Learn Voice Over with Books, Scripts and Audio Files
(We would never recommend anything we don’t use ourselves or believe in 100%. We may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking one of our links. Every little bit helps fund our work, so thanks!)
The Sennheiser MKH-416. The VO gold standard.
There’s a reason why this mic is so common in pro recording studios. It’s directionality, consonant articulation and feedback rejection make this the ideal VO mic, especially for commercials and promos.
The Neumann TLM 103. This mic’s capsule is derived from the legendary U-87, allowing for amazing sound for a quarter of the price. An excellent choice for a range of VO, from commercials to audiobooks.
The AKG 214. An XLR Mic for the price of a higher-end USB mic. The 214 is a cost effective alternative to large diaphragm mics costing three times as much.
The Sennheiser MK4. Sennheiser is a trusted name in studio mics, and the MK4 is the company’s solution for affordable home studio recording. An excellent choice for male or female voice actors.
The Audio-Technica AT 2020. Some version of this mic has been around since the advent of digital home recording. The most current example features an integrated headphone jack for self-monitoring. A solid choice for recording on a budget.
The RODE NT USB Mic. RODE is known for high quality mics, and the NT does not disappoint. This side-address mic (as opposed to shotgun-style) comes with a desktop stand and pop filter.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. This little red box has two XLR inputs, great sounding preamps and easy plug and play capability. It also works flawlessly with Audacity. A VO staple.
The PreSonus iTwo. Two mic inputs, 48v phantom power, plus it comes with all kinds of goodies for recording music, if that’s your thing. A very flexible piece of gear.
The Shure X2U. A lot of signal adapter in a small, travel-ready package. Make this part of your travel rig and record anywhere: hotels, cars, on location.
A mic stand is a must. This popular floor stand does the job. Most stands have a 5/8” threaded tip to receive a microphone mount, and chances are your mic comes with one.
The RODE PSA1. Low on floor space in your booth? Fasten this boom stand to your desk instead.
The Sennheiser MZQ 100. A quick-release mount for the legendary Sennheiser 416 mic. If yours didn’t come with one, it’s an inexpensive must-have.
The Neumann EA-1 Shockmount. Isolate your TLM 103 with this mount and you can accidentally bump your mic stand all you want and no one will know.
LyxPro XLR Cables. XLR mics require specific cables, and these low-noise examples are all you need. Affordable and available in different lengths.
Planet Wave XLR Cables. Audio cables with 24K gold plated connections for superior signal flow for around $20.
The Aokeo Pop Filter. An indispensable piece of gear for less than $15. A double-layer mesh filter prevents the polsives and pops which can ruin your auditions and takes.
Auralex Studiofoam Panels. All booths need acoustic treatment and Auralex is a top name in sound absorption. These 12” x 12” panels allow for flexible positioning so you can tame the echoes and flutters that plague your home recording space.
Auralex Studiofoam Bass Traps. Help reduce low-frequency bounce and eliminate the “boxy” sound of your recording space by putting these in the corners.
Moving Blankets. In a pinch, these provide some noise reduction and cost next to nothing. Not a bad choice for building a recording booth on a budget.