How to Set Up the Perfect Home Studio | Voice Over Recording Booth

[@kristykinthestudio1097]

Hi Bill, I just started following you, and I think it's worth saying that you make VO seem doable with your 'can do' attitude. Thank you for that. Some of the info I've found online gets overwhelming, and I've found some negativity in the field so far. I appreciate your approach, and I look forward to learning more from you and potentially (when I get there) hiring you as a coach.

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

Hi, kristyk! Really appreciate you saying that. I do my best to simplify things and make VO accessible. Really glad you're getting a lot of value out of my videos. :-)

[@spider1g5]

My booth is a converted closet that has a few things of acoustic foam on the wall, a decent microphone, headphones to monitor, and the least time possible spent inside of it because I have to turn the rumbling old AC off everytime I record.

[@BethBurns68]

The "bouncing off the walls" effect made a good point...and did make me laugh, too. :)

[@carriefingsolomon]

I’m a singer/songwriter working on an album from home and this was super helpful for me😊 Thanks! I finally know why my latest song’s vocals sound like garbage (bad room and singing RIGHT into the mic😢) and am now prepared to redo them way better

[@stephaniegartmann569]

Hi if you need help with lyrics I write lyrics .

[@xyzct]

Layman here. One point I just heard about is that if you're going to fiddle with EQ, start by substracting -- rather than adding -- to see if it improves any issues.

[@ericdowdy2362]

I'm not giving advice on voiceover mic technique, this is just an example since he mentioned pop filters and technique. But when using a cb radio lots of people talk (or even yell) directly into the mic. They get bad remarks about poor audio and spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on new equipment. However, if you turn your mic 90 degrees to your mouth and gently touch it to the corner of your mouth you can eliminate lots of bad noise and get more volume even when whispering.

[@mrlanders08]

I am so appreciative of all the time and effort you put into helping to encourage us newbies. While I worked 20 years in radio and did tons of production, I'm now in the process of building my home recording space (oddly enough in MY bedroom closet) and putting together a website and demo to turn my "retirement" years into the best years of my life in VO. I thank you, Mr. Dewees for incredibly valuable training with these videos. You'll never know how much you're helping.

[@CancunAndy]

Bill, watching your videos a few years ago (maybe 5 or 6?) I went out and bought a cheap podcasting mic and interface for a couple hundred dollars and worked out of a closet. I had to learn really quickly about mic technique, post production and treating my space as best as I could. Fast forward to today, and while I do have some slicker toys to play with, it's still the room and the archer. Thanks as always. If anyone seeing this is on the fence about getting into VO, save yourself a lot of time, headaches and money and get a course from Bill. You'll be glad you did.

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

Really glad to hear all that! Sounds like things are going really well and I'm happy that my videos could help guide you when you were starting out.

[@CancunAndy]

@@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees Your videos and your courses are helping me out today! I'm still a customer!

[@Shannon_Robbie]

How did you treat your space as a beginner just starting out in the VO world?

[@blaisegauba-voice-over]

I bought a refurbished AKG C 414 and I record on Audacity, and, so far, none of my clients have complained. I agree that it's not the equipment as much as how you use it and apply your skills to how to use whatever software that you're using. I'm always trying to improve my skills and abilities through tutorials and classes.

[@cryptorituelfr4216]

I am watching this after loosing my first job before I even started… I had pass the audition, signed the contract then got this email “ our Sound Designer noticed some quality issues with your recording. Could you please confirm your setup details with us so we make sure we can ger the best quality?” I’am so disappointed and ashamed right now 😢 Thanks for the video, i will hide in my closet from now on until I made enough money to buy the silent booth

[@ashleymcgee3536]

"Equipment is not the most important aspect." Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm setting up my husband for a voice over rig for Christmas and he was absolutely convinced he needed at least $1000 to start. I got his mic and headset at a screaming good deal and spent far less than that (so, so much less).

[@Leanne.Rivers]

Hi Bill. I just found your channel. I have a couple of years experience so far and have made a decent income, but I seem to have hit a wall and lost confidence a bit. I really appreciate your supportive attitude and great advice, it's reassuring. So many pros out there are just arrogant and naysaying.

[@NathiMgube]

Good day Bill, l am Nathi Mgube in RSA, KZN. I like the way you teach and you also motivated me. Soon I will be a new voice over artist, you have a hand in that. Thanks a lot

[@princechoolwe]

Thank you, Bill. I'm a VO beginner from Zambia...your videos are very helpful and informative.

[@fluxcapacitor2023]

I've often been told that I can read a phone book and make it sound good. I'd say my voice is more like a tenor. I'm beginning into VO acting, and I've found your videos to be an invaluable resource. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, and for making videos that are simple and concise. I really appreciate the lack of "clutter" in your videos. Thank you.

[@michaelskyland4267]

The jump cuts are killing me. Love your wisdom, though.

[@edenbreslin]

I am a voice actress from home. I simply use a quiet room and a Rode Microphone. It's crazily simple - just remember to hone your skills, ya'll! x

[@jmyers5908]

What software do you need to record?

[@almaahmetovic4573]

Hi can you tell me a lil more about it because I’m just starting …

[@edenbreslin]

@@jmyers5908 hey, so sorry I saw this late! I use filmora x to record!

[@edenbreslin]

@@almaahmetovic4573 Of course! What would you like to know?

[@elevateeducation5652]

Hi Bill you are a great teacher and great human being too as you are considering the financials of beginners like me. tHANKS FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE

[@PatrickPedraza]

Awesome video Bill! I’ve been a fan for a bit. 😊

[@tonydialsr7190]

Thank you for your video I'm just starting out and looking for assistance in getting set up. Thanks again for your help.

[@charlesshaw7895]

I know that some of your previous videos the spend was much less but I couldn’t afford a whisper room or anything of that nature so I took a good DIY whack at creating something that would be lasting and beneficial for at least 3 to 5 years I got a a T 2020 microphone a reasonably priced audio interface with a computer that can record and export audacity files, so trying to make the best of the situation at the moment until I become a true professional. Thank you again very much for your help. Please let me know.

[@michaelforsythesr.1189]

Hi Bill, hope all is well. I'm trying to learn it all by watching your videos. They are great and so are you. Thank you for your gentle approach to teaching us! Thank you.

[@Geohillierneo]

Loved this vid. It was incredibly reassuring to someone who is just starting out in voice work, that a home studio is absolutely do-able. Thanks my man 👌

[@ricksanchez5900]

New here and new to voice over! Thanks for your advice!

[@amberstell7341]

You are so, so, so helpful, and I absolutely love and value your honesty! You are so appreciated!!

[@CandleMan5]

Amazing video. All that wisdom from years of experience and things that really matters. Thank you!!

[@coacharielandersson]

Always so good! Thank you. So helpful as I make my way toward vo work:)

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

Thanks Ariel!

[@thinbluelaneproductions3798]

Hi Bill! I am excited to see all of your videos. Going to benge watch them all. I have a good head start, but ready to dig in.

[@kei3341]

Hi Bill. Currently on the journey of binge watching all your videos 😁. Thank you for such awesome simple advice and guidance. I am totally green but feeling more and more that this is a dream job I didn’t know I could do. I recently was looking for an audio to one of my favorite books and there isn’t one, that gave me the idea to start recording audio books. I was just thinking youtube but I had no idea until last night that there is a whole word of this that I have not been a part of and want to be. I am still in the research stage but I did make a few profiles on Voice and ACX. I have to admit I was intimidated by the other professional VO’s and their years of experience. I found my self not knowing what the heck to put in my Bio. I will continue to watch your videos and hope I come across any help with this for the total greenies that have no experience and don’t know the VO application/profile Lingo. Thank you for all your vids! I definitely feel motivated to continue and will pursue my dream of being VO artist. 🙏🏼

[@AJohnson0325]

Thanks for the tips. I’m looking into converting some textbooks to audio format. It’s something I wish I had in grad school. I just emailed the publisher to see if I can get permission. I think how the person reads and how articulate they are matters a lot too. You have to be able to keep the listener engaged. Maybe you have a video on this? I’m sure we’ve all had a teacher that was super boring to listen to and put everyone to sleep. We can’t all sound like Morgan Freeman.

[@toadamine]

i used a futon materess, some sofa cushions, and some blankets, and got a sound floor of about -65 -70 range... the room i did it on is noisy and has a lot of reflection... inside the makeshift booth its dead and quiet... ive never recorded myslef in a quiet space before... wow what a difference!

[@Sasha0927]

This video was comprehensive and informative. I just wish that if great audio mostly rested in the quality of the space (80?) rather than the equipment (20%) that this video related the information accordingly. It was mostly the reverse with an emphasis on equipment, but I'm trying to learn how best to create that perfect space with blankets, carpeting, foam and whatnot. Do you have any specific information pertaining to that? :)

[@LemtheBeast]

Great video, thanks for the advice!

[@Justin.Clark.]

Great advice! Thanks!

[@itzelbp]

thank you for the opportunity to learn so much. I would never be able to pay for this information.

[@dawnjohnson8739]

Great info. Thank you!

[@goodmom469]

Hi and thanks for the great content. The mxl 2001 and the k670 are not available anymore. Could you please update your recommendation?

[@kupokuporay]

Good stuff. Finally got around to booking in my first voice over introductory lesson where I live and will be in the studio soon to practice. Thanks for these videos, I am going to keep stopping by as I progress in my voice over efforts.

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

Glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful! That sounds great. Feel free to keep me updated! :-)

[@crrassh69]

I just picked up the Scarlett and I’m using to voice my KZbin channel and I’ve recorded a few with voice recorder in my Mac and I’m having a hard time trying to convert from mono to stereo any ideas or do you have a video using audacity or any other software on how to convert? Thank you so much.

[@marthastainton9535]

Hi Bill. I've been researching VO for a few months now and am so ready to take this on. I'm considered a senior now and wondering if delving into this will be worth it?? I've also, looked at your "Blueprint" and am considering it. My question is are you working with people from Canada too? If so, I have a few questions. Thanks for making this so easy to follow!!!

[@sarahmarie3495]

Thank you so much for this video ❤❤

[@daveshangar6820]

I've heard all this in a previous video. I was looking for more about how to set up your basic mixer board and what to record it on. What platform would should it be recorded on before emailing to potential clients?

[@lisarettig2740]

Thanks

[@1jchrist]

Bill, thanks for all your great advice! I've been listening to a few different You Tube Voice Over Channels. I think yours is probably my favorite. You are just so easy to listen to and learn from. :) So, anyways, I was wanting to ask you a question regarding equalization. After hearing this video, I think you kind of answered it. But, just to get further confirmation, a fellow youtuber is offering a course that would teach the ins and outs on equalization on Audacity which is what I am using. I want to get my sound right and I wondered is it necessary for newbies to get this special training. It would cost $99 which would be a bit for me since I am not working right now. This You tuber is making it seem like it would be the best thing to know how to manipulate the equalizer and make your own custom curves. I see the benefit of it, but did you get all this training or can getting by with some simple basics be sufficient? Thanks for your time and attention to this manner! God bless you and your Voice Over career!

[@MikeAmazonInfluencer]

Thanks boss 👍🏼

[@sonicacoustics9176]

Awesome content! This is really helpful! :)

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching. :-)

[@shannonkendrick517]

Thanks, Bill.

[@jorgenjohnsson9084]

Thank you. Great advices. 👍 What are your opinion about using shootgun mic for voice over work?

[@charlesshaw7895]

Dear Bill, I just built my home studio after watching all of your videos. I am in Vancouver technically Coquitlam but here’s my question I wanted to know how far from my microphone and where approximately I should place my music stand that will hold my lines etc. that won’t cause reflections or any interruption with the microphone or signal. Please let me know at your convenience thank you again very much. I would like to start taking your courses and get your professional advice on how to start freelancing after spending just about $1000 on a home studio, courtesy of your direction I will send you pictures and show you my set up but more importantly I need to start making money I’ve been acting for 20 years professionally in Vancouver and want to branch out finally into voice. I think there is opportunity here and I’m ready to do the work. Thank you for your time, sir.

[@elliswashington1149]

Great video. Thanks.

[@adamp7958]

I had a question about the booth/recording setup and I can't really find an answer on any videos. I get that inside the booth, you have the microphone, and the microphone connects to a interface, which connects to the computer running the DAW recording software. My question is, how does the actual recording go? How do you control the recording software from the booth? (i.e. how to start/stop recording, etc.)? I don't understand how an actual recording session goes....all the videos talk about is the equipment/setup but not how do I control everything from inside the booth? Any help appreciated!

[@dallascowboys7585]

New sub🔥🔥🔥✊✊

[@dantasticguy5435]

Hi Bill! I'm wondering if I could go to my local foam shop and get some wall treatments cheaper than on Amazon? What thickness do i need to keep in mind? Is high density better, or is it too hard? Any other suggestions? Thank you in advance!!

[@thenarrator9204]

I recently treated my closet space and am working on the EQ / Compression settings that work. Its already significantly better than at my desk. Just don't know where I can put my laptop to keep it from being heard in the background without buying super long cables.

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

That's great to hear! Unfortunately, there's not much you can do except bite the bullet and get the long cables.

[@thenarrator9204]

@@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees Roger that. Already saving up for them!

[@LoveDocta]

Hi Bill thanks you're great

[@followyourcalling185]

Excellent

[@scoremoore4280]

good stuff, I'd like to see a walkthrough of your studio and basically what you have for acoustic treatment, also do you know of a solution for people who doesn't have space for a closet, nor space for a pvc booth, I only have space for something like a iso shield.

[@luisfanzuresoffficial]

He already has a video showing he's studio

[@swen-mariegermann6066]

Hi Bill! Thanks for your great info for a newbie like me! I have a great closet to get started in... lol. I'm wondering if I can start with 2" foam for the walls, or just go for the 4" foam right away? I also purchased a RODE wireless Go II microphone (for a different project) and am wondering if I can get started with that first? Sounds like the microphone is not as important as the room, but since this is a small mic, just wondering your thoughts. Thanks so much!

[@bobreetz6710]

What was that interface you referenced? I need a change. Thanks.

[@ScottBurden117]

Thanks 🙏

[@daviddecker2]

Building a pro ISO voiceover room in my basement. What type / brand of lighting do you recommend?

[@terenceryan6051]

Can you recommend good foam panels to purchase on Amazon for soundproofing?

[@gyanurreaderguru]

How can I make my voice and it's sound so clear as yours? I'm into Audiobooks as you can check on my channel. But seems my voice is not that crisp and clear to the audience. I don't want to use AI voice, feels like machine's voice.

[@shanghaislim1467]

Hey Bill, my noise floor does not sit at the nice -60db, however when I record I do not have the bouncing effect that you described, how should I go about remedying this? Just get some acoustic foam?

[@smoogles.5534]

Bill where is your computer when your recording this is something i never see or hear about

[@DEADIKATED]

Great channel subbed

[@DocJS]

bill, the Fifine 670 is currently unavailable on Amazon. Do you have another suggestion in a similar price range. Thanks!

[@theanonymousrealist]

Hii! I really want to start voice acting! but i don’t know WHERE to find agents. Not necessarily how but where! What agencies are there??

[@HeavenPlayer]

What kind of shock mount do you recommend? or do you think any shock mount will do?

[@ParkerSayler]

What mic are you currently using?

[@johnfirebird89]

Master Bill, do you have air conditioning in your wisper room? how to make it stay fresh?

[@IronClaw30]

Hi. I am setting up a Fiverr account. Where can I go for royalty free background music? Please help

[@jimvaughn6071]

So if you use a USB microphone you do not need a audio interface, correct?

[@onnumaraa]

May your success always be, and your sound be abundant .. Interested friends can check out our Home Studio Microphone comparison videos. Stay with the music .......

[@loudrimshot]

I am curious if you have any videos about getting air stuck in your nose. For instance, the ever burdensome Long Island accent. With certain consonances I get air stuck in my nose and a little honk noise comes out between syllables.

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

I don't at the moment, but I'd look into a few plugins to minimize that. I can't say anything for certain without hearing your voice myself, but that's what I'd do. Feel free to let me know if you need anything else! :-)

[@adolfogomez-herrera1348]

Do you use a teleprompter? Haven't heard how you read.

[@WilhelmElaine]

I've heard that people read off an ipad.

[@ShelbyWolford-x9n]

At a music store

[@ShelbyWolford-x9n]

My question is why are they wanting me to spend 963.70

[@nathanschmitt8664]

So for instance if I were to buy a USB mic would I still need any kind of interface or do I still need to use some tools like audacity and things like that?

[@voicehead]

a USB microphone does not require an interface, and i would not use audacity. it used to be a good program, but recently people have said it was spyware. i would recommend Reaper, and like WinRAR, it does not require you to pay, it just pokes you every time you boot the software.

[@rigocornejo4964]

Guys the scarlett solo is trash, go with motu m2 or id14 bith has less noise on the preamps

[@suoniasmr]

Can this recording be done with a zoom h5 instead of this interface?

[@theblackmimosa888]

Thank you so much for this ❤

[@uqox]

Your videos are slowly but surely giving me the confidence to take the step forward to begin my VO journey. I only own a computer but now I can start building my budget for what I need. Still don't know how I'll solve the "sound booth" problem since I don't have a closet space that allows me to stand but at least I know where to start and good techniques for just beginning. Thanks for your help, Bill!

[@BTLxSAK]

You got my SUBSCRIPTION SIR❤️ Thankyou for one of the best explanation/advice etc about. More & More GOD BLESS

[@halbu_lu]

Bill, I am a beginner voice over talent, and I need to learn so much things about this brand new career for me. Your videos are so helpful and informative! Thank you so much for sharing your experience!

[@lizhill3460]

Hey Bill, thanks so much for this. I’m in my closest…full of clothes. But they’re high up because I’m sitting. So should I still get blankets for the lower wall area? Also, I’ve got a comforter draped across me because my ceiling is 9 feet. Would a sound blanket be better?

[@robnash4841]

Thanks for sharing this content. Curious to know how you deal with temperature and humidity.

[@silvanacueto8126]

Thank you so much for these super useful tips. My first language is Spanish and would be interested in narrating in Spanish. How good is the demand in Spanish on the best/most profitable platforms?

[@vawcreations5887]

IT'S NOT THE PLANE. IT'S THE PILOT. - TOP GUN - MAVERICK. WHEN U HAVE THESE KIND OF PEOPLE, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. THANK YOU SIR. ASANKA - CEYLON

[@mariopadula918]

Hi Bill do you have a video on how to hook up the basic equipment you describe? Thanks Mario

[@B-NITE]

What an amazing vid. Instant subscribe for sure!

[@WorldWaveMusic]

Really fine videos, thank you. I have heard some conflicting advice on mike technique. (I know there's often more than one way to do things.) Your technique as I understood it is--assuming mike is in vertical position--to go off the horizontal axis by about 2 inches to avoid the plosives, etc. I have seen others, while advising never to go off the horizontal axis, advise to tilt the top of the mike slightly back, moving it off the vertical axis or slightly off-parallel with the face or lips. Seems possible that either method could achieve the same result. Ultimately of course experimenting in one's own studio may yield the clearest answer but I would value your thoughts.

[@EveYasmine]

Thank you so much for sharing these useful tips!! :)

[@jennyk8124]

Thank you for this helpful video. I just came across your channel and find it really motivating. Thank you so much for making it. To go further into this video topic, could you possibly consider making a video on how to turn a room into a voiceover studio? For example, I have a 70 square-foot room that I could dedicate to voiceover work. I’m not sure if I should make a little recording studio with in it or use the entire room to do this kind of work. I know that things like reverb, sound quality is very important and not sure how to set up the room for that.

[@Bob-lr2xp]

This is very unfortunate because there are no good places in my house to record. I have no walk-in closets or interior rooms. Every bedroom is occupied, and I don't have a basement. I bought all this nice equipment, and yet I fear it's all for nothing.

[@stephaniegartmann569]

Wow awesome thanks. Am so excited to start… am doing audio books in German on ACX noise levels are not easy.

[@georgem43]

Very useful thank you.

[@salemcorwin7306]

I LOVE this, thank you!!

[@FreedomTrader71]

Bill is my goto when I need some Voice-over motivation

[@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees]

Thanks! :)

[@alanclaytonrighteousviolen1715]

Thank you so much, with the insane amount of information out there it’s very overwhelming figuring out where to start. You’ve reassured me that I’m on the right track.