Understanding Soundproofing, Acoustic Treatment, and Noise Mitigation
Success in voice over isn’t just about training, demos, and marketing—it’s also about producing quality audio. That’s why it’s crucial to understand soundproofing, acoustic treatment, and noise mitigation. These three elements aren’t the same, but together, they create a professional recording space that makes you sound your best.
Soundproofing: Keeping Unwanted Noise Out
Soundproofing is all about stopping external noise from getting into your recording space. When building my new home studio, Tim Tippets—aka the VO Tech Guru—helped me create a sound-isolated space using double walls, Rockwool insulation, and acoustical green glue. This blocks out common household noises like construction, landscaping, or street traffic. But here’s the truth: no studio is 100% soundproof. Even professional studios need to minimize noise during recording sessions.
Acoustic Treatment: Stopping Echoes Inside Your Studio
So, you’ve got soundproof walls—but why do you still sound like you’re recording in a tin can? That’s because soundproofing only keeps out external noise, but it doesn’t stop echoes and reflections inside your booth. Acoustic treatment is the key to eliminating that boxy, hollow sound.
Tim explains it best: Imagine your voice is a pitcher throwing 100 baseballs in all directions, and your microphone is the catcher. In an open space, only one ball reaches the catcher. But in a small room, all the balls bounce around and return at different times, creating an echo-filled, distorted recording.
To fix this, we absorb or diffuse those reflections using soft, dense materials like blankets, pillows, carpets, or professional acoustic panels. For high-quality treatment, I recommend using Owens Corning 703 or Rockwool panels—watch Tim's YouTube tutorial on how to make them yourself below.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re serious about getting great audio in your home studio, you need the right mix of soundproofing and acoustic treatment. Tune in to our VO BOSS podcast below to hear expert tips from Tim Tippets and get your recording space set up for success!
Noise Mitigation: Eliminating Unwanted Sounds
Even with soundproofing and acoustic treatment, your recordings can still suffer from unwanted noise. The good news? Most noise inside your booth can be easily identified and eliminated. One of the biggest culprits of unwanted noise is you. Stomach growls, breathing, shifting in your chair, and dreaded mouth noise can all sneak into your recordings. Staying hydrated, avoiding certain foods, and maintaining good mic technique can help reduce these distractions.
Unexpected Noise Sources
Your computer fan is often a hidden offender. If your booth isn’t ventilated well, your computer may overheat and run loudly. Consider keeping it outside your booth or using a quiet fanless model. Other sneaky noise-makers include fluorescent light bulbs (which can emit a high-pitched hum) and squeaky chairs or headphones that creak when you move.
Sound Reflections & Vibrations
Metal music stands can vibrate from your voice, creating a ringing sound. A simple fix? Dampen them with fabric or carpet. Similarly, if your microphone stand is on your desk, vibrations from typing or movement can transfer through the mic and create low-frequency rumbles. A shock mount or separate stand can help reduce this issue. Every object in your booth has the potential to create noise. Pay attention to what’s around you and make small adjustments to minimize disruptions. The quieter your space, the more polished and professional your recordings will sound.
For more info on sound mitigation from inside the booth - Check out this VO BOSS episode:
The Sweet Spot: Finding the Perfect Audio Balance
Achieving professional-quality audio is a process—one that requires listening, adjusting, and refining. The best way to evaluate your audio? Record 15 to 30 seconds of copy in your booth and listen carefully. Play it back on different devices—headphones, car speakers, Bluetooth speakers—and ask yourself:
Does my voice sound natural and balanced?
Can I hear background noise or unwanted buzzing?
Is the audio clean, clear, and free of distortion?
Does it sound professional?
Get Expert Feedback
For true accuracy, pass your recording to a trusted professional. An experienced audio engineer or coach can pinpoint subtle issues, identify noise sources, and guide you on mic technique that enhances your sound. These small adjustments can make a huge difference in your overall quality.
Beware of “Quick & Cheap” Fixes
There’s a lot of advice online about home studio setups—but not all of it is accurate. If a tutorial claims you can achieve studio-quality sound with a cheap and quick fix, take it with a grain of salt. Professional studios invest thousands in creating pristine sound spaces—because great sound takes work.
Invest in Your Audio Future
Setting up a solid recording space at home isn’t just possible—it’s a necessity for today’s voice actors. Research, experiment, and refine your setup. With the right knowledge and adjustments, you’ll be amazed at the broadcast-quality sound you can achieve. Want to go deeper? Check out my BOSS Audio Podcast series or dive into Tim Tippets’ Audition Ready Online.
Thanks for reading - Anne
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Work with Anne
Anne Ganguzza is California-based Voice Actor, Voiceover Coach, and award-winning Director & Producer specializing in target-marketed Voiceover Demo Production.
