Best Recording Equipment on a Budget
The days of hiring an expensive studio in London or LA to lay do some vocals are a thing of the past… unless you’re feeling fancy. Recording a voiceover or any audio project has become far more accessible. The built-in microphone in your phone can even create a quality recording with some patience and prowess. But what are the best budget software options for producing your project? Can you really record a smooth, professional voiceover with free software and a cheap microphone? We look at some of the best budget software, studio gear and equipment that can get you the recording you need, at a price you can afford.
Computer tips for recording voiceovers
Let’s start with the hardware. For most users, a laptop or computer is the best option. However, there are a growing number of ways to record audio through your smartphone or tablet.
For computers, there are a few things to consider if you are buying a new device to record voiceovers. The software that you use will have an impact. If you want to use apps or software for MacOS, you’ll need a MacBook/iMac/MacMini. For example, GarageBand and Logic Pro X are not available for Windows devices.
Whatever operating software you consider, ensure you’ve got enough storage to meet the requirements of your software. You’ll also want enough CPU and Memory (RAM) to record audio without freezes stopping your recording flow.
If you are buying a new device, consider shopping around for refurbished models of your device of choice. If you are using an existing device but are concerned about storage slowing you down, a good-quality SSD will help. The Samsung T7 is a popular choice and is available in a number of sizes, starting from around £50 for a 500GB model.
Top budget microphones and recording interfaces
In pro studios, microphones can cost thousands of pounds. But the home studio can give you great results with a budget model.
A recording mic for voiceovers will typically connect to an audio interface with an XLR cable. A quality, professional mic from the likes of Neumann will cost you north of £2000.
A popular mid-range option is the Shure SM-7B. This dynamic mic has a built-in pop filter and a flat frequency response, making it a perfect fit for voiceovers and podcast recordings. It is usually available for around £340 from music retailers.
If you are looking for a budget option, the Rode NT1-A gives you an industry-standard mic for a very reasonable price. It also ships with cables, a shock mount and a pop-filter, making it very VO-friendly. It can be found for around £150.
These options all require an audio interface. Again, these can vary wildly in price, depending on the number of features you require. For voiceover work, one or two inputs will suffice.
Universal Audio create high-end interfaces and plugins to craft pristine vocals. Their Apollo Twin X is a great gateway to their plugins and preamps, giving you the chance to craft studio sounds from your bedroom. The Twin X is available for around £900.
For a budget offering in the Universal Audio range, their series of Volt preamps give you a quality sound at a fraction of the price. The Volt 1 has one mic input, and can even connect to phones and tablets via USB-C. The Volt 1 can be yours for around £100.
Of course, you can buy a microphone that does not require an interface. USB microphones are a popular budget option, but can still get great results for voiceover recordings. In fact, the Rode NT1-A listed above is also available as the NT-USB. It ships with a neat stand and pop-filter, plus a USB cable, and can be yours for around £140.
Other microphones, USB mics, and interfaces are available, but these options can all provide a professional-standard voiceover under the right recording conditions.
What is the best budget option for recording voiceovers?
Choosing a solid set-up, such as a UAD interface and a quality mic like the Shure SM7-B (or even UAD’s SD-1) will stand you in good stead for a number of years. It also gives you the chance to upgrade your preamps and sounds. Plus, if you are also a musician then you’ll be able to use the interface in your recordings.
Assuming you already have your computer, this package will be around £1200, a price that will at least double with a quality MacBook or laptop.
For a budget option, use a USB mic like the NT-USB. It will give you a quality sound but will save you forking out for an audio interface. For around £150, you could turn your existing computer into a home studio with one simple purchase.
With recording, expensive equipment won’t paper over the cracks of a bad take or technique. After all, that’s why at Steel Magpie we have an audio team of talented folk who not only have the gear but at least half of an idea.
Practising your chops with a USB mic or a basic, second-hand mic and interface will give you the skills to get paid audio work, and make the step up to premium, professional gear all the more worth it. Think of it like buying your first car: it might not be the most glamorous, but you’ll grow to love it while you learn the basics.
Adam McCulloch is a songwriter, voice artist and producer at Steel Magpie. He writes blogs too.