So, you’ve decided to get into voiceover.

Whether you’ve decided you want to do this as a career or just looking to make some cash on the side, you need gear.

But not just any gear. The RIGHT gear. Because no one wants to overspend on a mic that makes you sound like you’re recording in a rest stop bathroom.

Lucky for you, I’m here to guide you through the maze of audio equipment and get you set up for success.

Now the premise here is that you want this to be something more than a hobby. You want to start down the road to either being a part-time voice actor or maybe one day full-time. that means you’re also getting performance training and figuring out a recording space.

If you just want or need this to be a hobby, get a Blue Yeti and have fun.

What I’m not going to do is put links for this gear in the description and show notes. I’m not trying to sell you gear. But I will list the gear I’m talking about here.

The Mic - Your Bread and Butter

First things first: the mic. It’s the heart of your setup and arguably the most important piece of equipment. For beginners, you’re looking for a balance between quality and affordability. A USB mic might be tempting because it’s plug-and-play, but if you’re serious about voiceover or even VO-curious, go for an XLR mic. Why? Because the sound quality and upgrade potential blow USB mics out of the water.

Budget-Friendly Favorites

If you’re watching your wallet, look no further than the Audio-Technica AT2020. It’s the gold standard for entry-level XLR mics. Another solid option? The Rode NT1-A. Both are reliable, sound great, and won’t make you cry when you check your bank balance.

Don’t Forget the Audio Interface

An XLR mic needs an audio interface. This little box connects your mic to your computer and powers the mic. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a crowd favorite for good reason. It’s simple, sturdy, and has a good sound. Pair it with your mic, and you’re off to the races.

But what if you’re on an ultra-tight budget? The Behringer UM2 is a rock-bottom-priced option that will get the job done. It was my first interface. It’s not as robust as the Scarlett, but it’ll get you started.

Your Recording Space - DIY It

You can have the fanciest mic on the market, but if you’re recording in your kitchen with the fridge humming in the background, it’s game over. Creating a quiet, sound-treated space is crucial.

The Closet Trick

Most beginners start in a closet, and honestly? It works. Clothes act as natural sound absorbers. Just make sure it’s not next to an AC, furnace or street-facing window. Toss in some foam panels, hell you can even use mattress toppers and moving blankets for extra soundproofing, and you’re good to go.

The Budget Alternative

If a closet isn’t an option, build a portable vocal booth. You can DIY it with PVC pipes, heavy blankets, and a little ingenuity.

Full-On Studio Ambitions

If you’re planning to make voiceover a career, investing in proper acoustic treatment for a dedicated space will save you time and stress down the line. Companies like Auralex and GIK Acoustics offer customizable panels that absorb sound and reduce unwanted reflections. Keep in mind, the goal isn’t a perfectly soundproof room—it’s about controlling the sound within your space to make it as clean as possible.

Headphones - The Flatter the Better

Do NOT skip headphones. You need a pair that lets you hear every breath, click, and mouth noise so you can fix it before your client hears it.

The Classics

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are a no-brainer. They’re comfortable, durable, and offer accurate sound. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones are another great pick. Both options are under $200 and will last you for years.

And by flatter, we mean that good headphones for VO don’t sweeten or color the sound like consumer headphones (think Beatz) do. There’s no added bass or treble or equalization of any kind.

Open-Back vs. Closed-Back

For voiceover, closed-back headphones are ideal because they block outside noise and prevent sound from leaking into your microphone. Open-back headphones are better for mixing but not recommended for recording.

Software - Your DAW

Now that you’ve got your hardware sorted, let’s talk software. This is where you’ll record, edit, and polish your voiceovers.

DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations)

It’s not nearly as important which DAW you use. The point is to choose one that is intuitive for you and master it.

Audacity is a great starting point because it’s free and easy to use. Ready to level up? Adobe Audition and Reaper are good choices. They’re more advanced but packed with features that make editing a breeze.

Plugins: A Little Extra Magic

Plugins help you clean up and enhance your recordings. iZotope RX Elements is a lifesaver for removing background noise, clicks, and other audio gremlins. It’s an investment, but one you won’t regret.

Just don’t overdo it. Voiceover clients usually want clean, natural-sounding audio.

The Extras

Okay, so that’s the big stuff. But there are a few extras that can make your life a lot easier.

Pop Filter

This is non-negotiable. A pop filter stops plosives (those harsh “p” and “b” sounds) from ruining your recordings. The good news? They’re cheap. Grab one for $10-$20, and you’re set.

Mic Stand

Don’t be that person holding their mic. A basic desk stand or boom arm will do the trick. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle your mic’s weight.

Cables

If you’re using an XLR mic, don’t skimp on the cable. A decent cable will prevent unwanted noise and last longer. Mogami and Hosa are reliable brands.

Acoustic Treatment

Foam panels, bass traps, and sound blankets can transform your recording space. Don’t worry about covering every inch of your room. Focus on the areas where sound bounces the most, like walls directly in front of and behind your mic.

Surge Protectors and Cable Management

A power surge could fry your gear in an instant. Protect your investment with a surge protector. While you’re at it, keep your cables tidy. Velcro straps and cable sleeves can save you from a tangled mess and make your setup look more professional.

Now What?

So, you’ve got your mic, interface, headphones, and software. You’ve MacGyvered a recording space that works. Now what? It’s time to test your setup and make sure everything’s running smoothly.

Test Recordings

Record a few test scripts to hear how your setup sounds. Adjust your mic placement (6-12 inches away is a good starting point) and play around with gain settings on your interface. The goal is a clean, clear sound without distortion.

Upgrades - When and Why

Let’s say you’ve been at this for a while, and you’re ready to step up your game. What should you upgrade first?

Microphone

If you’ve been rocking an AT2020, consider moving up to a Sennheiser MKH 416 or a Neumann TLM 103. Both are industry standards that deliver pro-level sound.

Interface

Upgrading to an interface with more features, like the Universal Audio Apollo series, can give you even better sound quality and processing power.

Acoustic Treatment

If you’ve been using foam panels, it might be time to invest in higher-quality soundproofing materials. Companies like GIK Acoustics and Auralex offer panels that look good and work even better.

Starting your voiceover journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right gear and a little creativity, you can set up a studio that’s both functional and affordable. It’s not about having the most expensive equipment; it’s about knowing how to use what you have.