Join the DT blog as we take a look at some of the best tools for voice actors!
The demand for voice actors continues to rise. Statistics show that more and more brands are seeking to hire professional voice actors to enhance the visibility of their brand and to bring their message across to their consumers.
In light of this fact, statistics show that since the start of 2022, the voice actor job market has risen by 15%. This means that if you’re thinking of starting your career as a voice actor, there’s no time like the present.
Now that we’re aware of these great statistics we thought our Day Translations blog could share some of the best tools every professional or aspiring voice actor needs.
Let’s dive into the details, shall we!?
A Quick Note on Voice Actors and the Tools for Voice Actors
Just in case you’re not aware, let’s define who a voice actor is and what is voice acting.
- Voice Actors are also referred to as voice-over artists. They are auditory performers. This means that they work on anything from radio ads to commercials, films, and other audiovisual content. Voice actors do audiobooks and work in animation and video games, just to name a few.
- Voice Acting is a skill. It is the art of performing by using your voice to present a character and provide information, for example. Voice acting involves having perfect diction, the ability to adapt to various projects, and the ability to use your voice to appeal emotionally to an audience.
Top Tools for Voice Actors
As a voice actor, there are tools you will need to succeed in your voice acting career. Here are some of the most vital tools every voice actor needs:
Laptop, Tablet, or PC
One of the first tools you’ll need as a voice actor is a computer or an electronic device equivalent such as a tablet. Depending on your preference, any of these electronic devices is ideal for managing your business as a voice actor. Any of these tools allow you to voice and edit your work, seek and acquire jobs, track your finances, plan your work and make your schedule, and of course, do marketing.
Naturally, there are devices that may help you do your job more efficiently than others; it all depends on your budget and what you’re able to manage at your level.
Professional-Grade Microphone
There are so many different types of microphones to choose from. The key factor in choosing which is best for you is ensuring that this tool is of professional grade.
A microphone is an important tool because this is what you will use to capture the sound of your voice. The quality of the mic you choose largely affects the quality of your work.
USB mics are very popular because they are portable and can be plugged directly into your computer. It is, however, recommended that a much higher grade mic, such as the very popular XLR mic, aka External Line Return home studio mic is used. They fall into 2 categories, namely:
Cardioid Condenser Mics
Best for minimizing your background noise and picking up your sound from any angle
Shotgun Mics
These mics pick up sound when you speak directly ahead into them. You’re able to step further away and use gestures, and it still gives you a clear sound.
Excellent Acoustics
Even though you might do you work from home as a voice actor, the fact of the matter is that you have a home studio, no matter the set-up that you have.
How you treat the acoustics of your studio plays an essential role in the quality of the sound you produce. This means that in order to control the acoustics of a room for voice acting, all unwanted ‘reflection noises’ must be eliminated. Therefore, you will need to soundproof your studio, especially if where you’re located tends to be noisy.
Acoustic panels are available for purchase. You can do more research to find the best materials to use and what gives you the best results.
Recording and Editing Software
Your career pursuit becomes futile if you do not have recording and editing software. In the voice-over and voice-acting world, this is called your Digital Work Station.
The best software to use is the one that you find to be the most user-friendly. Currently, the most popular software being used is Pro Tools. There are however other software out there that may be more user-friendly and even free of cost to use.
Of course, nothing out there is a ‘one size fits all’ and so you have the leverage to use a few to determine which one best suits your needs and preferences.
Headphones
Hearing your work is vital for keeping track of the quality of your work. That said, the caliber headphones you choose go a long way towards ensuring that your work meets and even exceeds industry standards.
Now You Know the Best Tools for Voice Actors!
There are so many tools available for voice actors these days, so we gave you the basics of what you’ll need so you can build from there. The important thing is that you keep yourself abreast of the latest happenings in the industry and never stop learning.
At Day Translations, we pride ourselves on being part of the translation industry and the voice-over/voice-actor industry. We’re always looking for new talent to help serve the world.
Don’t forget that we also offer a wide range of services including translation, interpretation, localization, AVT, and so much more.