February 11, 2015

“Through careful planning and shopping, you can assemble a basic studio on a shoestring using your work computer and as little as $500 (USD). This equipment provides the professional edge you need for outstanding voiceover recording while simultaneously allowing you to expand should needs arise and your budget allow.”

Have you ever taught an entire class in mime?

You wouldnt train a live classroom session without speaking. Your web-based training shouldnt be any different.

Audio adds necessary context to video. Have you ever watched a movie with the volume turned down? The missing dimension of audio limits meaning and understanding. So why dont we use audio more often in our instructional design, even though we know it is a key support for learning?

Much of it comes down to costs. Few employers are willing to invest in a dedicated studio for recording voiceovers. High-end studio equipment can cost thousands of dollars. As a result, some designers settle for using text boxes in place of audio. Others may spend a few bucks on their own, buying a USB headset or tabletop USB microphoneeach of which has limitations. Audio can sound tinny, highly compressed, or it can be riddled with popping sounds or ambient noise. Ultimately, this may lead to audio that distracts more than it supports your message.

If I could help you convince your manager to make a small investment in basic equipment which would greatly improve your voiceover audio, you would be interested, wouldnt you?

What if I told you that, when added to your work computer, the investment could be as little as $500 (USD)? At this price you might be willing to create your own studio on a shoestring in your own home office or other quiet area at home. Here is what you need. (Editors note: The suggestions and equipment listed in this article are also essential for high-quality audio podcasts.)

Quiet environment

Limiting the amount of ambient noise is essential for professional-sounding recording. Ideally, you may have your own office where a closed door and a do-not-disturb sign may prevent most unwanted sounds. Perhaps your office building has an unused room (even a large closet) where you can limit ambient noise. Your manager may also allow you to record your voiceovers from home, provided you can find a room or other part of your home which is quiet. If, like many of us, you work in a cube farm, ambient noise is a part of daily life, in which case you may still be able to record at your desk if you are willing to come to the office after-hours.

Audio recording/editing software

Audio software is needed not only to replace the tape in tape recorders but also to edit your audio and export it to usable MP3 or WAV files. While many of todays instructional-design authoring tools have built-in recording capabilities, these capabilities tend to be very limited and do not allow you to apply compression, noise reduction, normalization, and other post-production effects to make your audio sound professional.

How much will this cost? How does free sound to you? Audacity is a low-footprint software package available for Windows and OS X devices that has a majority of the features found in software costing hundreds of dollars. Using this allows you to record, edit, process, and export audio to just about any file format. While MP3 is not natively supported by Audacity, a quick download of another freeware item (LAME encoder ) enables this functionality.

Microphone stand

Microphone stands come in varying sizes and types. Tabletop stands are perhaps the simplest and most affordable, but allow little versatility in placement and often require the voice talent to hunch over a desk, limiting their vocal range and performance. Also, tabletop stands often place the microphone too close to desk electronics that can generate unwanted noise. A straight floor-mount stand offers affordability while allowing adjustable height to accommodate the needs of the voice talent, though this usually requires the voice talent to stand. While many consider a standing position ideal for optimal voice performance, those who seek additional versatility may wish to consider a boom stand that you can position to accommodate voice talent who wish to sit or stand.

Look for a stand with either a heavy base or a tripod base to prevent tipping and possible damage to your microphone. Also, look for a stand that can accept double the weight of your microphone, as this will accommodate extras such as cabling, shock mount, and pop shields. Prices will vary, with even the sturdiest boom stands usually less than $100 (USD).