Studio Configuration

What soundproofing options do you recommend?

Studio Configuration

I haven’t written or posted anything specific about soundproofing here on NarratorsRoadmap.com. It’s too broad a topic, and everybody has different problems to address in their space.

These articles on my blog offer some introductory info:

You might consult with one of the specialists listed in the Studio Treatment & DAW Training section of the NarratorsRoadmap.com Welcome Center page.

Narrators have frequently discussed soundproofing in the Facebook Indie (ACX and Others) Audiobook Narrators and Producers group. You can search the group for “rock wool”, for instance, and see past threads on the topic.

The Facebook group called Soundproofing & Room Acoustics might offer additional useful info.

 

 

When should you upgrade software or hardware

Studio Configuration

Do not upgrade your software in the middle of a book if you can possibly avoid it. Set your system preferences for manual updates of your operating system.

If you are a Pro Tools user, be sure that your version of PT is compatible with any new operating system BEFORE you upgrade it. Look at the Pro Tools Operating System Compatibility Chart.

You never know whether you’ll run into a problem during the upgrade. Even if the upgrade does go smoothly, it could cause something else in your signal chain to break. I once upgraded my Mac OS without checking whether my Pro Tools or hardware interface would work with it. I had to upgrade Pro Tools and buy a new hardware interface, not that I had budgeted for either expense.

In addition, you may need to learn a new way of doing things. Software developers seemingly change the interface just for the sake of change rather than to actually improve functionality. You don’t need the added pressure of a looming book deadline while you figure out the differences in your software.

You don’t want to change your hardware or studio space in the middle of a book, either. You need to maintain a consistent sound throughout the course of the audiobook.

Also, keep in mind that you should backup your system before doing any upgrades. Regular backups are a very good idea. When I worked in IT, we told people: The only day you need to make a backup is the day before your system crashes!

 

Other resources on this topic:

  • Contact one of the people listed in the Studio Configuration area of the Welcome Center with questions specific to your situation.

 

Which microphone and interface should I get?

Studio Configuration

Thanks to audiobook narrator and coach Chris Ciulla who gave me permission to re-publish this information and chart he created and originally shared on Facebook. Chris surveyed a group of professional narrators about their choice of microphone, interface, and pre-amp.

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I was taking a poll to see what the most popular choices were for working narrators. I did it for my student base to understand what pros are using.

The bold items are the most popular.

The blue items are my suggestions for them to keep their total initial home studio costs under $1K, since they’re newbies.

Other resources on this topic:

  • The ACX blog offers a lot of info about microphone and other equipment choices in this article.
  • Narrator Erin deWard’s site StepUpToTheMic.net contains a fantastic number of links about all phases of studio configuration.
  • In this article, narrator Steven Jay Cohen shows you how to position your mic properly in no more than 11 steps.
  • You’ll find people who can help you fine-tune your studio sound listed in the Welcome Center.