sign up for our
NEWSLETTER

Home Shop Subscribe Advertise Articles Directories Classifieds Calendar FAQs Contact Us Login

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A wall of fabric and foam, and a door, separate the space for writing novels (above) and a voice-over studio (right).
 
 
Joan Hall Hovey
Voice Actor & Suspense Novelist
 
Originally what was one room (12 ft. by 7 ft.) where I did my writing, is now two tiny rooms.
 
My husband put up a door and wall in the middle of the room to create a voice-over recording studio (6 ft. by 7 ft.). He soundproofed the studio by attaching two-inch foam to the door and wall.
 
I added fabric to the wall, and had purchased both the foam and fabric at a fabric center. The door between the rooms shuts tightly.
 
The books in my floor-to-ceiling bookshelves help to soundproof, as do heavy drapes on the window opposite my Yahama keyboard. I play a little, so I'm multi-tasking in this space. Behind the solid wall opposite the window is my bedroom clothes closet, which is also a big help in keeping things quiet.
 
There's a desk and chair in front of the window. And that's it. Works for me.
 
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
 
My studio equipment is minimal:
  • EV PL 20 mic
  • dbx 286A preamp
  • Cool Edit 2000 recording/editing software
I chose this equipment because it seemed best for someone who is very definitely not an audio engineer. I wanted to keep things simple.
 
Along with lots of trial and error when setting up the studio, I received valuable advice from many pros in the field. I like the sound of my voice on this mic and it's very forgiving of any sibilance, which I have a slight tendency toward. It's a lovely mic.
 
The DBX 286A was recommended by Todd Schick, a wonderful voice talent. I use it strictly as a preamp because I didn't know what the hell I was doing with the compressor.
 
At Joan's web site, hear her read a passage from her novel, Chill Waters, winner of the Golden Wings and Bloody Dagger awards. Based in New Brunswick, Canada, her voice-over work includes commercials, narrations and audiobooks. She is also author of the suspense novels, Nowhere to Hide and Listen to the Shadows, and wrote and produced Write Your Novel, a how-to guide that she narrates and also sells as an e-book.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tell Us What YOU Think!
Please Note: Since we check for spam, there will be a slight delay in the actual posting of your comment.
Your Name:
Your Email Address (will not be published):
Your Comment:
Your Comment:
Security code:     
Comments
No comments have been posted yet. Hurry, and you could be the first!
Back to Articles
Inspiring interviews help your VO career
Email alerts to new VoiceOverXtra articles
On Michael Langsner's Voice-Over Roadmap Podcast
For essential voice-over business strategies