As several parts of the world enter their second wave of COVID-19 lockdowns, more and more businesses are turning to remote work in order to stay in operation. This includes most voiceover and voice acting work\u2014 which is good news for you if you\u2019re interested in this career.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n There\u2019s been a lot of gatekeeping in the voice acting industry for quite some time, but one of the biggest barriers is going extinct in front of us. You no longer have to live in LA or New York to get a gig; if you have the right equipment, you can start landing jobs from the comfort of your own home!<\/span><\/p>\n So how can you take advantage of this opportunity? You\u2019re going to need talent, availability, and the right equipment\u2014 starting with a microphone.<\/span><\/p>\n There are many different types of microphones, but the most important distinction is between USB or XLR input. <\/span><\/p>\n USB mics are a popular choice for a lot of beginners who want to start live streaming, podcasting, or creating YouTube videos. But is it a good choice for something like voice acting?<\/span><\/p>\n Here are some common benefits of a USB microphone for voiceover work:<\/span><\/p>\n If you don\u2019t know much about computers but you want to make money with your voice, getting a USB mic takes less knowledge and research. Unless you\u2019ve had some experience in live performing arts \u2014 like music or theater \u2014 you\u2019ll need to learn how to properly set up an XLR mic. Additionally, you need to learn how to configure an audio interface and a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).<\/span><\/p>\n On the other hand, USB mics are typical \u201cplug and play.\u201d All it takes is the mic and your computer to start working on your demo reel!<\/span><\/p>\n If you shop online for a microphone, USB mics are the least expensive by far. Additionally, these microphones come with built-in conversion, so you won\u2019t need to purchase an audio interface in order to use it. This means you won\u2019t need to invest as much money to get started as a voice actor. Alternatively, this would allow you to invest in other important features, such as soundproofing or coaching.<\/span><\/p>\n As I mentioned earlier, USB microphones are a popular choice among many online content creators. If you\u2019re motivated to start your voiceover career because of YouTube or Twitch, you\u2019ve probably seen a lot of people using high-end USB mics like the Blue Yeti.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n From there, the logic is simple: someone successful is using a USB microphone, you want to be successful, so you should get a USB mic in order to become successful. Right?<\/span><\/p>\n To understand the drawbacks of using a USB mic in your home recording space, let\u2019s quickly compare the benefits of using an XLR microphone instead.<\/span><\/p>\n When used properly, the recordings you get from an XLR microphone are extremely high quality. Condenser mics in particular are extremely sensitive, which means you can capture all the subtleties that make your voice so distinctive and appealing.<\/span><\/p>\n With a modular home studio that incorporates an XLR mic input, you\u2019re in it for the long haul. This kind of setup can be tweaked in different ways to deliver professional-level audio for narration, voiceover, ADR, singing, and acting. And when you start getting steady work, you can easily upgrade your equipment as you go.<\/span><\/p>\n What if you change your mind about your microphone? Whether you want to sell it or exchange it for a different model, it\u2019s much easier to do this with an XLR mic than with something that connects via USB. There\u2019s a lot more demand for second-hand mics and interfaces, so you can get a great deal either way.<\/span><\/p>\n So now that you know the benefits and drawbacks of these different microphones, which one is the best choice for you?<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re interested in doing voiceover work but you don\u2019t have a lot of money to spend, it\u2019s tempting to go the easy route with a USB mic. But truthfully speaking, this would be a mistake.<\/span><\/p>\n Even if you opt for a high-end USB mic like the Blue Yeti, you\u2019re going to hit a hard wall when you start advancing in your career. When a high-value client or big gig opportunity comes around, will you be able to provide audio on par with the competition?<\/span><\/p>\n Despite many restrictions to entry becoming obsolete, it\u2019s still far from easy to become a professional voice actor. But there\u2019s a way you can make this a little easier.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/h2>\n
USB Microphones for Voiceover<\/span><\/h2>\n
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They\u2019re easy to use<\/span><\/h3>\n
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They\u2019re affordable<\/span><\/h3>\n
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They\u2019re popular<\/span><\/h3>\n
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XLR Microphones for Voiceover<\/span><\/h2>\n
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They deliver high-quality sound<\/span><\/h3>\n
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They\u2019re easy to tweak<\/span><\/h3>\n
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They hold their value<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Which microphone should you use?<\/span><\/h2>\n