Voiceover Studio Kit: What Will You Need?

Starting out as a voiceover artist, especially if you plan to work from home, requires more than just vocal talent – it also demands the right equipment. Your voiceover studio kit plays a pivotal role in delivering high-quality audio and ensuring that you meet professional industry standards.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential pieces of voiceover studio equipment, from the most fundamental tools like microphones and headphones to less obvious items such as pop filters and software for managing scripts. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of what gear you need to create a reliable, professional voiceover setup at home or in any recording environment.

Before we get into the kit, it’s essential that you have an appropriate booth or recording space in which to use your kit.  This is often overlooked and can be costly to create.  I cover some of this in more detail in my Voice-over Studio Home Studio Basics article.  Be sure to check it out!

1. Microphone: The Heart of Your Setup

The most crucial piece of voiceover equipment is undoubtedly your microphone. The mic captures your voice and is directly responsible for the sound quality of your recordings. Not all microphones are created equal, so selecting the right one is paramount.

Types of Microphones

• Condenser Microphones: These are the most popular choice for voiceover work. Condenser mics capture a broad range of frequencies and provide a detailed, crisp recording that’s perfect for voiceover artists. They’re also highly sensitive, which can capture subtle vocal nuances, making them ideal for both commercial and narration work.
• Dynamic Microphones: While less sensitive than condenser mics, dynamic microphones are sturdy and can handle high sound pressure levels. They are often used for live sound but may not offer the same level of detail and precision needed for professional voiceover work. 

Recommended Microphones

• Neumann TLM 103: A premium choice for professionals. The TLM 103 is renowned for its low self-noise and wide frequency response, capturing every detail of your performance.  It is used widely by many established voiceover artists.  If you have more budget, then consider the TLM 193 (my choice) or the U87 (top-end quality).
• Audio-Technica AT4033: This was my first “pro” mic.   I’d seen them at radio stations, and it served me well for my first few years.  Now it sits in a drawer waiting for an emergency.  A more budget-friendly option for those just starting out might be an AT2020. It provides excellent clarity and warmth, suitable for some voiceover work.  (Personally, I would avoid USB versions).
• Sennheiser MKH 4161: This is a “Shot-Gun” microphone – similar to what you might see on a TV or film shoot.  It’s more directional and is very popular with some voiceovers – especially those who work extensively in the “promo” field.

If you can, I would always try a microphone before you buy.  This is because every voice is different, and the mic impacts and changes the sound based on the voice.  For example, some female voices in particular find the TLM 103 “toppy” and over sensitive.  For more on microphones, check out The Best Microphone For Voiceover.

A note on microphones.  There is a difference between what you might need to learn and build your skills in voiceover.  You can buy a cheap mic or use your phone for practising.  What we’re talking about here is the kit you need to deliver for clients.

2. Headphones: Accurate Sound Monitoring

High-quality headphones are essential for monitoring your performance while recording. You need to hear every detail of your voice to ensure clarity, tone, and pacing.

Key Features

• Closed-back headphones: These headphones are designed to block out external noise, allowing you to focus entirely on your performance. They also prevent sound leakage, ensuring that the mic only picks up your voice and not the audio from your headphones.  If your headphone leak, you’ll hear that “squealing” feedback sound when recording.
• Flat response: Ideally, choose headphones with a flat frequency response, meaning they don’t exaggerate or alter certain frequencies. This ensures that what you hear is a true representation of your voice.  As a listener we all have preferences to how we hear sound – we adjust the EQ to our taste.  This is not the case in VO.  You’re looking for a flat untreated sound.  Let the producer choose to his taste.

Recommended Headphones

• Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: This is my choice.  I started my career in radio using DT100s.  These were the work horse of the industry at the time.  The same could be said for DT 770s now.  These provide excellent sound isolation, comfort, and an accurate frequency response, making them a popular choice for voice talent.
• Audio-Technica ATH-M50X: Known for their comfort and good sound isolation, these headphones are used in many voiceover studios.
• Sennheiser HD280 Pro: Affordable and durable, these headphones offer reliable sound isolation and a balanced frequency range.

Like microphones, I would recommend you always try the headphones you are considering before buying.  Another consideration is the OHM level.  This is power consideration chosen to match your audio mixer or interface.  It will affect the volume.  For more details on headphones check out my article: Best Headphones for Voice-Over.

3. Audio Interface: Connecting Your Mic to Your Computer

An audio interface is an essential piece of technology that acts as the bridge between your microphone and your computer. It converts the analog signal from your mic into a digital format that your recording software can process.

Features to Look For

• Phantom power: Some condenser microphones require phantom power to operate, and many audio interfaces have this feature built in.  (It will be listed on the specs, and is usually a button or automatic detection.
• Low latency: Latency refers to the delay between your voice entering the mic and hearing it back through your headphones. A low-latency interface is crucial for a smooth recording experience.  If the latency is bad, you’ll hear yourself a split second later which will make you fall over your words, similar to those bad remote TV interviews with delay between the guests.
• Input quality: The quality of your interface’s preamps will affect how cleanly and accurately your voice is captured.  The job of the interface is to convert your voice (an analog thing) to a digital signal in your recording software.  The preamp is what does this.

Recommended Audio Interfaces

• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen): One of the best-selling audio interfaces for beginners and professionals alike, it offers clear audio conversion and reliable phantom power.
• Audient id4: I use one of these day to day (in addition to a Scarlett).  It’s clean and works well in my booth.
• Solid State Logic SSL 2+ : I’m hearing this talked about more and more amongst my professional peers.  Clean and transparent preamps to capture every nuance of your recordings.

4. Speakers: Listening with Clarity

While headphones are critical for recording, studio monitors (speakers) are equally important when it comes to playback inside or outside the booth.  I record in the booth with headphones but edit outside at my desk.  Accurate speakers will help you evaluate the quality of your recordings, making them vital for editing and mastering.

Key Features

• Flat frequency response: Much like headphones, studio monitors should provide a flat response so that you can hear your recordings as they truly are without any boosted bass or treble.
• Size and placement: For a home studio, near-field monitors (smaller speakers designed to be placed close to the listener) are generally ideal. They offer the best clarity and are less likely to distort sound in a smaller room.  Size isn’t everything.

Recommended Speakers

• KRK Rokit 5 G5: Known for their punchy bass response, these monitors are excellent for voiceover artists who also work on music production.
• Yamaha HS5: Affordable and reliable, these speakers are widely used in small home studios. They provide clear, uncolored sound.
• Mackie CR3-X: Budget-friendly yet providing decent sound quality, they’re a good entry-level option for beginners.

5. Cabling: Quality Connections Matter

While cables may seem like a small detail, they play a crucial role in transmitting clean audio from your mic to your interface, and from your interface to your computer or speakers.

Essential Cables

• XLR cable: This is the standard cable used to connect your microphone to your audio interface. Make sure to invest in a high-quality, durable XLR cable to ensure a clean signal.
• USB cable: If you’re using a USB audio interface, this cable will be essential for connecting the device to your computer.  The more recent cables can deliver more power which some of these interfaces need.  On my Audient id4 interface I had a problem with it clicking.  It was because I was using a USB2 cable.  A USB3 carried more power and solved the problem.
• TRS cables: These may be used to connect your audio interface to your speakers or other devices.  Choose high-quality, shielded cables to reduce interference.  They are often in pairs (left and right) and have a large jack on the end.

6. Mic Stand: Stability and Comfort

A mic stand holds your microphone in place, keeping it stable during recording sessions. A good stand will also help reduce unwanted vibrations and allow you to find the most comfortable and optimal recording position.

Types of Mic Stands

• Boom arm stands: These are adjustable and allow you to position your mic exactly where you need it. They are particularly useful in voiceover studios, as they are not on the desk where you are working from.  I can’t tell you how I’m driven mad by podcasts where they’re using a desk stand and the guest slaps his or her hand on the counter creating a large thud in the recording.  I’m a boom-arm guy.  (ps.  Unless you want a drooping mic, you’ll need to consider the weight of the microphone.  Some need more robust arms).
• Desk stands: Smaller, portable stands that are ideal for compact spaces or for those working in a limited area.  Unless your situation is temporary or on the road – I’d get an arm.
• Shockmount-compatible stands: If you’re using a shockmount (which we’ll discuss next), make sure your stand can accommodate it.

7. Mic Shock Mount: Reducing Vibration Noise

A mic shock mount is a critical accessory that prevents vibrations from reaching the microphone. It suspends the microphone in a frame that absorbs movement, thus eliminating unwanted sounds like bumps, tapping, or other handling noises during recording.

Importance of a Shock Mount

Without a shock mount, even the smallest vibrations in the room, like someone tapping on the desk or walking around, can translate into unwanted noise in your recordings. A high-quality shock mount is particularly important for condenser microphones, which are more sensitive to vibrations than dynamic mics.

8. Mic Pop Filter or Mic Muff: Reducing Plosives

A pop filter is a simple but essential tool that prevents plosives (harsh “p” and “b” sounds) from distorting the microphone during recording. These sounds occur when air blasts from your mouth hit the mic too forcefully, resulting in pops and distortion.

Why Use a Pop Filter?

Pop filters act as a barrier between your mouth and the mic, diffusing the air from those explosive consonants. They help maintain the clarity of your vocal performance, resulting in cleaner, more professional-sounding recordings.

Mic Muffs

An alternative to a pop filter is a mic muff.  It’s a sponge like object that slides over the mic head.  The downside for voice artists is that they can peel away or affect some frequencies in your recording so perhaps they are not as clear.  They are better in surroundings like radio and podcasting where the artist is adjusting or handling the mic whilst in a live broadcast situation.

9. Recording Software: Capturing Your Voice

Recording software (also known as a DAW or Digital Audio Workstation) is what you’ll use to record, edit, and produce your voiceover projects. There are many options available, ranging from basic free software to high-end professional tools.

Recommended DAWs

• Adobe Audition: A more professional choice, Adobe Audition is widely used in the industry and offers a wide range of features for editing, mixing, and mastering your recordings.  This is my choice because I’ve been using it for 25 years (called Cool Edit Pro back in those days).  Changing can be a painful experience, as you have a whole new system to learn.
• Audacity: A free, open-source program perfect for beginners. It’s straightforward to use and offers basic editing tools to get you started.
• Reaper: Another affordable and powerful option, Reaper provides professional-grade tools with a relatively low learning curve.
• GarageBand:  A software application for macOS users.

There are many others out there, so it’s a question of find what does the job that you need for your budget.  Most will offer a free trial.

10. Technology to Handle Scripts: Managing Your Work Efficiently

Finally, unless you’re old school with a pencil and paper (and even then you’ll need some kind of reading stand) you’ll need technology to handle and read your scripts during recording. There are a few different tools you can use:

• Tablet or Laptop: Many voiceover artists use a tablet (iPad or similar) or laptop to read scripts during sessions. Using a device in your booth or studio keeps your hands free while reading.  If you choose a laptop, consider the noise it makes.  It must be absolutely silent.
• Script Management Apps: Apps like Notability, Final Draft or Celtx allow you to organize and store scripts for easy access. Some apps offer teleprompter-style scrolling features to display scripts line-by-line.  For me Notability was a game changer and I’ve been using it for about 5 years, together with an iPad and Pencil. I can import scripts from the client, scribble all over it and change content on the hoof.
• Teleprompter: A physical or software-based teleprompter can help you read long scripts without looking away from the microphone, improving your performance.

Bear in mind, I can’t remember a live session ever, where I haven’t needed to change a script or take notes in the session.  You need to be able to adjust and change your script right there in the booth.

Conclusion

Setting up a home voiceover studio can be an exciting and rewarding investment in your career, and the right equipment will ensure that your recordings meet professional standards. From the microphone that captures your voice to the software that edits your audio, each piece of studio kit plays an essential role in creating polished, high-quality recordings.  If you’re new to the industry, forgive me, but you might not have a complete sense of what high-quality is.  There are benchmarks the producers and clients expect.  Hearing a noise-floor comes with experience.

By investing in the right gear—microphones, headphones, audio interfaces, and more—you’ll be well-equipped to handle any voiceover job that comes your way. With the right technology and accessories, your home studio can become a place where your talent shines and your career flourishes.  You’re going to spend a lot of time there, make it comfortable and fit for purpose.

About The Author

Tony Collins-Fogarty

British Voice-Over Artist and Actor

Tony Collins-Fogarty is a British Voice-Over Artist, with a background in broadcast, alongside training as an actor.  His radio career began in 1988.  He began providing voice-overs regularly in 2005, becoming full-time in 2012.  He has worked with brands like Tripadvisor, Squarespace, Fox, Danone, Xero and others.