between each take, that will just cause frustration. If your booth is hot and dark, you'll find yourself getting flustered. If you have to wait for the neighbor ten houses down to stop mowing his yard... If your audio editing software crashes every other take... The list goes on and on. Focus on each aspect of your recording space for optimal comfort so you can focus on your work.
Don't over analyze: Equipment is important. But please don't spend six months choosing a mic. Grab the one you think will be the best fit and work with it. Learn how each piece of equipment fits you and your voice by using it not just by reading reviews. Keep all the packaging and paperwork forever. If you need to return something it will be a lot easier. (And selling used gear when you upgrade later will be easier too if you've got all the packaging and paperwork.)
When to upgrade: Do you really need a better microphone?
You need better equipment when your sound isn’t on the same level (or better) as the spots you are trying to land. I recommend your voice over equipment always be one step above what you are aiming for. Don't let your equipment be the weak link holding you back. It's way to easy to get good equipment at a reasonable price for that to be the case.
I didn’t upgrade from my AKG Perception 120 until I started getting directed sessions and my agents and the recording engineers started asking me very specific questions about my equipment. Rather than getting nervous and wondering what mic I should buy I just asked a few engineers for suggestions. They should know, right!? I narrowed it down and upgraded.
Learn and upgrade as you go
I bought what I thought was going to be my forever mic and ended up upgrading just a couple months later because I wasn’t happy with it. It had great reviews and I really thought it was "the one". But you'll never know until you plug it in at home and try it out. If you buy a mic and it's not working for you, don't get frustrated, return it and get another one.
Don't rely on your equipment to book voice over work
Anyone can buy a mic, plug it in and hit record. A good mic does not make you a good actor. You'll need to spend most of your time developing your acting skills to become a successful voice actor.
(Most links are affiliate and prices might change.)
Voiceover Equipment grouped into categories...
EQUIPMENT GUIDE
MICROPHONES - BEGINNER
AKG P220 Condenser Microphone with Knox Gear Studio Stand, Pop Filter and XLR Cable
** TOP CHOICE: MICROPHONES - BEGINNER **
A fantastic beginner mic that has the ability to deliver high quality audio.
I used the older version of this mic to record national radio campaigns, so I know it can get the job done!
Rode NT2A Anniversary Vocal Multi-Pattern Dual Condenser Microphone Package
Another great intro voiceover mic that will take you far. Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Shockmount, Cable, Dust Cover and Exclusive NT2-A Recording Techniques DVD with John Merchant
VO: 1-A Harlan Hogan Signature Series Microphone
Harlan has partnered with Marshall Electronics to create the MXL VO: 1-A Signature Series microphone - THE Voice Over Microphone designed for voice over performers by a voice over performer.
MICROPHONES - INTERMEDIATE
Blue Microphones Baby Bottle Cardioid Condenser Microphone
** TOP CHOICE: MICROPHONES - INTERMEDIATE **
Blue Microphones' transformerless Baby Bottle cardioid condenser microphone delivers a rich recording ideal for vocals and voiceover.
Avantone Pro CV-12 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
This description from Amazon says it all... "Put your CV-12 in front of a singer (or voice actor), and the vocals pour out rich, smooth, and colorful — complete with the body you want to make them sit perfectly in the mix."
SE Electronics SE4400a
Perfect for voice over work. Its the smallest mic of its type, it still looks big when used full face on. At less than 3/4 and fits neatly in the palm of your hand.
MICROPHONES - ADVANCED
Neumann U 87 Ai Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Matte Black
** TOP CHOICE: MICROPHONES - ADVANCED **
This is the mic I'm currently using! I LOVE this mic.
Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone with 3 Switchable Polar Patterns.
AKG C414 XLS Large-Diaphragm Instrument Condenser Microphone with Nine Switchable Polar Patterns with Shockmount, Popfilter, Carrying Case, Windscreen, Cable Ties, XLR Cable and 6Ave Cleaning Kit
This microphone has been engineered for detailed recording of vocals and acoustic instruments. Not gonna go wrong with this one!
Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 Super-Cardioid Shotgun Tube Condenser Microphone
Compact Supercardioid Shotgun Interference Microphone. Fantastic choice for voiceover recording!
Neumann TLM 103 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Mono Set, Nickel)
The TLM 103 is one of the standards for home recording and vocals. It is the ideal large diaphragm microphone for all professional and semi-professional applications requiring the utmost in sound quality on a limited budget.
MICROPHONES - USB
Apogee Hype Mic
** TOP CHOICE: MICROPHONES - USB **
I use this mic when traveling. Hype MiC features studio-quality analog compression that’s easy to use and brings the magic to your voice-over recordings.
Blue Spark Digital studio condenser mic with usb for iOS, MAC and PC
The award-winning Spark Digital is the first studio microphone for your iPad, iPhone and laptop. Featuring the same hand-tuned cardioid condenser capsule found on our heralded Spark studio mic, Spark Digital is perfect for vocals and voiceover.
Shure MV51 Digital Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone + USB & Lightning Cable
Specifically engineered for high-quality digital audio capture, the all-digital MOTIV MV51 large-diaphragm condenser microphone seamlessly connects to any Mac, PC, iPhone, iPod, iPad and Android devices for the ultimate in convenience of digital recording.
HEADPHONES
AKG K 240 MK II Professional Semi-Open Stereo Headphones with Headphone Holder & Male to Stereo Female Extension Cable Bundle
These professional hi-fi studio headphones feature a semi-open circumaural design, and use patented Varimotion technology and extra-large transducers to deliver extremely precise, detailed sound.
Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphone (new model)
The HD 280 PRO is a pair of closed, dynamic stereo headphones that deliver accurate, linear sound reproduction with ambient noise attenuation for critical monitoring applications. Optimum impedance ensures universal compatibility, from home listening to studio monitoring. The space-saving design features collapsible, rotating ear cups that are very comfortable to wear, even if used for long periods of time. The ear pads of the HD 280 PRO are made of a synthetic leatherette.
Sennheiser HD 650 Open Back Professional Headphone
In the HD 650, audiophiles will experience truly unique natural sound. With sound this good, long concerts in the comfort of your home are a certainty, so the HD 650 also sets standards in comfort and convenience. The HD 650 is a genuine masterpiece, which will satisfy even the most demanding listener.
beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones in black. Enclosed design, wired for professional recording and monitoring
** HIGHLY RATED: HEADPHONES **
The DT 770 PRO (80 ohms) is a closed dynamic headphone that is ideal for professional use as a monitoring headphone in studios or on the move.
Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Professional Open-Back Reference Headphones
Robust yet lightweight, and equipped with a unique, dual-sided detachable cable that automatically maintains proper stereo orientation (no matter how it’s attached), the R70x headphones are built for lasting comfort, convenience and audio purity.
Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Praised by tech editors and members of the pro audio community alike, the CB-1 sit atop numerous "best of" lists, with consistent high marks from some of the most discerning ears in the industry.
Harlan Hogan Voice Over Headphones
These Voice Optimized HP headphones provide that accurate transparent sound AND the creature-comforts voice workers deserve.
SOUND PROOFING
Audimute Sound Absorption Sheet Sound - Dampening Blanket - Soundproofing Sheet (Bone)
I used these for years before I got my vocal booth and they worked great. I still use these blankets when traveling or when I'm not in my home studio.
You can expect a noticeable improvement in the sound quality of your room due to reduced sound echoes and reverberation.
Popular uses for this product include vocal booth construction, band practice spaces, home studios, and many other areas where sound absorbing materials are essential to controlling noise. (Sound Absorption Sheets are not a sound blocking product, but a sound absorption product.)
ATS Acoustic Panel 24x48x2 Inches, Beveled Edge, in Ivory
ATS Acoustic panels provide the simple yet important function of absorbing sound. You can think of them like acoustical black holes - sound goes in and doesn't come back out.
Foamily 12 Pack- Acoustic Panels Studio Foam Wedges 1" X 12" X 12"
For professional acoustic control, sound dampening, acoustic treatment, noise reduction - Reduce waves, reverb and flutter echoes in smaller to medium sized rooms.
(12 Pk) 3"x12"x12" Blocks Size Soundproofing Foam Acoustic Eggcrate 2.5 inch Peak Tiles Studio Foam Sound Wedges
Helps increase sound clarity in a room or space. Great use for voice over recording.
Kaoticae Eyeball
The Kaotica Eyeball is the ultimate isolation solution for your microphone and is gaining recognition as the #1 portable vocal booth in the market. The Eyeball is made from a premium custom foam which provides for ideal sound absorption.
VOCAL BOOTH
Whisper Room
WhisperRoom, Inc.™ offers 26 sizes of iso booth models and two levels of sound isolation with basic and optional features, each affordably priced: a Standard (single-wall) and an Enhanced (double-wall). Our sound isolation booths significantly reduce ambient and acoustic noise and can be used as vocal booths for recording music, voice over or translations, as a broadcast booth, and more.
Vocal Booth
Since 1997 we have been selling internationally to an array of satisfied customers including chart topping Grammy winning recording artists and producers to the up-and-coming garage band musicians and amateur voice over artists. We offer three levels of sound isolation in four different series to meet most any sound isolation need.
Vocal Booth To Go
Vocal Booth To Go offers Portable recording booths and soundproofing curtains, blankets, vocal booth rentals, bass traps, and sound reduction panels.
Buy used and save some cash!
I bought my vocal booth used on Craigslist and saved hundreds of dollars! Try E-Bay and other voiceover new and used gear sites too.
CABLES | MIC STAND | SHOCK MOUNT
XLR mic cables
Pro Co AQN-10 Ameriquad Balanced Patch Cable - 10 Feet
Audio Cable, XLR Male-XLR Female, 10' Long - Quad Conductor
Mogami Silver Series XLR Microphone Cable 15 ft.
Silver Series XLR Microphone Cable 15 ft. Mogami Silver is genuine Mogami microphone cable built for more economical budgets than Platinum and Gold assemblies.
Mogami GOLD STAGE-20 XLR Microphone Cable, XLR-Female to XLR-Male, 3-Pin, Gold Contacts, Straight Connectors, 20ft
Mogami GOLD STAGE XLR Microphone Cables are highly flexible, ultra-rugged, and “roadie proof”. Nearly indestructible, Mogami GOLD STAGE XLR Mic Cables are the premier choice for active stage performers, continuous handling applications, and anywhere a robust XLR cable is needed.
1/4 inch cable
Planet Waves Custom Series Instrument Cable, Right Angle, 20feet
Planet Waves Custom Series cables utilize ultra-pure, oxygen-free copper conductors for low capacitance and pure tone. Encapsulated and impenetrable soldering points with double-molded strain relief provide maximum durability and worry-free reliability. Two layers of shielding provide 100% coverage for superior insulation and noise rejection, making this the ultimate, high-performance cable.
TISINO 1/4 inch TRS Cable, Heavy Duty 6.35mm Male to Male Stereo Jack Balanced Audio Path Cord Interconnect Cable - 10 feet/3 Meters
Length: 10 feet
TISINO 1/4 TRS to 6.35mm stereo cable
This cable is designed to interconnect pro audio gear with balanced phone jacks.
3.5 mm cable
KabelDirekt Pro Series 6 feet 3.5mm Audio Aux Cord, 24k Gold-Plated, Male to Male Auxiliary Cable for Car, Home Stereo, iPhone, Smartphone, iPod, iPad or any Audio Device with 3.5mm Aux Port
24k Gold-Plated Corrosion-Resistant Connectors: Keeps the connection clean and provides the best possible contact to all kinds of recording equipment, enabling the delivery of high-quality sound.
Desk mount
InnoGear Microphone Arm Stand, Heavy Duty Mic Arm Microphone Stand Suspension Scissor Boom Stands with Mic Clip
This microphone stand is made of premium cast metal which is pretty sturdy than other inferior stands on the market. What is the biggest difference between our mic stand and others is that our springs are all internal and the max bearing capacity is 4.4 lbs. You can easily hold as much as FOUR Blue Yeti with it.
RODE PSA 1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm
The PSA1 is a studio boom arm for radio, broadcast, studio and home use. The PSA1 offers a horizontal reach of 820mm, a vertical reach of 840mm and full 360 degree rotation. It is supplied with velcro cable wraps and both desk-clamp and desk-insert style attachments for versatile mounting in desks up to 55mm thick (clamp) or 70mm (insert).
floor mount
LyxPro Microphone Stand Boom Arm Tilting Rotating Floor Podium Stage or Studio Strong Durable And Foldable Height 38.5"- 66" Extends Arm to 29 3/8” Comes With 3/8” and 5/8” mount Adapters TMS-1
LyxPro tripod microphone stand provides flexible mic positioning for optimal pickup and sound isolation for the stage, or studio.
Ultimate Support ULTIMATE Studio Series Microphone Boom Stand w/Adjustable Counter Weight (MC125)
The MC-125 professional studio boom stand's larger-diameter base and locking, rollerblade-style wheels provide a low center of gravity and extra stability. Smoothly raise or lower height from 52" to 83" with a reliable clutch. The long boom telescopes from 35" to 61" and features a friction-free clutch arm extension. Also includes a unique, easy-adjust 5.75-lb. counterweight for a stable microphone placement. And the threaded shaft and boom sections provide quick set up and tear down for easy transport and storage.
shock mount
ZRAMO Silver Spider Universal Microphone Shock Mount Holder Adapter Clamp Clip for AT2020 USB PR40 RE20 AT4033a AT2050 Large Diameter Studio Condenser Mic
SOFTWARE
Twisted Wave (Mac only)
TwistedWave for Mac a very powerful and yet very easy to use audio editor. With TwistedWave on your iPad or iPhone, you can record and edit anything, anywhere. This is just like a portable home studio. Run TwistedWave without having to download or install anything. Launch it directly from your web browser, and continue editing your files where you left them.
Audacity
Free, open source, cross-platform audio software
Audacity is an easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems.
Developed by a group of volunteers as open source.
Garageband (Mac only)
GarageBand is a fully equipped music creation studio right inside your Mac — with a complete sound library that includes instruments, presets for guitar and voice, and an incredible selection of session drummers and percussionists.
Protools
Pro Tools redefined the music, film, and TV industry, providing everything you need to compose, record, edit, and mix audio—in the studio or in the cloud, from anywhere.
Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition. A professional audio workstation.
Create, mix, and design sound effects with the industry’s best digital audio editing software.
Logic Pro X S
Adobe Audition. A professional audio workstation.
Create, mix, and design sound effects with the industry’s best digital audio editing software.
Recorditor
Recorditor allows you to mark good and bad takes during a recording in sync with your timeline, and then it performs your edit decisions automatically.
No more scribbling notes on scripts and then going through tedious edit sessions sifting through takes.
Recorditor is designed to assist in scripted wild narration and dialog recording sessions such as animation dialog, audio books, IVR prompts, text to speech applications, or any other recording session that needs tidying up.
INTERFACE
Audient iD14 High Performance USB Audio Interface
10-in/4-out USB Desktop Audio Interface with 2 Class A Mic Preamps, 8-channel ADAT Input, JFET DI, and Burr-Brown Converters
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First
The simplest model in the range, The third-generation Scarlett solo provides singer-songwriters with a reassuringly easy recording process. Equipped with high performance 24-bit/192kHz AD-DA converters, Scarlett S the same professional sound quality throughout the third-generation range. Its features include a single upgraded third-generation Scarlett mic preamp: with a switchable air setting to reproduce the air effect of focus rite's original ISA mic preamp, giving your vocal recordings a brighter and more Open sound.
Audient iD22 High Performance USB Audio Interface
10-in/4-out USB Desktop Audio Interface with 2 Class A Mic Preamps, 8-channel ADAT Input, JFET DI, and Burr-Brown Converters.
lights | coffee water stand
LED lights (it gets hot in that booth!)
Kootek Clip On Book Lights Music Light Stand 10 LED Orchestra Lamp Adjustable Neck Reading Light Rechargeable USB Desk Lamp
Portable and Lightweight: take it with you while traveling, it is easy to carry and can be powered by built-in battery. 10 bright LEDs, built-in Rechargeable Lithium Battery. AC adapter and USB cord included. One Button Control: easy access power switch behind to power on/off and control two brightness levels.
Kootek Clip On Book Lights Music Light Stand 10 LED Orchestra Lamp Adjustable Neck Reading Light Rechargeable USB Desk Lamp
Kootek Music Stand Lights are commonly used by the musicians who are in an orchestra to illuminate their sheet music, especially when playing in a dark environment.
Water | Coffee | Phone stand
Gator Frameworks Microphone Stand Clamp-On Utility Shelf; 9" x 9" Surface Area with 10 pound Weight Capacity (GFW-SHELF0909)
Gator Frameworks’ GFW-SHELF0909 Small microphone stand clamp-on Utility shelf is perfect to hold small accessories like capos, harmonicas, and cell phones. The 9” x 9” surface area provides plenty of space while the raised lip around edges prevents items from sliding off.
business
Pipedrive
This software is great for managing contacts and project workflows. What it does is it allows you to create visual and personalized pipelines that will show you in what stage your leads and your projects are. For example, for contact/marketing management — to be organized in how you progress a contact from being a lead to being a client — you can create a pipeline where you can track your interaction with the individual. It can be something like: Initial contact > Sent follow up email > Sent follow up postcard > Scheduled for call > Send contract. And you can make it as personalized as you want. You can even add notes like if they have responded or not, if they told you to follow up with them after a certain period of time, etc. You can also set reminders so that you don’t forget tasks you’ve created for turning the lead into a client. This is also the same case with project management. You can make pipelines for your workflows like: Received Script > Recorded > Edited > Submitted > Made Revisions > Sent Invoice > Received Payment. Pipedrive can be very flexible, and you can customize it as much as you want. The best thing about it is that keeps you organized so that you’re on top of things and nothing falls through the cracks.
Xero
Xero is an invoicing solution similar to QuickBooks and FreshBooks. I love this software because it lets me easily create beautiful invoices. I’ve actually gotten compliments on my invoices, which is pretty unusual. Most the time, invoices aren’t intended to look artsy or anything beautiful (and not that my invoices have actual artwork on them other than my logo), but they’re attractive-looking. I also love that it’s very easy to use and that it integrates with Paypal and credit cards, making it a breeze for my clients to make payments.
DocHub
This software is really important for me. It makes my life a lot easier when I have to sign an NDA, a contract, or even when I need to fill out forms for taxes. A lot of times my clients or agents will send a form that needs my signature, and it’s such a pain to print something out, get a pen, physically sign it, scan it back in, and then email it. DocHub allows you to sign PDFs on your computer without having to print anything out or scan it in.
Moo
Moo.com is where you can get really great business cards and postcards, among other paper products. They have a type of card stock that is significantly thicker than your average business card and postcard, and I tell you — it really makes an impression. Almost every time I hand out a business card, I get wonderful comments about it, and there’s nothing super special about my design, logo, or anything like that — the card itself just feels really high quality.
Big Scoots
I’ve used several different hosting providers in the past, but so far, what has been the most reliable and by far the fastest is BigScoots. You probably have never heard of them before. They’re not a huge name like GoDaddy, but they’re great. They have lightning fast hosting, so your site will be fast. Mine increased in speed noticeably when I switched from GoDaddy to Big Scoots. They also have amazing customer service.
WordPress
There’s a difference between wordpress.com and wordpress.org. Basically, with wordpress.org, you’ll need your own hosting account to make your website live, but you’ll also have more freedom with customizing your website, which is why I love it. It’s technically free, unless you’d like to purchase premium templates from third party providers. I really like it because it’s very flexible and customizable, and you can do pretty much anything you want to do with your website using it. It does require some technical knowledge, but it has gotten a lot easier to use over the years.
ConvertKit
If I wasn't using Drip, I would probably be using Convertkit for my Email marketing. Convertkit is more straight forward and streamlined. Not a ton of bells and whistle but if you aren't going to use all the extra stuff anyway Convertkit is the way to go.
Drip
This is the email service provider I currently use. I love Drip! It's so powerful. Drip offers ALL the bells and whistles you could ever want from an Email marketing provider.
Get in on an ECRM that uses customer insight, data, and smarter email marketing automation at scale. With the best customer experience, your brand will never blend in.
RYPE App
For those bilingual voice actors looking to translate or brush up on a second language I recommend Rype. This is a language learning app that connects you with language teachers. They put you in contact with fully-vetted, professional teachers who are native speakers of the language you want to learn. You then choose a teacher that suits you, and you get to schedule an unlimited number of lessons with them. You could do a 30-minute or 60-minute lesson every day, and you pay either monthly or annually.
Learn Spanish, French, English, German and more with top language teachers online. Start learning immediately by claiming your free lesson.
Thrive Themes
I use Thrive Themes to build all my webpages. It's powerful and easy to use.
Blazingly fast WordPress templates and plugins, built to get more traffic, more subscribers, more clients and more customers for you.
Thrive Cart
I use Thrive Cart for all my sales processes. It's so easy to use. Highly recommended.
Boost your revenue with high converting cart pages, one click sales funnels, affiliate campaigns and track your entire business with ease.
Join our community,
the Voiceover Success Intensive!
You'll spend enough time alone in your voiceover booth (or closet!) when you're recording. For all the other stuff, take advantage of a community of other voice actors on the same journey you're on.
Learn more about The Voiceover Success Intensive membership here!