I find it hard to believe this is anything new, but a “Radio World” website article from just a week ago profiles 3 broadcast talents who are doing it from home now as if it were something new.

The article comes complete with pics of their studios and a profile of their new-found life as non-commuters.

Check it out at: CALL IT HOME SWEET STUDIO

CourVO

Since I know both John Florian, and Dan Lenard as friends, I’m giving their upcoming teleseminar my top rating! (whatever that is).  I’m just saying…it’ll be well worth your while to listen in.

Dan (right) is the dean of designing, building and innovating affordable home studios….he explains it in simple language that makes sense, and his ideas are designed towards an inexpensive but high-quality solution for a home studio.

John Florian, who runs VoiceOverXtra.com has been putting together some fine teleseminars of late, and this one is well worth the modest price.  For beginners and advanced pros.  February 23rd & 24th.

I’d say more but you’ll find all you need to know HERE.

CourVO

Then you gotta check out this article on Lifehacker to see how the guy did it.  VERY clean desktop, and 3 monitors!  Nice.

CourVO

You should. 

I don't want to accentuate her age, but she's been at the business of voice acting for a long time.  Long enough to be able to see the forest for the trees.

She's a busy voice actor, and somehow manages to schedule a whole buncha workshops all over the country (and in her native Dallas)…and she's even on the faculty or does guest professorships here 'n' there.

I say all that to preface her comments about pay-to-play sites which I'm copying and pasting below.  I gleaned these words from her post on a VO Web forum in answer to a (forever asked) question about V123.

Bettye has given me free rein to repurpose her comments, 'cause she knows I'll be fair, and because her words — always frank and measured — just need to be "retweeted" as we would say on Twitter…which is to say it bears repeating.

Following her comments, there is a very well composed response from another voice actor that offers an excellent caveat to Bettye's comments.

CourVO

This online list group goes through this cycle constantly with posts
about "should I pay to be included on a pay-to-play online vo booking
site." Hey everybody…

if you are in the voiceover biz today, get
used to it…an online presence is the HEART of your business. No
question. As a friend said recently (he is one of the U.S. biggest male
voice talents grossing about a half million each year from nationals
etc) "It is the cost of doing business, just as a clothing store owner
must buy expensive inventory (clothing etc) to stock in the store,
voice talents must maintain an online presence. It's tax deductible! I
spend approx. $5500 and more per year on internet sites. member fees
etc."

My day, every single day, begins with online auditions and online jobs
that come in from pay-to-play sites I belong to and also from my
agents. Get with it cause it's here to stay! Some days I hardly can
leave my computer I'm so busy!! And then, I'm interrupted by the
recording and mixing and editing jobs I get in my studio. It's really a
great business and we're not feeling any? type of so-called "recession"
at all and I hear the same from my colleagues.

In my Business of Voiceover Workshops, I teach it this way: There are?FOUR streams of income today for voiceover talents:

1. The online sites that book us or send auditions plus our own websites
2. Having voiceover agents who book us
3. Selling our own jobs when possible and hopefully getting some repeat business on our own from happy clients
4. Expanding to the world, not just thinking "the U.S." because the
world wants unaccented American voices now! Are you aware there are
online pay to play sites from many other countries who now book us? You
should get known worldwide!

Of course, it's a "given" that a voice talent must own and operate as
an audio engineer a good in-home studio and if you're not able to do
this yet, you have to get capable or forget about voice work. It's just
a fact.

So truly, everyone, these discussions about "should I join this or that" and crying about $300 joining fee or whatever…it's
a must and it's the cost of doing business. Every business has a cost.
Voiceovers do too!! Plus you spend money (we hope) on self promotion
and getting your recording gear in shape, etc.

________________________

Paul Strikwerda answers:

Thanks for your input. You're right: having an online presence is an
absolute must. One might be blessed with the most divine vocal chords
on earth, but if nobody knows where to find you, it's hard to get any
work as a voice-over professional. That's where sites like voice123 and
voices.com come in.

It's also true that not all booking sites are created equal. Some are
absolutely worth paying for, and others are a waste of hard-earned
cash. Beginners in this business can have a challenging time separating
the good from the bad and the ugly. The value of any investment is
ultimately determined by the result. That's why I appreciate the honest
feedback from colleagues. Their comments are based on experience and
not on claims made by marketing managers who work for these sites.

Although I have been in broadcasting for many years, I recently decided
to increase my focus on voice-overs. Unfortunately, I'm not yet at a
point where I gross half a million each year. That's why I'd like to
stretch my dollars as much as I can. I have to distinguish between what
I would like to have, and what I can't live without. So, my plans to
get a Neumann47 are temporarily on hold…

Ideally, I'd like to sign up for as many reputable booking sites as
possible. However, I don't think it's wise to spend money on a site

that doesn't understand the concept of customer service and does very
little to promote their talent. It doesn't matter whether they'd charge
$299 or $2.99. They don't deserve my business, tax deductible or not.

Check out the info below the fold, and visit their website HERE.

It's not too late to join us for Our next 8-Week Freshman Tele-course   Wednesday evenings starting March 4th, 5:00 to 6:30 pm (Pacific Time) Click HERE to read about this terrific way to get the essential information you need to begin a successful VO career – and to read what others are saying about this course. Two of America's top voiceover coaches, James R. Alburger & Penny Abshire, will guide you through the maze and get you started down the right road! And you won't even have to leave the comfort of your own home to learn! Now that's cost effective! To register click HERE or call 858-484-0220 for more information

Dan Lenard, of Buffalo, of voice-acting fame, of humble origins and supportive nature.  I mean, read the guy's V123 or Voices profile.  He's done a lot!

But the thing that distinguishes Dan above the rest is he "…is also a recognized industry expert
in the field of home studio construction and is a fee-based home studio
consultant…" (that's a quote from his website).

Dan has earned special working relationships with Voice-acting branding expert Nancy Wolfson and technology expert George Whittam

S'all true.  And on top of that Dan agreed to answer my dumb questions about vocal booths.  Well, maybe there's no such thing as a dumb question, but let's just say their innocent n00b questions.

Dan was patient, thorough, and timely in his response.  Read below, and I believe everyone will find something that will help you improve your sound. 

He includes a summary and some links at the end… Thanks Dan!

Dave:  Would
you agree that tomorrow’s voice actor should be equipped with their own private
studio to be able to stay competitive in the VO industry? (if yes, explain why)

 Dan Lenard: Dave,
there is no question that a home studio is a must. While some big studio
producers and agents may be slow to accept this fact, it is inevitable. The
technology has simplified the process of creating broadcast quality voice
recording to the point where it is as easy as typing this answer and reading
this blog. So to those of you reading this, I believe you already have the
techno savvy to start getting your home studio together.   

Dave:  
All
other considerations being moot (budget, equipment, etc.) what is the ultimate
goal of the home/private studio in terms of sound quality?

Dan Lenard If
you listen to the radio or watch TV, you know what good quality audio is. No
discernable background noise, high output and voice presence without
over-modulation. Those factors are fairly easy to control. Also, each studio is
a unique environment and will have its own distinct “sound” depending on what
mic you use, how you use it, and of course how you, the unique voice that you
are, use that voice.

Dave:  
What
is the “sound floor”?…and what is an acceptable sound floor standard for a
home/private studio?

Dan Lenard If
you listen to web audio of some guy on a headset mic explaining their software
product, you’ll hear… echo, room environment, other people in the background,
and hiss or buzzing from an under-leveled mic. Noise floor is simply a
measurement standard of that noise as opposed to your voice in the foreground.
If you were to just record your studio using your mic without your voice, there
would be ambient noise. The sound of your computer fan, the refrigerator, the
garbage truck, the guy next door mowing his lawn and again, any electronically
introduced noise like hissing, humming and buzzing. At SaVOA, the Society of
Accredited Voice Over Artists, SaVOa we use the
broadcast standard of -40Db. So if you record your studio without your voice,
if the background noise you record exceeds 40Db, that’s unacceptable. I guess
the question any novice might ask is A) How do I measure that? and B) How do
you eliminate that noise? It depends on the noise. Each has its own factors and
solutions. Measuring is a matter looking at the waveforms that you have
recorded or using software that has a constant readout of the Audio level.  Listening is also a good method. You can hear
it clearly under your voice? It’s Too much.

Dave:   
When
you’re approached by someone to consult on the building of a private/home
studio, what are your first questions or considerations?

Dan Lenard What
is the purpose of your studio? What kind of experience do you have recording
any type of audio? What room are you considering using. What’s your budget?

Dave:  
Voice
actors talk about converting available space in a closet or other small room
into their home/private studio.  Is this
sensible?  What questions should that
person be asking before launching into such a project?

Dan Lenard U
bet Dave! Any room in a house or apartment, except maybe the bathroom, can be
used for your home studio. That said, each different room presents its own
challenges.  Usually a client will say “I
want to use the guest room or spare bedroom, or a closet.” If you are doing a
room survey to decide what the best space to use is, ask yourself “What types
of interruptions can occur if I am using this room?” The A/C furnace? Outdoor
noises, Kids, spouse? It has to be a designated area that everyone understands
is “Off limits” when you are doing your thing. If that is impossible, then
consider another area.  Look for a room
that will be easy or easiest to isolate from the outside world.

Dave:   
Offer
your description of a bare-bones working studio (maybe even something that’s
temporary for each session) including materials and cost.

 Dan Lenard A
PC or Laptop, although I prefer a Mac for a number of reasons, A new USB Studio
Condenser Mic, of which an acceptable one can be had for as little as $100,
Studio monitors which are more pricey or your ipod headphones to start, and
recording software which can be had for NADA! What? No Preamps, racks of
processors, a huge mixing board? What for? Are you producing the Goo Goo Dolls
next CD? No, you are recording single track mono audio! That’s IT!

Also,
a couple of quilts in lieu of fancy noise dampening material to start off with.
Check your closet to see what you have.

Dave:   
Is
it the ambient room sound behind the mic or in front of the mic
(or both) that needs to be dampened?

Dan Lenard Both!
Well, sort of. There are two things you are trying to accomplish. 1) preventing
outside noise from coming in and 2) keeping the noise you create with your
voice from bouncing all over the room and coming back to the mic. What we refer
to as “decay.”

Dave:   
Should
a studio be constructed on the first floor?…basement?…2nd floor?

Dan Lenard Again,
it depends on the factors we discussed earlier. If you have a basement, start
there, as that will most likely prevent the most amount of exterior noise from
reaching you. However, activity above you must be controlled. Your spouse or
significant other and kids must learn to respect the fact that you are down
there. The elephant herd (Heard) above can be very frustrating.  No basement? A small bedroom or a walk-in
closet are your next choices. 

 Dave:   
What’s
your favorite sound dampening material, small AND big-budget?

 Dan Lenard Small?
A full closet and some down quilts. I once had a client telling me their closet
used to sound great, and then, suddenly it sounded like they were in a tunnel.
My only question was, “have you taken something to the cleaners lately?”  “Yes, a large coat,” and
that solved it!

More
expensive? Auralex foam which comes in a bunch of colors and isn’t cheap, but
it also won’t break the bank depending on how you use it. There are a few other
options as well, but that’s a whole nother article. Lets keep it simple.

Dave: 
How
many requests do you get for help with a mobile (on-the-road) studio?  What do you suggest?

Dan Lenard Personally,
I’m starting to believe, based on what we have available technologically, there
can be little difference between a simple, unobtrusive home studio and what you
can take on the road.  My good friend
George Whittam at El Dorado recording services is marketing a great system that
would be good on the road and at home. It is a system that was endorsed by the
late, great, Don LaFontaine. Click HERE.

Legendary
VO guru Harlan Hogan also invented a great OTR thing called the Porto-Booth.  Check
that out.

Dave: 
Tell
us your short list of absolute “don’t’s” when constructing a home/private sound
booth.  (In other words what are some of
the common mistakes people make in building their own booths?)

Dan Lenard They
go for “overkill.” People have been hiring contractors and knocking out a wall
and building a whole new wing to their house! 
I thought about it. And then I realized that if I want a sound tight
room or wanted to install a pre-fab “whisper room,” I’d have to shell out about
$4- $10,000! Or…. I could just wait for my neighbor to stop cutting his grass!
Mrs. Lenard was very happy to hear that revelation!

Dave:  How
does one keep an enclosed booth ventilated with noise-free fresh air for those
long recording sessions?

Dan Lenard If
you have a treated room instead of a “booth” you should be fairly comfortable.
The point is that you’re not on the studio’s clock! That’s the whole purpose of
a home studio! You get hot. Take a break! Have a drink. Walk the dog. Rest your
voice. This is the liberation of a home studio environment! A “Booth”
isn’t the point because you don’t really need a “booth.” Look. I’m in my
basement. Its always a constant 65 or 70 down here. Its fab in the summer! I
have an isolated area that is sound treated, but this idea of an “Isolation
booth” is becoming moot. You can save thousands by using your time and patience
instead of constant, expensive silence.

Dave:  Given
plenty of room space, an able carpenter, all the necessary materials, a willing
spouse, and a budget of no more than $2000 can you describe the basic sort of
sound booth you would love to build for someone?

Dan Lenard  Nope. Every room is different. Everybody’s
skill level is different. You can make a fine studio for under $2000. But, are
you spending the money so you can say you’ve got a great studio to be proud of,
or, are you interested in getting up and running, doing auditions and high
quality audio in a few days or less.  

 Dave: Brag a little. 
What are the 2 or 3 most recent studios you’ve built for someone that
you’re proud of because you met their needs within their budget?

Dan Lenard Actually,
I don’t build studios. I can and have, but, they don’t need to be built. They
need to be assembled. If you can plug in a USB cable and isolate a room in an
acceptable fashion, you’ve got all you need.  

The
bottom line? If you’ve not done any recording, all the fancy stuff in the world
won’t help you.

When
I consult, here is my process: I find the skill level of the client, I discuss
a budget, I tell them to save their hard earned capital and get them set up a
with a basic system with components they can purchase online or retail locally.
Then I teach them the basics of digital recording. I then send them to “go out
and play” and learn their own style and proper parameters for their voice and
home studio environment. I’m always available for questions after that and for
any tweaks that might be needed.

I
work a great deal with many of the magnificent Nancy Wolfson’s http://Braintracks audio.com students. Some of
them are very experienced VO pro’s who haven’t learned to record, yet. I take
them through the process

we’ve
been discussing. When they have learned the basics of recording to where they
can competently put out broadcast quality audio and start making money from
home, or are getting studio work from home auditions, then they can invest in
the higher end stuff. That of course creates a new learning curve. 

However,
I believe that a simple, but high quality home studio can be created with
minimal expense.  You just have to learn
how to use it.

Ok,
so anyone can do this? OF COURSE NOT. Learn the skills of voice over first. Get
a good coach who offers so much more than just critique, like Nancy Wolfson.
She has seminars and lots of other valuable resources (like me) to help you get
on the right foot.

If
you are already an established pro, Then its time to take the plunge and not be
intimidated by simple technology.  It
ain’t rocket science!

If
anyone would like a consult check out my website.

 CourVO

Do you need one?  How much to spend?  What materials to use?  Where to put it? 

All those questions and more answered by one of THE top vocal-booth designers in North America.

You'll be surprised by some of the simple low-cost solutions he says are more than adequate for the needs of tomorrow's voice actor…. and how equipment manufacturers would LOVE for you to spend more on hi-priced unnecessary designs.

I'd post it now, but I'm waiting for a last bit of information to make it complete, and besides, this gives me a chance to "hype" or "tease" it just a little more.

CourVO