Top Three Microphone Techniques for Voice Acting Beginners

You need to consider how distance and angle can affect sound. For example, many voice actors will position themselves either slightly to the left or right of the microphone.

One of the main reasons is because it makes it easier for you to read your script. The microphone won’t be right in front of you, and it will therefore be less of a distraction.

The second reason is because by angling yourself either slightly to the left or right, it will alleviate pops from plosive sounds, such as t, b, or p, which distort the microphone.

However, a pop shield is normally used in recording sessions to help resolve this issue, but if you don’t have one then this is a great technique to use.

It’s great to experiment with volume in order to identify how it affects the sound of your voice. Again, you need to consider your proximity to the microphone.

For example, if you want to create a low, deep sound with your voice then you should try getting very close to the mic. Being closer to the mic also means that you can use your voice more delicately, but remember that there still needs to be power behind your voice. Even if you are doing low volume work, you don’t want your voice to fade into a whisper.

On the other hand, many beginners use their voice too loudly, which doesn’t transfer well through technology. It can make your voice sound abrasive and unpleasant to listen to. Therefore, you need to remember to speak gently. Just think about how you would speak if you were having a pleasant conversation with a friend, with enthusiasm but ease.

However, if you really want to project your voice loudly, then you should try standing further away from the mic so that you’re voice doesn’t become distorted. That way you will achieve a strong, clear sound that still remains easy on the ears.

Even though you are only talking to a microphone and not to a camera, it is still important to convey emotion through facial expression.

Putting on a particular facial expression can actually help you to feel the emotion that corresponds to it, subsequently allowing you to translate the emotion more convincingly through your voice.

In fact, research has suggested that you can actually trick your brain into being happier by smiling. It can also change the intonation of your voice by giving you a brighter, warmer sound, meaning that you won’t have to try as hard during a recording session and you won’t sound contrived.