Gear, gear, gear… gear, gear. (Seriously, gear)
Gear talk is everywhere in the voice over world—and for good reason. With an overwhelming amount of technology available, the only thing more abundant than the gear itself is the opinions on what’s “best” for voice actors. Keep reading for some deep-dive advice on microphones, interfaces, accessories, DAWs, and more...
Your Mic Matters—But It’s Just One Piece of the Puzzle
Your microphone plays a big role in audio quality, but it’s just one part of your studio setup. Since it’s the first stop in your signal chain, it’s a great place to start the conversation.
When it comes to choosing a mic, there’s one universal truth: you get what you pay for. A high-end U87 (priced over $3K) will sound better than a low-priced Blue Snowball—no debate there. But what about the vast selection of mid-range microphones? That’s where things get more nuanced, and some general guidelines can help.
Avoid USB Mics for Professional Voice Over
USB microphones have their place—they’re great for Zoom calls, YouTube, and even podcasts. I personally used an Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ for years to step up my outer office setup. But for professional voice over work, USB mics just don’t cut it.
Why? Their all-in-one design limits quality, much like trying to squeeze two V8 engines into a Mini Cooper. You can technically make it work, but it won’t perform at the level needed for high-end voice over jobs. Your audio will be scrutinized, especially today, so “good enough” won’t cut it.
Invest in a Quality Microphone 🎤
A solid professional mic will cost you at least $300 to $500—and that’s just mid-range pricing. Think of it as an investment in your business, just like any other tool of the trade. I started with a Rode NT1, which served me well for six years before I upgraded. Now, I own three high-end mics, each suited for different types of work:
These came after a decade of working in voice over, and each one has paid for itself many times over in booked gigs.
How to Choose the Right Mic for Your Voice
Not sure where to start? Listen to successful voice actors with a similar vocal tonality to yours and find out what mic they use. That can give you a strong starting point. Still uncertain? Talk to a trusted coach or engineer like my friend Tim Tippets, who specializes in voiceover technology. A trained ear can analyze your voice, understand your niche, and recommend the best mic to complement your sound.
Bottom Line: Choose Wisely & Invest Smart
Your microphone is a crucial part of your voice over setup, but it’s not about buying the most expensive gear—it’s about getting the right gear for your voice. Choose wisely, invest strategically, and your mic will work for you, not against you.
Connect the Tech: Why Your Cables Matter
Next in your signal chain? Your microphone and equipment cables. If you’re using a studio mic, that means XLR cables—and trust me, don’t buy cheap cables. I used to think cable failures were something that happened to other people—until it happened to me. When setting up my Apollo interface, I was convinced the interface was faulty. After a frantic call to Tim Tippets, we discovered the real issue: a bad cable. Luckily, I had a spare on hand (which is always a smart move).
If you’re investing in high-quality mics, interfaces, and acoustic treatment, don’t cut corners on cables just to save a few bucks. Good quality cables are worth their weight in gold. My go-to? Mogami Gold Cables—they’re durable, well-shielded, and built to last for years.
For USB, Thunderbolt, HDMI, and other connection cables, I recommend Amazon or Monoprice—just double-check compatibility with your equipment. And if you’re using Apple gear, make sure to stick with Apple-branded cables to avoid issues.
For more info on Mics and Interfaces, check out this VO BOSS episode with Tim Tippets below:
Convert Your Analog to Digital
Gone are the days when recording studios required racks of pre-amps, EQs, compressors, limiters, mixing boards, and converters just to get your voice into a digital format. Today, all that thousands-of-dollars-worth of gear has been distilled into one essential piece of equipment: the audio interface (cue heavenly choir 🎶).
This little box converts your voice into a digital signal so your computer can record it. But wait, there’s more! Most audio interfaces also supply 48v phantom power for condenser microphones and some even come with onboard processing features that can enhance your sound before it even hits your DAW.
Your interface is one of the most important investments in your studio—choose wisely and let your voice shine!
After trying a wide range of interfaces, I’ve had both great and not-so-great experiences. Personally, I love my Universal Audio Apollo Solo—it delivers exceptional quality and versatility. Other solid options include Apollo, Mackie, Audient, and Steinberg, all offering reliable performance at various price points.
However, I’ve had mixed results with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and 2i4—I’ve owned two that caused more trouble than they were worth, and I’ve heard similar complaints from students. While some voice actors swear by them, I prefer to stick with the brands I trust for consistent performance.
For an even deeper dive into Interfaces check out this VO BOSS episode:
DAW, You’re the Best
Let’s talk recording software—aka your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). If you’ve ever seen a social media thread on DAW preferences, you know it can turn into an all-out battle of opinions. But here’s the truth: the best DAW is the one you know how to use.
As a voice actor, your recording software doesn’t need to be overly complicated. It should allow you to:
Record mono audio
Monitor your levels
Export files as .mp3 and .wav
Run smoothly on your computer’s operating system
I personally use Twisted Wave for Mac because it’s simple, efficient, and integrates seamlessly with iZotope for processing. It streamlines my workflow and gets the job done. Another industry favorite is Adobe Audition, which offers advanced production tools and multi-track editing for those who want more flexibility.
Whatever DAW you choose, take the time to really learn it. No matter how “easy” a program seems, investing in a class or tutorial will make your workflow faster, smoother, and more professional. The better you know your software, the less time you’ll spend troubleshooting and the more time you’ll spend recording.
For a fun discussion on our favorite recording software, check out this VO BOSS episode:
Bundle Up—But Beware
You’ve probably seen “studio bundles” that package a mic, interface, cables, headphones, and more into one “great deal.” Sounds tempting, right? Not so fast. While some bundles may seem like a steal, manufacturers often cut corners by including low-quality components that can break or fail after a few months. I’ve had students excited about their budget bundles, only to regret them when their gear stopped working too soon.
Do your research, and make sure to inquire about existing or extended warranties or customer support after you purchase.
Where to Buy the Good Stuff
If I know exactly what I want, I shop on Amazon. But if I need expert advice or want stellar customer support, Sweetwater is my go-to. I’ve had the same Sweetwater rep for over 10 years, and their free tech support after purchase is worth its weight in gold. Other trusted vendors include BSW and B&H Photo Video, both offering fast shipping and great service.
Buying Used Gear—Do It Smart
If you’re looking for deals on used voice over equipment & gear, sites like eBay and Reverb.com can be goldmines—but you have to be smart. Research the seller, check return policies, and if possible, test the gear before committing. A little caution can save you from a bad purchase. Bottom line? Invest in quality gear upfront, and you’ll save time, money, and frustration down the road. 🎙
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.
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