Are you wondering how much does it cost to start a voiceover business? Here is a deep-dive into the initial investment of my voiceover business!
Cost #1 – Vocal Booth
One of the things I am most proud of in my life is constructing my vocal booth with my own two hands. I am by no means a chick who is good with a hammer, and saws scare me. But I actually put my isolation booth together mostly on my own!
I used a 2×4 frame, filled it with Ruxul Safe n Sound, and closed that in with breathable polyester cloth which I stapled on with my handy electric stapler. Then I draped Vocal Booth To Go Sound-Absorbing Studio Blankets inside and outside to really make sure it did the job! A great sound-absorbing vocal booth is a really important tool and a very worthy
I used a 2×4 frame, filled it with Ruxul Safe n Sound, and closed that in with breathable polyester cloth which I stapled on with my handy electric stapler. Then I draped Vocal Booth To Go Sound-Absorbing Studio Blankets inside and outside to really make sure it did the job! A great sound-absorbing vocal booth is an important tool and a very worthwhile cost to starting up a voiceover business.
Total: $750 USD
COST #2 – Microphone
A quality microphone is paramount for starting a successful voiceover business, and you certainly get what you pay for. I was not sure which microphone to purchase. I knew I wanted a ‘cardioid polar patterned’ ‘large diaphragm condenser microphone so I could set myself up to be a professional voice talent, but I had heard about many industry-standard microphone options. The following are some great options for high-quality large diaphragm condenser microphones:
- Neumann TLM 103 or 102
- Neumann U87
- Sennheiser 416
- Audio-Technica 4050
- AKG C414 XLS
I decided to rent the Neumann TLM 103, Audio-Technica 4050, and AKG C414 XLS from my local Long & McQuade store. I really wanted to test the options out before I committed to investing in a microphone. Honestly, I couldn’t really tell the difference between them very much.
I decided I would go with the Neumann TLM 103. They are a trusted and respected brand and the 103 is a fantastic option that is more affordable than the U87. I was even able to find one on sale at Reverb.com.
Neumann TLM 103 Microphone:
Total: $790 USD
COST #3 – Audio Interface
In order to use your awesome large diaphragm condenser microphone, you need an audio interface.
Your microphone needs a power source, and your USB audio interface will plug into your computer which will provide the power your microphone needs to be used – called “phantom power”
Your audio interface is what turns your audio signal into something your computer recognizes.
I initially purchased a Focusrite Scarlet 2i4, but it pooped out on me after about a year. Luckily it was on warranty so I traded it in for a Steinberg UR22C. I rented both the Steinberg and a new Focusrite and the Steinberg had about 4dB-5dB less self-noise than the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 I was comparing it to. I also like the layout and ease of use of the Steinberg!
Steinberg UR22C Audio Interface:
Total: $180 USD
COST #4 – Studio Monitors
Something really important is being able to hear your quality audio with quality speakers. Built-in speakers on your laptop are not going to cut it. So I was on the hunt for some studio monitors that were affordable, fit my small space well, and were also high quality and well built.
I initially wanted to purchase the Yamaha HS8’s, but I decided to go with the more affordable and smaller option of the Yamaha HS5 monitors. My studio room is on the smaller side and these did more than an adequate job.
Yamaha HS5 Studio Monitors + cables:
Total: $405 USD
COST #5 – Headphones
I got a sweet Christmas present the year I got my KRK KNH6400 headphones. These are closed-back dynamic studio headphones. Quality headphones are important, and I recommend going to the music store and trying on different headphones. This is how I went about finding the right headphones for me. I brought my iPhone to listen to music. I wanted something that sounded crisp but was also comfortable. If I’m going to be in a recording session for an hour, or doing an eLearning project for 5 hours I do not want my ears to be bleeding by the end of it.
The KRK headphones felt amazing ALTHOUGH… I have a freakishly small head. What works well for my child-size noggin might not work for you, so definitely go and try on as many headphones as you can and try to find something super comfortable! Even if it sounds great, if it is uncomfortable it is a waste of money!
KRK KNS6400 Studio Headphones:
Total: $109 USD
COST #6 – Training:
In order to start a voiceover business, you need to receive quality training. I wanted to give myself the best chance of success in this industry so I decided to purchase a program through Edge Studio in New York City. I was accepted into their program and began my professional training. This was by far my biggest expense to start a voiceover business. It is also the most important. If you have a top notch microphone but no training, you are just putting lipstick on a pig LOL. The great thing about Edge is also the well-rounded business training you receive.
Edge Studio Training Program + 3 Demos
Additional Edge & Other Webinars:
Total: $4750 USD
COST #7 -Website costs:
Luckily, I was a web major in college and worked at an ad agency for a while as a web and graphic designer. These are skills I’ve had for many years so I have been able to do all my own web and graphic design and branding. I still needed to research which host was the best option, what domain names I wanted, and what website builder I wanted to use. These are the costs for such things:
DreamHost Website Hosting (3 years) = $178.20
Domain Names through Dreamhost – 6.99 * 3 = $20.97
Elegant Themes Divi WordPress Theme = $80.00
Photography = $235.48 USD
Total : $500 USD
So, How much did it cost to start my voiceover business? – $7484.00 USD
And there you have it folks! I hope this helps to give you an idea of how much it costs to start a voiceover business. Have a great day and I’ll catch you next time! Bye!!
*Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links which helps me out and doesn’t cost you anything. Give your gal some love! 😉
Katelyn Dawn VO
katelyndawnvo.com
