The Only Voice Actor Black Friday Gift List You Need!
Whether you're starting out or looking to up your game- these are the tools you need. Most of these are currently on sale, or bundled in ways that make them super desirable. So share this with those people not sure what to get you- the working or aspiring voice actor- this holiday season!
Microphone discount showdown!
What you WANTED was something like a Neumann U87- the long time industry standard for voice studios. But you don't need it. Consider:
On a budget, the Neumann TLM 102 is currently $559 (but it doesn't come with a shock mount). It sounds great. But...
Want to save a bundle and still sound great? The Rode NT1A is an excellent alternative. I use it at home, and prefer it over a lot of other mics. On sale for just $198.88 at Amazon, it comes with the mic, a sock cover and that all important shock mount with attached wind screen. An amazing value.
Another go-to mic in the voice industry is the Senheiser Shotgun 416. It costs $999 on Amazon.
For less than a third of the price, you can get the Synco D2. It's incredibly close to the 416, but for $249 on Amazon. It lacks a little bit of the presence of the 416, but sound amazing. Most people won't notice the difference. It comes with a hard plastic case and wind screen.
Need an audio interface? There are so many options in similar price ranges, but having just reviewed this line from Focusrite- I can assure you it's a solid choice for so many reasons. You can read my review here for details.
The Scarlet Solo (3rd Generation) is selling right now for $109.99, or check out this bundle for $129.99, which includes a pop-filter, mix stand and cable.
The Scarlett INCLUDES Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack, Ableton Live Lite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite, 3-month Splice subscription, and your choice of one free XLN Addictive Keys virtual instrument, all available via download upon purchase and registration.
Need a simple and affordable mic stand? Amazon's basic tripod stand is just $19.49!
If you're looking for something for your desk, check out the LyxPro DKR-1 Microphone Arm Stand Mount. I've been using mine for years now, and I love it. It's a sturdy but affordable alternative to other options out there.
Cover your ears! There's only one set of headphones I recommend for day to day voice work, session work or whatever you need: The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones are a treat for the ears. They are simply the most comfortable and best sounding phones in this price range. Right now they're $129 on Amazon!
I hope this handy guide will help you as you research your options. While I'm an Amazon Associate and I do earn a small commission for my referrals, know that I have personally reviewed and in most cases currently OWN most of what I'm showing in this piece. As always, feel free to reach out to me directly with questions or for advice.
Enjoy the holidays!
This is great information, Frank. Thank you for providing budget alternatives. I'm going to get my act together yet and use my equipment, someday.