SAG-AFTRA

Summer 2020

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7 items needed to build the foundation of your home studio: Studio Gear List 1. Computer (Mac or PC laptop/desktop approximately seven years of age or newer) 2. Microphone (analog or USB) 3. Cables (XLR for analog or USB) 4. Audio Interface/ Sound Card (for analog microphones) 5. Pop Filter 6. Microphone Stand (with boom arm or a desktop stand depending on the size of your space) 7. Headphones (closed back versions; no noise-canceling models) Software Options These programs came highly recommended by our experts: Pro Tools Twisted Wave Audacity Reaper Logic Sony Sound Forge Adobe Audition Sound Studio Source-Connect hardware and software that can produce a high- quality recording and allows you to send submissions to employers in a timely fashion. SAG-AFTRA Foundation Don LaFontaine Voiceover Audio Engineer and Booth Director Mike Varela points out that "high-quality" doesn't have to be expensive. These are the crucial pieces of equipment needed: YOUR COMPUTER. Whether you use a desktop or laptop or a Mac versus a PC, age is the most important factor to consider when it comes to your computer. The older a computer is, the more prevalent hardware issues become, which can affect audio quality. A common and noticeable hardware issue is fan noise. "As a computer ages, [its] fans begin to kick in, and in the audio world, you want to keep fan noise out of your recording," said Varela. However, if replacing a computer is too much of an investment, a solid state drive can be helpful. An SSD has the advantage of running more silently than internal computer drives, which cuts down on noise. YOUR MICROPHONE. Voiceover artists have the option of purchasing either an analog mic or a digital USB mic. Most industry professionals use analog, as it can provide better sound quality, but it should be noted that these types of mics require additional purchases, such as an audio interface or sound card. USB mics, however, are often less expensive and easier to work with, as they can be plugged directly into your computer without the need for an additional audio interface. Whichever you choose, what's important to remember is that your mic is an investment, and as SAG-AFTRA Foundation National Director of Voiceover Programs Aric Shuford notes, a pricier item may generally serve you better in the long run. "A $50 mic is not going to be the same as buying a $200 mic that's going to have better innards [and] reproduce sound a lot better," said Shuford. "This is an investment, so if you spend a couple of hundred bucks on that microphone [and] take care of it, it's going to last for 10, 15 years." YOUR HEADPHONES. Brands such as Sony, AKG, Sennheiser and others come in a range of different looks and prices. For those considering their choices, Varela recommends purchasing headphones that go over the ear and are not noise canceling. "You're looking for reference, or flat audio, to come back from the microphone … [because] you really need to hear all the artifacts in the recording," said Varela, referring to factors like frequency changes, movement and loudness. Also be mindful of fatigue. Wearing headphones for hours at a time can cause headaches and other adverse effects. If you're able, test a pair to ensure they are the right fit and limit your usage to a few hours. A Quiet Place If you've ever made a self-tape audition for a film, TV or commercial gig, you know the importance of having a quiet space free of distractions or interruptions. The same is true for audio recordings: In order for a recording to be usable, there needs to be as little noise as possible. Creating near-silence may seem daunting, but, luckily, many homes already come with an enclosed space: the closet. As a "space within a space," closets are already largely isolated from sounds that are hard to control, such as traffic. In turn, this makes it easier to address more manageable sounds like home appliances or central heating/air. While many professional studios use professional-grade acoustic insulation, Shuford, Farley and Varela recommend using blankets or a carpet on the floor to better your acoustics. Software can also help lessen noise, as many plug-ins include tools to specifically address noise reduction. Several recording programs such as Pro Tools, Reaper, Logic and Sound Studio come equipped with multiple plug-ins, but plug-ins can also be purchased from other developers to operate within different recording programs, as well. Best Practices As you start producing voice auditions and other audio recordings, there are a few habits you should begin to develop. First, follow a set order of In downtown Manhattan, Melissa Exelberth records at her quietest home studio in her 20-year VO career. GETTY IMAGES

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