EMail:
Marty@ATSComms.com

Phone
301-754-2871

Equipment Recommendations
for Home Voice Studios

Recently, I have presented several seminars and have been asked to advise Voice Over actors about how to go about setting up a home recording system, or how to improve existing rooms and systems.

The seminars, conducted in association with ITVA-DC, WIFV-DC, and Studio 8121 recording studios in Silver Spring, MD, covered a broad range of technical and performance topics, and ran 2 to 2-1/2 hours. Attendance has been at capacity and the response has been very positive.

As a result, I have put together a short list of equipment I have been recommending. The listed equipment has been chosen for relatively high performance, features, and value.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list and does not cover all the good options available. These are not esoteric, high-end products, nor are they anywhere near the low end in performance. The performance specs are all above average, some well above, while being low to mid-priced.

Microphones

Microphones are tools. Like other tools, no one tool can be the best for every task. Each one has it’s own characteristic which will make it more suitable given a particular project, environment, and actor. These are but a few suggestions alphabetically:

AKG C2000 -$249.00
AKG C3000B (MT) -$349.00
AKG Perception 200 -$160.00

Audio Technica 2020 -$99.00
Audio Technica 2020USB - $149.00 NEW
Audio Technica 3035 (MT) -$$199.00

Audix SCX-25 -$599.00
Audix CX-112 -$399.00

sE Electronics 2200a -$299.00
           (Amy Winehouse’s mic!)
sE Electronics USB2200a -$399.00
    (XLR & USB Output w/monitoring)
sE Electronics Z3300a - $499.00

Sontronics STC-2 - $279.00
Sontronics Orpheus - $549.00

(MT) = Compatible with Microtrack recorder’s digital input

Analog Pre-amps & Voice Processors
for use with dedicated recorders
or computers with
Analog to Digital Converters

ART Pro Channel - $319.00
  Tube preamp, EQ, Compressor
ART Tube Pac - $119.00
  Tube preamp, compressor
ART Tube MP Project- $65.00
  Tube preamp, limiter
Joe Meek ThreeQ - $230.00
  1/2 rack preamp, EQ, Compressor
Joe Meek OneQ - $660.00 (MT)
  Rack Mount preamp, EQ, comp, enhancer,
  de-esser, Analog & S/PDIF Digital Out
Joe Meek SixQ - $450.00
  Preamp, EQ, Compressor
Symetrix 528E - $499.00
  Mic Preamp, Ed-esser, Downward Expander,
   Compressor, EQ, and
Voice Symmetry.

 

Accessories

Tripod Mic Stand - $25.00
25ft Mic Cable - $45.00
sE Reflexion Filter - $300.00
  Optional mounting hardware - $96.00
Metal Mesh POP Filter - $40.00
Dual Metal /Nylon POP Filter - $79.00

Pre-amps w/ digital convertors
for USB computer direct recording.
Monitoring allows high quality computer output.

E-Mu 0404 USB2.0 - $214.00 (MT)
 Excellent tube preamps, Analog, S/PDIF & USB out w/ mixing & monitoring
E-Mu Tracker Pre USB - $156.00
Excellent tube preamps, Analog, & USB out w/ mixing & monitoring
Centrance Mic Port Pro - $125.00
  Inline preamp /USB converter & monitor
ART Tube MP Project USB - $99.00
  analog & digital
M-Audio Audiophile USB - $160.00
  analog & digital w/monitoring (MT)
Alesis IO2 - $149.00 (MT)
  analog & digital w/monitoring

Powered Speakers (in pairs)

Alesis M1 Active 520 - $199.00
M-Audio BX5a - $299.00
Advent AV570 - $325.00
 

Dedicated Portable
Digital Audio Recorders

M-Audio Microtrack II  - $300.00 NEW
Zoom H-4 - $300.00
Tascam HD-P2 - $999.00  w/ time code