COMPUTER – You can probably get away with the computer you already have, unless yours is really old and slow. My recommendation would be to use a laptop which works whether you are based or bopping and get rid of all old and large files and create enough space to be able to create new, very large sound and video files. Computers can be very costly, but if you want a Mac (which is what I use), be prepared to flinch…they are expensive.  

I want you to make this big of a purchase from wherever you are most comfortable. Personally, I like go directly to the Apple Store but Best Buy and other retailers have wonderful options as well. 

If you’re more of a PC person, you can look around for the brand of your choice that has at least 8 GB RAM and 512GD SSD. 

But remember, the computer you currently have will probably get you started.

MICROPHONE – The Audio Technica – AT2020 XLR Cardiod Condenser microphone works very well if you are based or bopping, but was designed for well treated spaces where you won’t be doing much moving around. 

The link is: https://amzn.to/3T3nvdl

 

The Synco XLR High Directionality Condenser microphone works very well if you are bopping or based. It also performs really well if you don’t have a well treated space. It does a good job of focusing on just your voice and minimizing ambient sounds. 

The link is: https://amzn.to/48prDJ7

 

AUDIO INTERFACE – My mic recommendations were XLR microphones only and for those you will need an audio interface. The audio interface I recommend is the FocusRite because it comes from a reputable company, has two inputs so you can plug in another mic especially if podcasting is in your future and this mic is used by industry professionals because it comes with a good built in preamp.

Remember this is only necessary if you are getting an XLR mic. If you are getting or currently have a USB mic (I don’t recommend this but you’re grown) you will not need an interface. Also  remember that the interface I use my interface for other live sound recordings. 

The link for the Focusrite is:  https://amzn.to/3I76HvH

YOU ONLY NEED ONE OR THE OTHER. Chose based on your budget and how you will actually use it.

 

The link for the Zoom H5 is: https://amzn.to/49yYJr6

 

If you have opted to get the Synco D2 you will notice it comes with a carrying case, foam windscreen, small XLR cable and mic stand adapter.

INTERFACE CARRYING CASE – The carrying case for the Focusrite can be found here: https://amzn.to/3uQM8Au

If you have opted to get the Zoom H5 Interface, just get two of the carrying cases for the AT2020 . It fits perfectly. 

Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/3SEzUCU

 

XLR CABLES – Don’t forget, you can get excellent XLR cables from Guitar Center that come with a lifetime warranty. But if you’re like please, I’m ordering all this stuff at once, I understand. So here is a great alternative with a 10 year warranty, which isn’t too bad!

These are called the WBC (World’s Best Cables). The length I have selected here is 10 ft which should give you plenty of space. Other lengths are available. 

Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/3IcaKXq 

 

HEADPHONES – You know you wanna look like you just stepped out of a rap video from 1984! No? Oh. Ok. Well anyway, closed back headphones are what you need for voiceover. You don’t want noise cancelling, your earbuds won’t give you a complete picture of the audio you are actually sending out to the client. You want something with power and range, that won’t break the bank and for now, replaces your need to have studio monitors.

These also fold up rather nicely if you’re bopping AND they last forever. I’ve had mine so long, I really can’t remember what I owned before them. This version has a pretty cool carrying case, which is perfect if you’re on the move. 

And the link is:  https://amzn.to/3I7FFEo

 

If you do an isolation shield and you will be in one place for a while you will also need a shock mount that fits the microphone you choose. If you chose the AT2020 I recommended earlier, keep reading.

Or you could do a mic stand especially if you are definitely going to be bopping around and/or want something less bulky. Here is a great little mic stand if you chose the AT2020: 

The great thing about this mic stand is that it can also double as the shock mount you need for your isolation shield. It’s a great buy either way. 

Isolation Shield link: https://amzn.to/42MLVek

 

BOOM ARM – If you chose the Synco Mic for bopping, you will need something other than the aforementioned mic stand and isolation shield. This mic stand should do the trick and be adaptable to the mic holder that comes with the Synco. Plus its small and portable. Perfect for moving around the globe.

Or if you own a desk and will be in place for a while, you can get what’s called a boom arm to hold  your cardioid condenser mic. 

Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/3ONYJew

 

Again this may be something or a few somethings you already have. Maybe you have several thumb drives that you have never used or only partially used. Use up the space on those before you invest in an external hard drive or just buy the extra space here but whatever you do, DO NOT save those large audio files on your computer hard drive. It will slow your machine down to a crawl and you won’t be able to be as productive or quick as you need to be.

IF YOU USE A LARGE CAPACITY THUMB DRIVE , BE CAREFUL, IT IS SMALL AND VERY EASY TO LOSE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE BOPPING.)

External Hard Drive (This is already formatted for a PC and needs to be reformatted for a Mac. You should keep this in a case, because if it drops on a tile floor? Forget about it.)

External Hard Drive link: https://amzn.to/49noT0b

 

TABLET – You need your tablet to be able to download your scripts to your cloud storage (i.e Google Drive) and download apps that allow you to annotate and highlight your lines. 

Again you probably already have one of these. If you have one, USE THE ONE YOU HAVE. 

If you don’t and are able to splurge a bit, here’s a good one:  https://amzn.to/42M9N1z

 

If you have a Mac you are going to need those little connector cables because your computer may not have a USB port. I know. All that money and no USB port? Yes. All that money and no USB port. So shop around and get the right connector cables that fit your computer. No link here because I don’t know which cables will work for your computer. You choose that.

 

POP FILTER – I believe all of the mic stand, isolation shields and whatnot that I have recommended come with a pop filter but if by chance you have some other set up and need a pop filter or an extra one, 

here’s a link for the traditional circular one: https://amzn.to/3T4aW1q

Here’s another metal mesh type:   https://amzn.to/48jEblj

 

EXTENSION CORD – This is a heavy duty extension cord to end all extension cords. So useful for many things even outside of your home studio. This is of course if you are based. Don’t try lugging this bulky thing across the world with you. 

Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/48jEblj

 

MIC CARRYING CASE – I guess this could be the nice to haves list, but you if are going to be moving around these really are must haves as you must have a way to protect your newly acquired very expensive equipment. This case is perfect for the AT2020 I recommended.

Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/3SEzUCU

 

ALL IN ONE CARRYING CASE – I’m alway skeptical about carrying all of my equipment in one bag because if I lose that bag, I lose everything. But not everyone thinks like I do, so if you would like an all in one carrying case, this is the one that friends recommend 

 https://amzn.to/3SEzUCU

 

ACCESSORIES CARRYING CASE – This is for a the cords and thingamabobs and more. Compact, lightweight and slips right in your bag. It prevents you from getting tangled up in cords. 

Here is the link: https://amzn.to/3wjIz6i