For aspiring voice actors, finding budget-friendly voice-over equipment can seem daunting. With so many to choose from, you might not know which is the best option for your content. But there are actually plenty of affordable and advanced options available to help you make your mark.  

If you’re hoping to build a home recording studio, stocking it with the right equipment will give you the flexibility and professionalism you need to ramp up your creative output. Here’s what to consider as you create your home studio oasis.  

Voice recording equipment for your home recording studio 

If you plan to record pieces from the comfort of your home, the gear you use plays a huge role in how professional your recordings sound. This can be the difference between landing a voice-acting job and getting passed over. To help you create audio experiences your listeners will love, grab this equipment for voice acting to make the most of your studio setup.  

Computer 

To record audio, you need a reliable computer that can process and store your files and editing software with ease. It’s important to choose a machine that has robust storage solutions for large-sized, high-quality recordings. To maximize your storage capabilities, opt for a computer with cloud services like Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox, or use an external hard drive to keep your voice-over work safe and sound. 

Microphone 

A good microphone can capture the warmth of your voice and help you sound sexier. Choose a mic that suits your recording and space needs. For example, condenser mics are a top choice for studio recording and capturing nuanced sounds, while portable microphones can go wherever you go. For a straightword setup, you can’t go wrong with a plug-in USB mic, or if you’re aiming for high quality, consider an XLR microphone. A little research will help you decide which type is best for your creation process.

Mic stand 

If you have a microphone, then the next thing you want for your voice-over home studio is a mic stand. Keeping your mic hands-free eliminates any transfer of vibrations or noise that comes from handling the mic, and it lets you enjoy a free range of motion while voice acting. Many voice-over and podcast recorders use scissor arm mic stands or boom arm stands.  

Headphones 

Good headphones let you hear exactly what your listeners will hear. This feedback is invaluable, allowing you to adjust your performance in real time and ensure every word you speak has the intended impact. With headphones, comfort is critical, as you may wear them for hours on end. Choose a high-quality pair to help you stay focused without discomfort.   

Preamp 

If there’s one piece of equipment you shouldn’t skimp on, it’s a preamp. A high-quality preamp boosts weak signals from your microphone or other audio devices and converts those signals into a form your computer can recognize. This ultimately adds extra polish and clarity to your voice-over work.   

Audio interface 

An audio interface is a helpful tool to connect your microphone or other audio devices to your computer. It enables recording, playback, and processing of sound signals and improves how well your mic picks up sound. Some models include a built-in preamplifier that boosts your audio’s signal strength, ensuring better audio capture. To make the most of your voice recordings, choose an audio interface that can handle high-resolution audio. 

Shock mount 

To maintain the purity of your recordings, invest in a shock mount. This tool isolates your microphone from vibrations and handling noise, resulting in clearer audio recordings. 

Pop filter 

A pop filter helps to eliminate distracting pops in audio recordings caused by certain consonant sounds (aka plosives). It ensures a smoother-sounding flow of words and improves the overall quality of voice-overs. Filtering these distractions will help your listeners stay immersed in your voice.  

Soundproofing 

In the world of audio erotica and other audio production, ambiance is everything. Soundproofing your recording space creates a cocoon of silence, allowing your voice to be the sole focus. It blocks out external noise and helps refine your audio acoustics.  

Music stand 

Use a music stand to hold your scripts at the perfect angle and free up your hands for focused work. This gives you greater flexibility to move and express yourself as you speak your lines, lending to a more natural sound. 

Voice-over recording software  

With the plethora of options on the market, choosing the right recording and editing software can be tricky. Each software program has unique features, strengths, and drawbacks, and some might be better suited to your needs and skill level than others. 

Here are a few of the most popular recording software options, including their key features and what makes them stand out from the crowd.

Adobe Audition 

Adobe Audition is well regarded among professional voice actors and suitable for both beginners and experts alike. This software boasts an impressive suite of audio creation, mixing, and editing tools, making it great for voice-over and other nuanced recordings. Adobe Audition starts at $20.99/month.  

Features

• Ability to work with multiple tracks

• Powerful noise reduction technology

• Smooth compatibility with other Adobe applications 

WavePad Audio Editor 

For a free and user-friendly audio editing solution, try WavePad Audio Editor. This program has a great deal of versatility and supports a wide array of audio formats. It has an intuitive interface, with features like trim, copy, and paste, and it also includes a rich set of effects and filters.

Features

• Comprehensive editing toolkit 

• Broad support for different audio file formats

• Plug-in support for additional functionality

Pro Tools 

Pro Tools is an advanced digital audio workstation from Avid Technology. It offers an extensive toolkit for music and sound production, editing, and more, making it perfect for professional voice actors desiring a fluid workflow.

Pro Tools Intro provides an excellent free option for audio recording. Alternatively, you can pay for more advanced versions like for Pro Tools Artist ($99 per year), Pro Tools Studio ($299 flat fee), and Pro Tools Ultimate ($599 flat fee).

Features

• Exceptional audio quality

• Streamlined production 

• Collaboration features via the cloud 

Audacity 

If you’re looking for a versatile, no-cost audio editing and recording platform, you might consider Audacity. It's open-source and suitable for users of varying expertise, with comprehensive features that stand up to other paid alternatives on the market. It's also especially convenient for straightforward editing tasks, like removing pauses or cutting out background noise.

Features

• Batch processing and multitrack editing capabilities

• WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP2, MP3, and Ogg Vorbis file editing

• 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit sound quality 

Apple GarageBand 

GarageBand is a free Apple-exclusive platform for audio recording and editing. It comes pre-installed on most Apple devices and works well for recording voice acting, music, and podcasts. The app is beginner-friendly, easy to navigate, and offers excellent customization features for all your voice-over needs. 

Features

• Visual equalization settings with color-coded bands 

• Pre-recorded audio loops and virtual instruments

• Syncs with iOS devices

Become a voice actor with Quinn 

If you're interested in voice acting, now's the time to find your niche. Unleash your creative potential and craft sexy, captivating audio erotica experiences for Quinn's diverse audience, where your stories have the power to engage and entertain, ethically. 

Join us as a creator, or download the app for iOS or Android to browse thousands of narrated sex stories, playlists, and guided masturbation sessions.