Best overall system for a new voiceover set up?

Question

Your assistance is appreciated. Iam researching on what would be the best overall software, equipment, other that would be cost effective, works very well for a start up voice over system. Also is there a web page that I can go to that may have used stuff. I do not want to set up a full studio but to set up a nice office system that would work well now and in the future. I work off of a microsoft/pc and not a mac/apple. Thank you for your help and advise.

Answer 1

There are SO many software/hardware combos.  And you don't have to get sophisticated to start, but you may wish that you went a little more pro at some point.  So, here's what I suggest, and it's by no means the only way to go.  To start, buy a USB microphone - there are many - browse at sweetwater.com.  For $100 (and up) you ought to be able to get a mic that plugs right into your computer AND comes with simple software to record and edit.  Some of the USB mics have places for you to plug in headphones.

The other non USB way to go is to have a microphone into an outboard microphone preamp, plugged into an appropriate sound card.

Your room acoustics will greatly influence the final sound.  When you can hear the room, it's the sign of an amateur.  You can try to gate it out - you'll need another piece of gear, or an 'all-in-one' channel strip  (search at sweetwater, or Musicians Friend, etc.)  -or use acoustic treatments (usually foam of some sort.) Rugs work reasonably well, when hung on walls, etc.  The more compression you use the more you'll hear the room.

Good luck!