13 answers
mason kay
1
Answer
South Brisbane, QLD
Updated
6241 views
whats the best microphone and recording stuff for creating voice over?
whats the best microphone and recording stuff for creating voice over for story time animations. my dudget is 250 aud
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13 answers
James Henry
Instructional Designer
6
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
James’s Answer
Hi Mason-
Your recording space is way more important than the microphone itself. Find the quietest room in your house and throw some soft stuff around - blankets, pillows, or even record in a walk-in closet full of clothes. This kills the echo and blocks outside noise, which honestly makes a bigger difference than spending extra on a fancy mic.
For your $250 AUD budget, check out the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ (around $180) or the Rode PodMic USB (around $220) - Rode's actually an Aussie company too. Some newer mics like the Blue Yeti Nano have pop filtering built right in, but I'd still grab a separate pop filter for $20-30 just to be safe. USB mics are perfect when you're starting out since they just plug straight into your computer.
The key, especially assuming you're home recording, is your "signal-to-noise' ratio. Keep about 6-8 inches from the mic and try to stay consistent with your voice. Record when it's quiet outside or in your environment - early mornings or late nights.
Audacity is a free program and great for beginners. Trust me, good technique in a decent room beats expensive gear in a noisy space every time.
All the best!
James
Your recording space is way more important than the microphone itself. Find the quietest room in your house and throw some soft stuff around - blankets, pillows, or even record in a walk-in closet full of clothes. This kills the echo and blocks outside noise, which honestly makes a bigger difference than spending extra on a fancy mic.
For your $250 AUD budget, check out the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ (around $180) or the Rode PodMic USB (around $220) - Rode's actually an Aussie company too. Some newer mics like the Blue Yeti Nano have pop filtering built right in, but I'd still grab a separate pop filter for $20-30 just to be safe. USB mics are perfect when you're starting out since they just plug straight into your computer.
The key, especially assuming you're home recording, is your "signal-to-noise' ratio. Keep about 6-8 inches from the mic and try to stay consistent with your voice. Record when it's quiet outside or in your environment - early mornings or late nights.
Audacity is a free program and great for beginners. Trust me, good technique in a decent room beats expensive gear in a noisy space every time.
All the best!
James
I fully agree with this as a voice actor myself
cory
Pop filter AND a shock mount! Cannot recommend a shock mount enough, especially if you live in a more urban environment. I second the good room; your space is so much more important than your gear :)
Ranger Norton
Łukasz Korbasiewicz
Senior Support Engineer
1
Answer
Prague, Czechia
Updated
Łukasz’s Answer
The best microphone is the one you have. Next best microphone is the one you can afford. The catch is that no microphone will save you from sounding bad if you can't set it up, so I would focus on that. You can get a decent mic for a low price - there are plenty of YouTubers showing the "best" microphones in any given price range. Just choose the one you like and can afford, then learn how to use it. Protip: closer to your mouth - better your voice is and better is the isolation from background noises. Just don't touch it, don't breath into it and wtach out for P's and B's
thanks for the advice!
mason kay
Dede Ofosu Dorte
Software sales
5
Answers
Pelham Manor, NY
Updated
Dede’s Answer
It all depends on your budget, Mason. Whatever you have can work well if you do some research and set things up right. Reading a lot is helpful—do plenty of research and watch videos from people in the same field. YouTube is a great resource for this. Talking to others in the industry can really help too. My brother is in this field, and he suggests using "YouTube University" along with your budget. I hope it goes well for you!
M.S. Gumelar
Author I Digital Artist
10
Answers
Denpasar, Indonesia
Updated
M.S.’s Answer
Dear Mason,
Well, it’s actually relative. Among the many available software options, I recommend trying free programs like Audacity. In my experience, it is one of the best tools for recording audio and eliminating noise and clicks.
Any microphone will work—even the built-in microphone on your computer or laptop—as long as you use high-quality software. Just make sure to set the microphone volume at a reasonable level. Ideally, the loudest sound should peak at around 80% on the loudness index bar. This will help ensure that your recorded audio sounds clearer and more balanced.
Best regards
M.S. Gumelar
Well, it’s actually relative. Among the many available software options, I recommend trying free programs like Audacity. In my experience, it is one of the best tools for recording audio and eliminating noise and clicks.
Any microphone will work—even the built-in microphone on your computer or laptop—as long as you use high-quality software. Just make sure to set the microphone volume at a reasonable level. Ideally, the loudest sound should peak at around 80% on the loudness index bar. This will help ensure that your recorded audio sounds clearer and more balanced.
Best regards
M.S. Gumelar
Mark Marshall
Music composer, musician, music producer, music professor
11
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Mark’s Answer
If the voice-overs are recorded in a professional studio, they often use a Neumann U87 mic—or at least they request one, as they know the name and it's become a standard. These mics are very expensive condenser mics. Mics such as the Shure SM7 (a dynamic mic), which is much more affordable, can also be great on voices for broadcast purposes.
You will need an audio interface. I prefer the Universal Audio Apollo, but you can get away with a Focusrite Scarlet, which is more affordable. Many of my college students use these as a good entry into recording.
There are some new tools for dealing with room reflections these days. One is called the Koatica Eye Ball. You place it over the mic, and it helps isolate the sound. Companies like SE Electronics and On Stage also make reflection shields. These are designed to make you sound like you're in a vocal booth, which is a very small room in a studio that is soundproofed to be very dead-sounding.
As for a DAW, I recommend Pro Tools. For one, if you go to college to study recording, etc., they will be using Pro Tools as it's the industry standard, whether people like it or not. At SUNY Purchase, where I teach music and technology, all the rooms have Pro Tools and Avid hardware. Although there are other DAWs also loaded on many of the computers, the main studio is Pro Tools only.
Many students start with Logic, which has strengths. However, one weakness of Logic is recording audio. It's much easier to record and edit audio in Pro Tools.
If you're looking for a simple setup to see if you're into it, I recommend a USB mic and Pro Tools (which has a monthly subscription plan).
Blue Microphones makes some affordable USB mics.
There will be a learning curve using all of this stuff, so make sure to allow yourself some time to learn. Don't try to record a serious project while learning the gear. Just do some silly stuff you don't care about, as struggling with the learning curve on a serious project can burn you out.
There are also many great YouTube videos that can help you familiarize yourself with the gear you purchase.
You will need an audio interface. I prefer the Universal Audio Apollo, but you can get away with a Focusrite Scarlet, which is more affordable. Many of my college students use these as a good entry into recording.
There are some new tools for dealing with room reflections these days. One is called the Koatica Eye Ball. You place it over the mic, and it helps isolate the sound. Companies like SE Electronics and On Stage also make reflection shields. These are designed to make you sound like you're in a vocal booth, which is a very small room in a studio that is soundproofed to be very dead-sounding.
As for a DAW, I recommend Pro Tools. For one, if you go to college to study recording, etc., they will be using Pro Tools as it's the industry standard, whether people like it or not. At SUNY Purchase, where I teach music and technology, all the rooms have Pro Tools and Avid hardware. Although there are other DAWs also loaded on many of the computers, the main studio is Pro Tools only.
Many students start with Logic, which has strengths. However, one weakness of Logic is recording audio. It's much easier to record and edit audio in Pro Tools.
If you're looking for a simple setup to see if you're into it, I recommend a USB mic and Pro Tools (which has a monthly subscription plan).
Blue Microphones makes some affordable USB mics.
There will be a learning curve using all of this stuff, so make sure to allow yourself some time to learn. Don't try to record a serious project while learning the gear. Just do some silly stuff you don't care about, as struggling with the learning curve on a serious project can burn you out.
There are also many great YouTube videos that can help you familiarize yourself with the gear you purchase.
Joseph Coronado
Singer & songwriter music producer
1
Answer
Fullerton, California
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Hey there,
I've found a great recording studio setup for your bedroom that's within your budget, minus the computer. You can check it out here: [link]. It includes a microphone, audio interface, headphones, and studio monitors (which are speakers for music editing).
If you're setting up in your closet, fill it with clothes to prevent your voice from echoing off the walls. When recording, stand about a foot away from the microphone. Before you start, do a quick 10-second test to ensure your vocals are balanced. Make sure the vocal levels aren't too high to avoid cracking sounds.
With clothes in your closet and proper vocal levels, editing should be easy. Following these tips will save you time and help you get great results. I've learned these tricks from experience, and they've worked well for me and others.
You can achieve a lot with a simple setup, and it's surprising how good the results can be. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Set up your speakers for your editing. Make sure that they are your level if you’re gonna be sitting down make sure that they are about a foot apart and they reached directly up to your ear and you are the third part of a triangle that you’re gonna be formula with those two speakers, but perfect triangle Set your monitors up that way and you will be able to correctly edit your music so it’s not changing with the different stereo that it’s gonna be playing out of?
Next, if you don’t already know how to pick yourself up a midi keyboard, you could start making your own beats with something as easy as an iPhone with GarageBand but if you get what I just showed you, they send you a software that you could actually create beats with, and there’s a lot of free stuff out there that’s actually really good so start making your own beats and or instrumentals for yourself so you don’t have to Pay for any.
Next make money off of your music,. Land shows even as openers and have a product to sell, and if you kill the performance, you’ll be able to sell whatever you’re there to sell to the crowd the people if they enjoy your performance charge people to record their music because they don’t have the money to or drive to do what I just showed you And this is for everybody not just you anyone reading this taken and use it man
Last but not least value yourself enough to learn your craft and perfect it to the best of your ability. I have just showed you how to effectively give yourself the platform to put out a product that you’re trying to put out in a fairly fast amount of time with none of the misinformation that is out there and droves on the Internet.
Actually, this is Leslie, but pass it on or pay it forward due for somebody else or other people what I’m doing for you now don’t hold this as some kind of sacred secret that only you should know about anybody who wants to be able to make money off of something they love like making music deserves this information And if you don’t pay it forward, you didn’t deserve any of this information in the first place so be kind to people not just to yourself. OK good luck.
I've found a great recording studio setup for your bedroom that's within your budget, minus the computer. You can check it out here: [link]. It includes a microphone, audio interface, headphones, and studio monitors (which are speakers for music editing).
If you're setting up in your closet, fill it with clothes to prevent your voice from echoing off the walls. When recording, stand about a foot away from the microphone. Before you start, do a quick 10-second test to ensure your vocals are balanced. Make sure the vocal levels aren't too high to avoid cracking sounds.
With clothes in your closet and proper vocal levels, editing should be easy. Following these tips will save you time and help you get great results. I've learned these tricks from experience, and they've worked well for me and others.
You can achieve a lot with a simple setup, and it's surprising how good the results can be. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Joseph recommends the following next steps:
David Allen
Consultant
84
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
For a $250 AUD budget, you can still achieve great-quality voice-overs for storytime animations by investing in a solid USB condenser microphone. A top choice in this range is the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+, which delivers clear, warm audio that works beautifully for spoken word and narration. It connects via USB, so you won’t need an external audio interface—saving both money and setup complexity. Other strong options in this price range include the Elgato Wave:3 and Rode NT-USB Mini, both of which offer excellent sound and user-friendly features for content creators.
To complete your voice-over setup, you’ll also need a few essential accessories. A pop filter will help eliminate harsh plosive sounds, while a boom arm or desk stand ensures that your mic is well-positioned and stable during recording. You might also consider a foam windscreen to reduce mouth noise and breath pops, especially for close-up recording. If your recording environment has a lot of echo, using basic acoustic foam or recording in a treated space (like a closet with blankets) will improve your sound quality noticeably without extra cost.
For software, you can start with Audacity, which is completely free and effective for basic voice recording, editing, and noise reduction. If you want more advanced features later, Reaper is a professional-grade DAW with a generous free trial and a discounted license. With the right mic, a few simple accessories, and free software, you can create professional-sounding voice-overs that are well within your $250 AUD budget—perfect for storytime animations and narration content.
To complete your voice-over setup, you’ll also need a few essential accessories. A pop filter will help eliminate harsh plosive sounds, while a boom arm or desk stand ensures that your mic is well-positioned and stable during recording. You might also consider a foam windscreen to reduce mouth noise and breath pops, especially for close-up recording. If your recording environment has a lot of echo, using basic acoustic foam or recording in a treated space (like a closet with blankets) will improve your sound quality noticeably without extra cost.
For software, you can start with Audacity, which is completely free and effective for basic voice recording, editing, and noise reduction. If you want more advanced features later, Reaper is a professional-grade DAW with a generous free trial and a discounted license. With the right mic, a few simple accessories, and free software, you can create professional-sounding voice-overs that are well within your $250 AUD budget—perfect for storytime animations and narration content.
Dylan Ledford
Musician
2
Answers
Eugene, Oregon
Updated
Dylan’s Answer
Hi Mason,
Blue Mics have some great deals right now, and they're my top pick. The Yeti USB mic is fantastic because it connects easily with both USB and MIC XL cables. You can snag a Yeti for under $250, and with some luck, maybe even for half that price. Happy shopping for your gear!
Best,
Dylan J. Ledford
USB Audio Interfaces vs. Lightning Cable Interfaces, etc.
Blue Mics have some great deals right now, and they're my top pick. The Yeti USB mic is fantastic because it connects easily with both USB and MIC XL cables. You can snag a Yeti for under $250, and with some luck, maybe even for half that price. Happy shopping for your gear!
Best,
Dylan J. Ledford
Dylan recommends the following next steps:
Doug Wilson
Artist/Productions of short Films/graphic design
6
Answers
Indiana, IN
Updated
Doug’s Answer
Hey Mason,
I just use my device I'm using to make the story, and it's not bad.
Best,
DB Wilson
I just use my device I'm using to make the story, and it's not bad.
Best,
DB Wilson
Sean Williams
QA Test Engineer
7
Answers
Marana, Arizona
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hi Mason,
I edit for a content creator friend, and we noticed a big improvement in audio quality after upgrading his microphone. He got the Shure MV7X XLR, which was on sale for about $160 in November. We considered another top Shure model, but this one was almost a third of the price and had great specs for what we needed. It's easy to use, and the sound is crystal clear. I think you'd be happy with the 7X XLR—it fits the budget and works great. Good luck!
I edit for a content creator friend, and we noticed a big improvement in audio quality after upgrading his microphone. He got the Shure MV7X XLR, which was on sale for about $160 in November. We considered another top Shure model, but this one was almost a third of the price and had great specs for what we needed. It's easy to use, and the sound is crystal clear. I think you'd be happy with the 7X XLR—it fits the budget and works great. Good luck!
Sydney Arrowood
Graphic Design
11
Answers
Burlington, Kentucky
Updated
Sydney’s Answer
250 AUD is a good amount of money! However, when just starting out, it may be more wise to begin with a 50-100 dollar microphone, such as a Blue Yeti. You can do a lot with free audio editing software such as Audacity to make a budget microphone sound closer to a mid-high range microphone.
Andria Jackson
Art Education
11
Answers
New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Andria’s Answer
Being completely honest, most modern phones have very clear recording capabilities. So if you have a small budget, I'd just use your cell phone for now. If you have a bigger budget, honestly any type of microphone should be fine. Brand isn't necessarily important, so just go with whatever is best for your price point.
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Mason !
Voice overs are one thing and Animation with audio is another thing. I would say that you're going to need more than just a microphone, and you're not alone, it's not easy when you're a performer and suddenly technology needs to be your new best friend. LOL !
Everything is going to depend on your "set up", home studio, devices, etc. If you have an IT person that services your home tech, I would think that they might be able to evaluate your set up and tell you what would be best for you personally. There's also lots of information about this online, TMI, in my opinion, which can be helpful or just add to the confusion. So lets look at some steps you can take and if you're still in high school or college, maybe experiment with the school's equipment to test things out before buying anything.
The set up includes the microphone, an audio interface, headphones, acoustic treatment to your recording space, a digital audio workstation software, Cable Management and by testing the equipment you end up getting, you'll know how to adjust it.
Now, I don't mean to sound pedestrian or unprofessional by suggesting this, but try using your smart phone voice recorder in a quiet room and upload the file to your computer. E-Mail the sound file to a few friends and ask them to evaluate how it sounds through their devices. Sometimes this works well. As performers, it pays to try everything before investing in a full-fledged home studio. If you can visit a department store that has an electronic and tech department, or a store that has professional tech staff or a computer shop, you might be able to consult with the staff about this and because it is so individually based, you may want to be guided in person so they can ask you enough questions about your specific set up and goals that they can suggest what's best for you. To do this otherwise will just provide you with a list of brands you never heard of and not know if they're compatible with your devices or within your budget.
The most important advice: do not give up. Voice Overs and creating animation is a very good career and well worth the time and money invested. You can do this ! When you get all set up, register on Linked In and Indeed to find projects. Follow companies that hire voice over actors or look for animators. Remember to make one demo reel for Voice Over work and one for Animation. Register at the websites Voices, Voice123, Backstage, Casting Call Club, Bodalgo and others. For work in South Brisbane, QLD, register at The Voice Realm, StarNow, and Seek.
I hope the information is worth something valuable in some way to you. I wish you lots of work going forward !
Voice overs are one thing and Animation with audio is another thing. I would say that you're going to need more than just a microphone, and you're not alone, it's not easy when you're a performer and suddenly technology needs to be your new best friend. LOL !
Everything is going to depend on your "set up", home studio, devices, etc. If you have an IT person that services your home tech, I would think that they might be able to evaluate your set up and tell you what would be best for you personally. There's also lots of information about this online, TMI, in my opinion, which can be helpful or just add to the confusion. So lets look at some steps you can take and if you're still in high school or college, maybe experiment with the school's equipment to test things out before buying anything.
The set up includes the microphone, an audio interface, headphones, acoustic treatment to your recording space, a digital audio workstation software, Cable Management and by testing the equipment you end up getting, you'll know how to adjust it.
Now, I don't mean to sound pedestrian or unprofessional by suggesting this, but try using your smart phone voice recorder in a quiet room and upload the file to your computer. E-Mail the sound file to a few friends and ask them to evaluate how it sounds through their devices. Sometimes this works well. As performers, it pays to try everything before investing in a full-fledged home studio. If you can visit a department store that has an electronic and tech department, or a store that has professional tech staff or a computer shop, you might be able to consult with the staff about this and because it is so individually based, you may want to be guided in person so they can ask you enough questions about your specific set up and goals that they can suggest what's best for you. To do this otherwise will just provide you with a list of brands you never heard of and not know if they're compatible with your devices or within your budget.
The most important advice: do not give up. Voice Overs and creating animation is a very good career and well worth the time and money invested. You can do this ! When you get all set up, register on Linked In and Indeed to find projects. Follow companies that hire voice over actors or look for animators. Remember to make one demo reel for Voice Over work and one for Animation. Register at the websites Voices, Voice123, Backstage, Casting Call Club, Bodalgo and others. For work in South Brisbane, QLD, register at The Voice Realm, StarNow, and Seek.
I hope the information is worth something valuable in some way to you. I wish you lots of work going forward !