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It is a super hard decision as to how much to spend on your first set-up. If you are not sure if you are going for it yet, I would recommend just getting something that fits your budget that you can start out with. If you are confident Narration or Voice Over is something you want to try seriously, I recommend buying a good beginner setup straight away so that you don’t have to buy twice. Software The first thing you need is a DAW or Digital Audio Workstation. There are lots to choose from, Audacity is a very simple choice that many beginners use but is limited in what you can do with it and so I recommend using software called Reaper from the beginning. That way you only have to learn a new skill only once. It has a free trial (which does roll over from the 60 days but please purchase the software as the price is extremely reasonable for what you get! I don't work for them in anyway I just think they rock!) https://www.reaper.fm/ It is an extremely powerful workstation, and perfect for Voice Over and Narration work. I recommend getting this as soon as you can to start playing with, as it has quite a steep learning curve, but once you've got it, you've got it! There is a ton of community support and videos with tips and tricks on using the software! I also have a Reaper config, FX chain and tutorials sheets you can use in the Reference Documents Hardware Microphones - Solid Set-Up Let's take a look at the set-up I recommend if you would like to take Narration and Voice Over seriously: Microphone Choice 1 Sennheiser MKE 600 Great for less-than-ideal recording spaces, lovely sound, and engineers and clients seem to love it! Really good for corporate VO as well as animation and audiobooks. I upgraded to this after a few years with my NT1 (see below) and it really is fantastic! My number one choice! Beyond this, we are moving to the high-end pro mics! Full MKE 600 review - HERE Buy the MKE 600 - HERE Microphone Choice 2 Rode NT1 (not the nt1-a) A great entry-level mic, that people use for their whole careers. This was my first pro mic and I recorded many, many projects on it! It is worth noting, that there is now a 5th generation model with XLR and USB connection and a cheaper Signature Series with just the XLR. I haven't tried these yet, I have heard that the Frequency Response is a little different with a touch of a boost on the top end but if it is anything on the original NT1 4th gen the added connectivity for the 5th Gen and the cheaper price point for the Sig Series sound fantastic! It is worth noting these hear everything so if you are worried about background noise I would say go for the MKE 600. Full NT1 review - HERE Buy the NT1 4th Gen - HERE Buy the NT1 5th Gen - HERE Buy the NT1 Signature Series - HERE The Ultimate Voice Over Mics! If you have been in the business a little longer, are looking to upgrade or you just want to go for the big ones here are the top industry mics! Sennheiser MKH 416 - The big brother to the MKE 600. This was the shotgun mic the made shotgun mics a Voice Over artist's choice. A forward, confident, bold sound, perfect for commercials, but works for anything especially if you are worried about a less than ideal recording space. Buy the MKH 416 - HERE Neumann TLM 103 - Often reviewed as the best large diaphragm condenser mic for voice over. It has a gorgeous sound, very low self-noise and it is very standard across the industry! It will hear a pin drop so make sure your recording space is up to it! Buy the TLM 103 - HERE Neumann U87 Ai - This is often seen as the Holy Grail mic. I have heard many engineers say generally it is not needed for an at home studio, and the TLM 103 will be enough, but I have heard others say they can tell the difference and they love it! I would say, see if you can rent one and test it in your space first, as it sure is a big investment! Buy the U87 Ai - HERE Microphones - Super Budget Option It is worth saying that if you intend to take Voice Over and Narration seriously, you should invest in one of the above options. However, if you are just starting out, and are not quite sure yet if you can commit the money, The Maono PD200X is a really solid entry choice. It plugs straight into the USB of your computer so is everything you need as a super budget option. However, when you want to try and move into the industry you really need a more professional setup to secure work. Full PD200X Review - HERE Buy the PD200X - HERE Other Budget Options While the PD200X is what I recommend I have added a couple of others for you to compare. You can often find YouTube videos comparing the sounds, and everyone's space and voice are different so you have a few options to check out. If you can stretch to an interface here is a very affordable XLR mic: Audio-Technica AT2020 - HERE If you cannot afford an interface you will be looking at USB options: Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ - HERE Rode NT-USB+ - HERE Blue Yeti - HERE Blue Yeti X - HERE Audio Interface Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 - A very standard interface, I see them in studios all the time. They are cheap and reliable, sure you can spend more but this is a great starting point. I recommend the 2i2 over the Solo as there are just a few more features that make it useful, plus you get another input if you ever need it! You will need an interface for any XLR mic to supply Phantom power and for plugging into your laptop.   Full 2i2 review - HERE   Buy the 2i2 - HERE   Headphones Once you have the above, you will need a good pair of over-ear headphones, anything will do as you start out, but eventually, you want to look at getting a pair of over-ear headphones. They should be Monitor headphones or Audio Mixing headphones, which are different to headphones you might buy for listening to music. If you think of popular headphones like Beats or something with Noise Cancelling and extra bass, it is very hard to hear the real sound of your recording, the headphones affect the sound. So you need a pair that gives you the true sound so you know how to mix the finished track. The industry standards are Beyer DT770’s, there are many others, I just love the Beyers and again, see them in studios all the time! Full DT 770's review - HERE Buy the DT 770's - HERE Laptop For this, I really recommend a Macbook Air M3. I used to have a PC outside of my booth and would run cables for the monitor and use Bluetooth for the mouse and keyboard because the fans were too loud. Now I have the Air it comes into the booth with me, and I can use it for auditions while I am travelling too! It handles everything I throw at it easily, including audio post-production, video editing and even some gaming believe it or not! (No Man's Sky runs great!) Buy the Macbook Air 13" M3 - HERE Buy the Macbook Air 15" M3 - HERE Room Treatment The most overlooked thing to think about is treating your recording space to keep away atmospheric sounds like cars from outside, or air conditioning, and stopping any reflection of your voice so that you don’t get an echo in the recording. An excellent professional Mic can sound awful in a bad space, so this is SUPER important and will dictate what kind of mic you should be looking at. THIS MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE! This video shows you a pretty solid on-the-fly DIY recording space and teaches you the basics of treating a space. https://youtu.be/5Se381sERrY You want to choose a space that is pretty quiet to begin with, and then you have a few options. The Blanket Fort Make a frame from mic stands, clothes racks or any thing you can find! PVC tubes work really well. Cover it with blankets, the heavier the better. Many people use movers blankets  but when I first started out I just used all the duvets and things I could find in the house. When I upgraded I went for specially made Sound Blankets , and I know a few people that have bought the premade portable vocal booths  which they say are great! I must say the best quality I have found are the ones from https://vocalboothtogo.com/  I think there Producers Choice blankets are really good! The Converted Space Find a room or closet you wish to convert and then surround yourself with soft surfaces. You can use blankets, pillows anything you can find! You can look at foam panels  but remember you want to add MASS and not just soft things. Mass stops external sound so layers can be really helpful! Don't forget bass traps  to take away as much of that boxy sound as possible! The Home Booth/Studio When you are ready to invest more seriously in your narration or Voice Over career you can look at building or purchasing a proper sound-isolated booth, but a fort or closet Is totally enough to get started! Coaching Once you have your setup you are ready to start practising and applying for jobs! It is really worth getting some coaching when you start out, especially if you do not have any experience in performance or are unsure on the tech side! There are a ton of great coaches out there, and it is all about finding the one that works for you! If you would like to get some coaching with me you can check out my coaching page here: https://www.kevinkemp.co.uk/coaching For anything else throw your questions in the comments! Happy narrating!!!!!!

Breaking into the voice-over and audiobook narration industry can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can turn your passion for storytelling and vocal performance into a rewarding career. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started, book your first gig, and eventually land higher-profile work.   1. Understanding the Industry Before diving in, it’s essential to understand the voice-over and audiobook narration industry. This includes familiarizing yourself with different types of voice-over work (check out our article HERE ) and the specific demands of audiobook narration (such as long recording sessions and consistency in character voices). The key here is understanding you are going to need flexibility. Auditions and work, in some occasions, can come in the day before and you will need to be available to go to a studio or take a session from home with minimal notice.   2. Developing Your Skills Voice Training: Invest time in developing your vocal skills. This includes learning proper breathing techniques, vocal warm-ups, and how to use your voice for up to 6 hours a day without straining or any changes in tone and quality. And of course how to manipulate your voice for a range of characters.   Acting Skills: Voice-over and audiobook narration require strong acting abilities. This is strangely often overlooked and something casting directors mention A LOT. It is also what will separate you from AI voices and keep you booking jobs for longer! Consider taking acting classes or workshops to improve your ability to create believable characters and inspiring performances. If you would like to work with me as a coach you can check out my coaching site HERE   Reading Aloud: Practice reading aloud regularly. Audiobook narration, in particular, requires a smooth, clear delivery with excellent story telling all while reading from the page.   3. Setting Up Your Home Studio Basic Equipment: Start with essential equipment like a good-quality microphone, headphones, a pop filter, and an audio interface. You don’t need to break the bank, but investing in decent equipment is crucial for producing professional-quality recordings. Take a look at my recommendations for starting equipment HERE Recording Space: THIS IS KEY! Invest in your recording space. You can make a budget mic sound so much better by making good decisions here. Create a quiet, sound-treated space for recording. This could be a basic blanket fort or a converted closet to minimize background noise and echo.   Recording Software: Choose user-friendly recording software (DAW - Digital Audio Workstation) like Audacity, Reaper, or Adobe Audition. Familiarize yourself with basic recording and editing techniques. Reaper is definitely my favorite of the bunch!   4. Building Your Demo Reel Voice Reel: Create a voice reel showcasing your range and versatility. You will want a separate reel for each different genre, from a short punchy commercial reel about one minute long, to another one minute reel showing different characters and voices for an animation reel. Both should have music and sound effect backing to give the illusion each snippet is taken from a fully produced project.   Audiobook Sample: Record around eight to ten audiobook samples from different genres and styles. Each should be around two minutes long. They should demonstrate your ability to maintain character voices and narrative flow and make sure each has something unique to show different abilities. Audiobook samples should not have any music or sound effects but should be mastered to ACX requirements.   5. Creating an Online Presence Website: Set up a professional website to showcase your demo reels, resume, and contact information. Make sure it’s easy to navigate, visually appealing and that your reels are on the first page with an MP3 download option.   Social Media: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with industry professionals and showcase your work.   Voice Over Marketplaces: Create profiles on popular voice-over marketplaces like Voices.com , Voice123, and ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange).   6. Networking and Finding Work Networking: Attend industry events, webinars, and workshops to meet other voice-over artists, producers, and casting directors. Networking is crucial for finding opportunities and getting referrals.   Auditions: Regularly audition for roles on voice-over marketplaces and casting websites. Be persistent and use each audition as an opportunity to refine your skills.   Cold Outreach: Don’t underestimate the potential of reaching out directly to possible clients, production studios, and audiobook publishers directly. Send a brief, professional introduction along with a link to your demo reel.   7. Booking Your First Gig When you book your first gig, ensure you understand the project’s requirements and deadlines. Communicate professionally with the client and deliver high-quality work. Building a reputation for reliability and professionalism will lead to repeat business and referrals.   8. Continuing Education and Improvement Workshops and Classes: Continuously improve your skills by attending workshops and classes. Acting is a lifelong study and you can always discover more!   Feedback: Seek feedback from clients and other professionals. Constructive criticism is invaluable for growth.   9. Moving to Higher Profile Work Agents: Consider getting representation from a talent agent who specializes in voice-over work. Agents can help you access higher-profile opportunities that are simply not available on the public platforms and negotiate better rates.   Professional Associations: Join professional associations like the Audio Publishers Association (APA) or the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS) to gain industry recognition and access exclusive resources.   Advanced Equipment: As you progress, upgrade your home studio equipment and software to ensure your recordings meet industry standards.   Remote Session Software You might want to offer you clients the ability to direct live sessions from your home studio. While when you start out something like zoom will be fine, at the higher tiers of work the industry standard is to use Source Connect. Which allows high quality remote recording. It has a price tag but some clients won’t work without it.   Specialization: Develop a niche or specialization within the industry, such as monster voices for animation or specific genres of audiobooks. Specializing can help you stand out and attract higher-profile work.   Conclusion Breaking into the voice-over and audiobook narration industry requires dedication, persistence, and continuous improvement. By developing your skills, setting up a professional home studio, networking, and actively seeking opportunities, you can start booking gigs and eventually establish yourself as a sought-after professional in the industry. Remember, every professional voice-over artist started where you are now – with passion and a dream. YOU GOT THIS!

Welcome to the wonderful world of voice acting! 🎤 Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your career, understanding the various types of voice over jobs can open up new opportunities and help you find your niche. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of voice over work and offer some tips to help you get started in each area. 1. Commercial Voice Over What It Is: Commercial voice over work involves providing the voice for advertisements on TV, radio, or online platforms. What You’ll Do: Deliver promotional messages for products, services, or events, aiming to persuade and engage the audience. Tips for Success:  - Master the art of speaking in a friendly, convincing tone while delivering branding messages. - Understand the product or service you’re promoting. - Develop a variety of styles, from Business Formal to Relaxed Conversational. 2. Animation Voice Over What It Is: Animation voice over involves lending your voice to animated characters in TV shows, and movies. What You’ll Do: Create unique voices for characters, bringing them to life with emotion and personality. Tips for Success:  - Experiment with different voices and characters. - Study animation and character development. - Network with animators and studios. 3. Video Game Voice Over What It Is: Video game voice over work involves voicing characters and narration in video games. What You’ll Do: Bring characters to life, deliver lines for story-driven content, or provide voice for interactive game elements. Tips for Success:  - Get experience in Mo-Cap (Motion Capture). - Be prepared for intense recording sessions. - Play a variety of games to familiarize yourself with different styles. 4. Audiobook Narration What It Is: Audiobook narration involves bringing books to life through your voice. As an audiobook narrator, you’ll read and perform books, engaging the listener with your voice. What You’ll Do: Narrate stories with a range of characters and styles, from dramatic novels to educational non-fiction. Tips for Success:  - Practice different character voices and accents. - Develop a good narration pace and clear enunciation. - Consider taking a course or workshop on audiobook narration. 5. Corporate Voice Over What It Is: Corporate voice over work involves creating voice content for business presentations, training videos, and internal communications. What You’ll Do: Provide a professional and engaging voice for corporate materials. Tips for Success:  - Develop a clear and authoritative speaking style. - Understand corporate communication strategies. - Build a professional portfolio. 6. E-Learning Voice Over What It Is: E-learning voice over involves creating audio content for educational materials, such as online courses and training modules. What You’ll Do: Record clear and engaging audio for educational content, guiding learners through lessons. Tips for Success:  - Focus on clarity and pace. - Be aware of educational content and learning objectives. - Practice making complex information accessible and engaging. 7. Medical and Technical Voice Over What It Is: This niche involves voicing content for medical or technical fields, such as medical training videos or technical product explanations. What You’ll Do: Provide clear and accurate information in a specialized field. Tips for Success:  - Get familiar with medical or technical terminology. - Focus on clarity and precision. - Work with experts in the field to ensure accuracy. 8. Non-Broadcast Explainer What It Is: This type of voice over is used in educational institutions, museums, and other non-broadcast settings to explain concepts, exhibits, or educational content. What You’ll Do: Provide clear and engaging explanations to enhance the educational experience. Tips for Success:  - Focus on clear and articulate delivery. - Understand the educational content and audience. - Use a tone that is both informative and engaging. 9. IVR and Phone Systems What It Is: IVR (Interactive Voice Response) and phone system voice over involves recording prompts and messages for automated phone systems. What You’ll Do: Record messages for phone menus, voicemail greetings, and customer service prompts. Tips for Success:  - Use a clear and friendly tone. - Understand the structure of phone menus and prompts. - Be precise with your enunciation. 10. Documentaries and Narration What It Is: This type of voice over involves narrating documentaries and other non-fiction content. What You’ll Do: Provide informative and engaging narration to guide viewers through documentaries with clarity and passion. Tips for Success:  - Research the subject matter thoroughly. - Develop a compelling and authoritative voice. - Practice balancing informative content with engaging delivery. 11. Promo and Trailer Voice Over What It Is: Promo and trailer voice over involves creating voice content for upcoming TV shows, movies, or events. What You’ll Do: Deliver exciting and engaging messages to generate interest and anticipation. Tips for Success:  - Master the art of creating excitement and intrigue. - Understand the promotional goals of the project. - Develop a range of energetic and dynamic delivery styles. 12. Dubbing What It Is: Dubbing involves replacing the original dialogue in a film, TV show, or video with a voice over in a different language. What You’ll Do: Match the original actors' lip movements and delivery while performing the dialogue in another language. Tips for Success:  - Develop strong language skills and practice lip-sync techniques. - Understand the cultural nuances of the target language. - Work on timing and synchronization to ensure a seamless dub. 13. Audio Drama What It Is: Audio drama voice over involves acting out characters in audio plays or serialized podcasts. What You’ll Do: Perform as various characters, often in a script that relies solely on audio to convey the story. Tips for Success:  - Develop deep character work and emotional delivery. - Practice creating vivid scenes using only your voice. - Collaborate closely with writers and directors to bring the script to life. 14. Toys What It Is: Voice over work for toys involves providing voices for interactive toys, games, and learning devices. What You’ll Do: Create fun and engaging voices that appeal to children and enhance the toy's interactivity. Tips for Success:  - Develop a range of playful and energetic voices. - Understand the target age group and their preferences. - Practice creating voices that are both engaging and safe on the voice for extended recording sessions. 15. Podcasts What It Is: Podcast voice over work involves hosting, narrating, or providing character voices for podcast episodes. What You’ll Do: Engage listeners with your voice, whether you're telling a story, discussing a topic, or performing as a character. Tips for Success:  - Develop a strong and engaging vocal presence. - Understand the podcast’s format and audience. - Practice creating a natural and conversational tone. 16. AI/Synthetic Voice/TTS What It Is: This involves providing voice samples to create synthetic voices for AI applications, text-to-speech (TTS) systems, and other technologies. What You’ll Do: Record various phrases and sounds that will be used to generate synthetic speech. Tips for Success:  - Provide consistent and clear voice recordings. - Understand the requirements and usage of synthetic voices. - Work closely with developers to ensure high-quality output. --- Finding Your Path The world of voice over is diverse and full of opportunities! Whether you’re drawn to the drama of audiobook narration or the excitement of video game voice acting, there’s a place for you. Start by exploring these different types of jobs, building your skills, and creating a demo reel that showcases your talent. Get Started Today! Ready to dive into the world of voice over? Start by exploring these areas, honing your craft, and reaching out to potential clients. The more you practice and network, the more opportunities you’ll find. Happy voice acting!

Welcome to The Audiobook Guy's Production Services At The Audiobook Guy, we're all about turning your audiobook dreams into reality. Whether you're an author with a story to share or a narrator looking to perfect your craft, we're here to make the production process a breeze, and even a bit of fun. ​ What we of fer: ​ - We work with Authors and Rights holders offering Full Audiobook Production Services - We work with Narrators to take away the stress of Post Production - We are excited to work with Voice Over Artists to create engaging reels that help them get work! Have a look below for more information on the services we offer, and if there is something else you need that is not listed reach out to us! We will always chat with you to see if we can find the answer! ​ Audiobook production can sometimes feel confusing and overwhelming, but we're here to take away the stress and technical worries. Our team of experts is committed to delivering high-quality results, and we're dedicated to making the journey an enjoyable one for you. ​ We believe that everyone has a story to tell, and every voice deserves to be heard. The Audiobook Guy is here to make that happen. ​ So, let's get started and turn your audiobook dreams into reality! Welcome to our world of creativity, precision, and above all, a warm and reassuring approach to production services. ​ Let's make some magic! Full Audiobook Production For authors and rights holders, we offer a comprehensive service that includes everything from casting the perfect voice to managing the entire production process, right through to post-production. We'll handle the technical aspects, so you can focus on what you do best – being creative. ​ $350 pfh Post Production Services Narrators, we've got you covered too. Our post-production services include: - Proofing - Editing - and Mastering. We'll make sure your narration shines, ensuring your audiobook is a masterpiece. ​ $85 pfh Narrator and Voice Over Reel Production Are you a narrator or voice-over artist looking to promote your talent? Let us help you put together a captivating reel that showcases your unique skills and abilities. ​ Bespoke Fee ​ (let us know a little more about you in the form below and we can work together to find the right budget for your reel!) Production Support Do you need something a little different? Perhaps you just want to sound-check your recording set-up to ensure it will hit ACX requirements, maybe you need help in the process of researching and preparing a book for narration, or maybe you have your Audiobook recorded and you just can't navigate ACX and need some help preparing and uploading files. We can create a bespoke service to match your needs and budget so that your work is as bright and wonderful as you are! Get a Quote Let us know about your project and the kinds of services you need. Let's create together to make your work FLY! First Name Last Name Email Project Info Send Thanks for submitting!

To see this working, head to your live site. Categories All Posts My Posts Forum Welcome! Have a look around and join the discussions. Create New Post General Discussion Share stories, ideas, pictures and projects! subcategory-list-item.views subcategory-list-item.posts 6 Follow Questions & Answers Get answers and share knowledge. subcategory-list-item.views subcategory-list-item.posts 4 Follow Audiobook Reviews Post reviews of Audiobooks you love to help people find their next great listen!!! subcategory-list-item.views subcategory-list-item.posts 1 Follow Castings Post jobs looking for talent. Please follow forum rules. subcategory-list-item.views subcategory-list-item.posts 0 Follow New Posts Kevin Kemp Mithril Member Dash · Aug 24, 2023 Audiobook Releases!!! General Discussion Plug your new releases! Share an audiobook you are excited to have worked on! LET'S ALL SUPPORT EACH OTHER!!! YAY!!!!! Like 5 comments 5 Samantha Norbury Silver Member Dash · Aug 18, 2023 PFH rate with no post production Questions & Answers Hey hey wonderful narrators! I'm curisous what people charge when post production is handled by the client. Do you typically stick with $250 or do you go lower since they are doing all of the post work? Thanks friends! Like 2 5 comments 5 Kevin Kemp Mithril Member Dash · May 11 List of Great Audiobooks with one-line reviews! Audiobook Reviews I would love people to post their full reviews in this forum but I thought it would be fun to have one post that is just a long list of Audiobooks people love with a simple one-line summary/review! This can be a quick reference point if people just want to scan for a recommended listen! • Comment just one book or as many as you like! • Name the Audiobook • Leave your one-line review! • Copy the info on Audible, or which ever platform it is on, so people can see • Link to the audiobook to make it easy for your fellow Audiobookers I'll get us started! Project Hail Mary Excellently narrated Sci-Fi, funny, science nerd joy, 2022 Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year! By Andy Weir Narrated by: Ray Porter Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins 4.9 out of 5 stars4.9 (158,113 ratings) https://www.audible.com/pd/Project-Hail-Mary-Audiobook/B08G9PRS1K?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp Like 1 4 comments 4 Forum - Frameless