Studios

Small Sound recording studio
If I want to build a mini sound recording studio for voice over and just simple staff what are the list of inexpensive equipment I need? Including a sound proof room or kiosk

I have tips on building in home studios for voice over artists. It may or may not be what you’re looking for.

.: Basic Recording Studio

Building a home studio is preferred. This way, you can work from home and record at your convenience. You can set your own hours and also have the flexibility to record custom auditions for clients. Although purchasing a home studio is a considerable financial investment, it is better in the long-term and will save you time, resources, and money, particularly when you have to record revisions for a client.

.: Computer Based Recording

One of the biggest trends in recent audio production involves merging digital recording with computer technology. The recording of audio onto a computers’ hard drive allows you to edit and manipulate your sound files. This data can be stored as a sound file such as .wav or .aiff.

.: PC Computers

Minimum podcasting requirements for PC
According to Gartner Research, Windows-based PC’s account for 90% of all computers world-wide. If you have purchased your personal computer in the last three years and you’re running Windows XP, your system should be more than adequate to record an audio file with a microphone, and then save the recording as an MP3 file.

Personal Computer
*Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent Processor
*Windows 2000 / Windows XP
*iTunes 4.9 for PC
*1 GB of available disk space
*512 MB of RAM
*Audio Line In and Audio Line Out

.: Mac Computers
Recently with the launch of Apple’s iTunes 4.9, it shows that Apple is committed to the digital revolution. Since most iPod owners are also Mac owners there is also a lot of great software available for the Mac platform.

The misconception that the Mac is simply too expensive or that they are only for students and artists is quickly being proven wrong. Apple has recently introduced the Mac Mini, a scaled down version of the Mac that allows previous PC owners to make the switch but still keep their monitor, keyboard and mouse – all for just $499.

Mac G3 or better
* Mac OS X
* iTunes 4.9 for Mac
* 1 GB of available disk space
* 512 MB of RAM
* Audio Line In and Audio Line Out

.: Microphones

Whether you are using a Mac or PC, you will need a microphone to record your voice into your computer. One option is to purchase a microphone ( or you may already have one ) with a 1/8th inch jack. This is the size of the jack or audio line in port on your personal computer.

Griffin Lapel Mic
Lapel Mic offers the highest quality stereo or mono audio input for recording interviews, lectures and other events. Griffin Lapel Mic features quality stereo sound, a standard 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, and a swivel clip for ease of use. This multipurpose lapel microphone offers quality stereo audio input for recording interviews, lectures and other events. An iPod equipped with the Griffin iTalk voice recorder instantly becomes a mobile recording unit. The addition of a Lapel Mic adds flexibility and ease of use.

http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/lapelmic/

.: Dynamic Microphone

Marshall Electronics
The MXL2001-P is a great microphone that is capable of handling numerous recording tasks competently. The MXL2001-P is a straight-ahead, plug-and-play type of instrument without any controls whatsoever, yet it records with a nice, open sound that will cut through just about any mix. Such characteristics make this microphone a good choice for the smaller studio that focuses most of its efforts on the recording of popular music.
Without getting too caught up in the specs, it is important to note that the MXL2001-P has a single cardioid polar pattern and a frequency range of 30 to 20k Hz. The microphone is phantom-powered so you’ll need a small mixer or audio interface with phtantom-power. There are no switches for pre-attenuation or bass cut. In terms of workmanship, these products have a look and feel that is the mark of well-made equipment.

http://www.mxlmics.com/

.: Condenser Microphone

Neumann
The TLM 103 is the ideal large diaphragm microphone for all professional and semi-professional applications requiring the utmost in sound quality on a limited budget.
By utilizing the tried and true transformerless circuit found in numerous Neumann microphones, the TLM 103 features yet unattained low self-noise and the highest sound pressure level transmission. The capsule, derived from that used in the U 87, has a cardioid pattern, is acoustically well-balanced and provides extraordinary attenuation of signals from the rear.

http://www.neumann.com/

.: Audio Interface

Griffin iMic – USB Audio Interface
The iMic™ universal audio adapter is a USB device that adds stereo input and output to your Mac or PC. Connect virtually any microphone or sound input device to your iBook, PowerBook, PowerMac or other Mac or PC with a USB port. Yes, iMic supports both Mic level and line level input. It also supports line level output for connecting speakers or an external recording device.

iMic’s audio is superior to your computer’s built-in soundcard because it uses USB for the audio signal. USB isolates the audio signal from the noisy electronics in your computer, giving you higher-quality sound when you record and higher-quality sound for external speakers.

The iMic is a must-have device for people who are serious about high quality audio in their computer. But don’t take our word for it. Check out some of its reviews to see what others are saying about iMic. Then get iMic for remarkable audio performance over USB.

http://griffintechnology.com

.: Recording and Editing Software

Audacity
Audacity is a free, easy-to-use audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems. You can use Audacity to Record live audio, convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs, edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3, and WAV sound files, cut, copy, splice, and mix sounds together, change the speed or pitch of a recording, and more.

Download for free: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/
Audacity tutorial: http://www.transom.org/tools/editing_mixing/200404.audacity.html

.: Recording and Editing Software for the PC

Sound Forge
The award-winning Sound Forge® digital audio editor includes a powerful set of audio processes, tools, and effects for manipulating audio. Sound Forge software allows you to edit, record, encode, and master nearly any form of digital audio including WAV, AIFF, MP3, and more. Whether you’re taking your first steps towards editing audio on your PC, or you are a seasoned audio engineer, there’s a Sound Forge product that’s right for you.
Download free trial:

http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/download/step1.asp?catid=1

.: Recording and Editing Software for the PC
Cubase
Great technology at a great price: that’s Cubase SE. Based on Steinberg’s renowned Cubase SX, Cubase SE is ideal for anyone who keeps a sharp eye on their finances but doesn’t want to do without professional technologies in their home recording, project or pre-production studios.
Download software:

http://www.cubase.com/download/index.html

.: Recording and Editing Software for the PC

Adobe Audition
Designed for demanding audio and video professionals, Adobe Audition offers advanced audio mixing, editing, and effects-processing capabilities. Its flexible workflow, combined with exceptional ease of use and precise tools, gives you the power to create rich, nuanced audio of the highest possible quality.
Download free trial:

http://www.adobe.com/products/tryadobe/main.jsp#product=92

.: Recording and Editing Software for the PC

Cool Edit Pro
Cool Edit PRO is the software solution that will meet your demanding needs, whether you are an audio engineer, multimedia creator, web developer, or a musician.
Download free trial:

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Audio/Audio-Editors-Recorders/Cool-Edit-Pro.shtml

.: Recording Software for the Mac

GarageBand
GarageBand lets you easily perform, record and create your own music. Whether you’re an experienced or aspiring musician. Or just want to feel — and sound — like a rock star. With the new version of GarageBand, you can even record multiple tracks at the same time.
Website: http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/

.: Professional Recording, Editing, Mixing and Mastering Software for Mac and PC

ProTools
ProTools offers HD for professional grade studios, and also provides LE editions.
Pro Tools LE and M-Powered Systems With options to suit any budget, Digidesign® Pro Tools® LE and Pro Tools M-Powered™ systems offer everything you need to create and produce music with professional results. Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one audio/MIDI solution with an integrated control surface or simply a highly portable Pro Tools system, there’s a powerful solution designed to satisfy your creative needs.
Website: http://www.digidesign.com/

.: Audio Conversion Programs (optional)
iTunes for the Mac and PC
If your audio recording program only exports a WAV file, you will need an audio conversion program. The easiest way to convert files into an MP3 is using iTunes.
Website:

http://www.apple.com/itunes/

Summary
Key points about podcasting technology
In this tutorial, we looked at many different tools to help you record your voice. As you’ve just learned, a recording studio can be setup using free tools from the Internet and your existing computer system, or for a modest financial investment, you can opt to build a professional-grade recording studio. Here is an outline of both a basic and professional studio setup.

.: Basic Recording Studio
Personal Computer
USB-microphone or portable voice recorder
Recording and editing software
Web hosting service to host your MP3
FTP software to transfer your MP3 to the Internet

.: Professional Recording Studio
Powerful personal computer
Dynamic or Condenser vocal microphone
Audio interface such as Digidesign’s Mbox
Industry-standard ProTools recording software
Dedicated web server from a web hosting service
FTP software to transfer your web server MP3’s and distribute them on the Internet

Laurynda
Customer Care Manager

http://www.voices.com