Holiday gifts for voice actors

Holiday gifts for voice talent

If you know a voiceover artist, finding the right gift for them during the holiday season can be tricky. But don't worry! I'm here to help you out. In this article, you will find a list of ideas and gift suggestions to help you choose the best gift for the voice actor in your life.

The holiday season is a time of giving and showing appreciation. Choosing the ideal gift for someone you love can be a thoughtful way to acknowledge their passion and support their voice acting career.

From practical tools to unique experiences, I compiled various gift ideas catering to voice talents' needs!

Key takeaways

• Plugins.

• Source-connect.

• A new computer.

• A training course.

• A recording booth.

• Soundproofing materials.

• A condenser microphone.

• Professional studio monitoring headphones.

• A subscription to a digital audio workstation like Adobe Audition or Pro Tools.

Condenser microphone

Every voice-over artist needs a high-quality professional microphone, as it can significantly improve their recordings' clarity and sound quality. Choose a microphone that produces clear sound, minimizes background noise, and can capture various vocal tones.

A microphone with a good range can pick up all sorts of vocal tones, from low to high, making sure every part of the voice is heard clearly. A condenser microphone is an excellent gift because it’s especially good at capturing subtle details in voice recordings.

You can't go wrong with a high-quality condenser microphone with a great pre-amp. Popular brands include Neumann, Rode, and Audio-Technica. If you are on a budget, affordable yet reliable options like the Blue Yeti or AKG P120 exist.

With so many microphone options available, an upgrade is always on the horizon for voice actors. Popular options include:

• Neumann TLM 103

  • The Neumann TLM 103, renowned for its bright and clear vocal recordings, is a classic choice for home studios. Its large-diaphragm condenser design is versatile for various voices, offering excellent value despite its higher price point.

• RØDE NT1-A

  • The RØDE NT1-A microphone has an excellent design for picking up sound directly in front of it, which is perfect for voice recording. This microphone is known for being super quiet and won’t add hissing or humming sounds to their recordings.

• Shure SM7B;

• Neumann U87;

• Audio-Technica AT2020;

Remember, a great microphone can be the difference between sounding like a seasoned pro or like they're broadcasting from their bathroom. I knew I sounded like a bathroom broadcaster when I started voice acting!

Studio headphones

Every voice-over artist needs a pair of professional studio headphones. Voice actors love these headphones for their precise and accurate sound representation.

Choosing headphones that provide accurate sound reproduction, comfort for long sessions, and noise isolation is essential—popular brands like Sennheiser, Sony, and Beyerdynamic offer excellent choices that balance comfort and quality.

Here are some headphone suggestions that are ideal for voice acting:

• The Sennheiser HD 650;

• Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro;

• Audio-Technica ATH-M50x;

A voice actor without studio-grade headphones is like a chef without a good knife – sure, he can manage, but it won't be pretty.

Recording booth and soundproofing materials

Voice-over artists must create a quiet and acoustically treated recording space. Soundproofing materials are a thoughtful gift as they make the recording space quieter and more precise by reducing echoes and outside noises.

Brands like Auralex and Primacoustic offer a wide range of soundproofing solutions. Ensure they have a great pop filter and some absorption for their vocal booth. Popular options include:

• Sound-absorbing panels;

• Acoustic foam panels;

• Moving blankets;

• Bass traps;

• Diffusers;

If you have the budget for it, consider getting a vocal booth as a gift for a voice-over artist.

A vocal booth is a specially designed space for recording that provides optimal sound quality and eliminates the need for extensive soundproofing. They’ll be thrilled to receive one!

You can choose from different options, including portable booths and custom-built solutions.

Having good-quality soundproofing tiles or a dedicated voice-over booth can make the voice talent's recording space sound better and make it easier for them to record. Popular options include:

• WhisperRoom sound booth;

• ISOVOX 2 home vocal booth;

• TroyStudio portable recording booth;

Voice acting training courses

Voice acting training courses are like gym memberships for your vocal cords – they keep your voice in top shape, minus the sweat! Voice actors consider courses essential for continuous learning.

Consider gifting voice acting training courses or workshops to help your voice-over artist friend or family member refine their craft. Look for reputable online platforms that offer comprehensive courses taught by industry professionals.

Websites like Udemy and Coursera offer various voice-over training options.

Audio recording software

Remember when you thought 'editing' was something you did to your holiday photos? Audio software can be a game-changer, turning 'umms' and 'ahhs' into flawless monologues.

Voice-over artists consider recording and editing software crucial, second only to the microphone. Several options are available on the market, each at a different price point.

Many voice actors start with Audacity, but investing in high-quality software can significantly improve workflow and sound quality. To make an informed choice, read my blog post on digital audio workstations.

Professional audio recording software like Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, or Reaper can enhance a voice-over artist's workflow and productivity. Consider gifting them a subscription to one of these DAWs.

They offer advanced editing capabilities, effects processing, and automation features that can take their audio recordings to the next level. Adobe Audition is the digital audio workstation that I use and recommend.

Adobe Audition is subscription-based software and the most popular brand for voice actors of all levels. Users praise its ease of use and advanced mixing and editing capabilities.

Plugins

Audio repair tools and plugins are essential for voice-over work. iZotope's RX Elements are popular tools for making voice recordings clearer, and they're user-friendly and affordable, too.

These tools can quickly and easily remove unwanted background noise like clicks and humming.

Waves and iZotope are known for their excellent noise-reduction plugins, with some recommended options being Waves Z-Noise, NS1, iZotope RX mouth de-click, and RX de-plosive.

The RX8 Elements package effectively removes clips, clicks, and crackles from audio recordings. I bought these waves plugins during black Friday, and I highly recommend all three:

• Vocal Rider.

• Renassaince Desser.

• CLA-2A Compressor/Limiter.

Portable recording setup

For those voice actors who love to work even while on vacation - because let's face it, the voice doesn't take a break - a portable recording setup is a lifesaver. Just imagine this voice talent's joy when they realize they can record their next gig under a palm tree!

A portable recording setup can make a massive difference for voice-over artists who are frequently on the move.

A compact and lightweight USB microphone and a portable sound booth or reflection filter are best for achieving high-quality audio recording while traveling.

Popular options for portable recording setups include the Rode NT-USB Mini and the Kaotica Eyeball, which can be a travel recording booth for recording your voice-over gigs during vacations.

Voice acting coaching

Personalized coaching can provide invaluable insights and guidance for a voice actor. Gifting a session or a series of sessions with a renowned voice-over coach can help them refine their skills and take their craft to the next level.

Coaching is one of the main things a voice actor should invest in.

Source-connect

If the voice actor can't access Source-Connect, consider gifting it to them during this holiday season. Source-Connect, a monthly subscription, connects voice actors and clients for a remote live recording session.

Computers for voice talent

Efficiency is crucial when booking voice-over jobs. Slow computers can add hours to your workday and delay the turnaround time for auditions. Voice actors consider a solid computer essential for their tech setup.

Delays, freezes, and crashes can be demoralizing, especially when starting in the voice-over world. Many people are unaware that a computer's performance can significantly influence the outcome of their early days in the industry.

While price is one factor to consider, it's essential to ensure that the computer's specs can meet the demands of your audio recording software. Here are some suggestions if you want to buy a computer for a voice talent during this holiday season:

• MacBook Pro;

• MacBook Air;

• Mac Mini;

Voice care products

Show them you care about their most valuable instrument – their voice. Consider gifting throat lozenges, herbal teas, or a high-quality humidifier to help them maintain vocal health. These gifts show that you care about their well-being and support their vocal longevity.

Subscription to voiceover learning resources

Continuous learning is vital in the voice-acting industry. Gifting a subscription to online voice-over courses or a membership to a voice-acting community can be incredibly beneficial.

Gift card sound effect library

Access to high-quality sound effects and music can elevate a voice-over project. Gift cards for platforms like Epidemic Sound or Soundstripe give voice talents the freedom to choose the perfect tracks for their projects and are unique gifts for voice actors!

Comfort enhancers

Voice actors work many hours in their studios, so they must be comfortable. An ergonomic chair with adjustable armrests, lumbar support, and breathable material can significantly impact their daily routine.

Improved comfort can lead to better performance, making it a thoughtful and practical gift. A new desk or personal humidifier may also be necessary for studios with low humidity levels.

Key insights

As I finish this blog post, searching for the perfect holiday gifts for voice actors shouldn't be too hard! This guide provides comprehensive help for your holiday gift search.

As you continue holiday shopping for voice-over artists, you can choose a high-quality microphone, professional training courses, or a unique experience.

It's essential to remember that the most cherished gifts are those tailored to their unique journey and aspirations in voice acting. As you choose a gift for the voice actor in your life, consider where they are in their career.

Are they seasoned professionals or just beginning to find their voice in this exciting industry? Reflect on their style, preferences, and the specific nuances of their voice-over work.

Whether it's a piece of cutting-edge equipment for the tech-savvy veteran or an inspiring book for the developing voice talent, your gift can be a meaningful token of support.

Ultimately, the thoughtfulness behind your choice matters most, making this holiday season truly memorable for your loved one. The voice-over artist in your life will undoubtedly appreciate your thoughtful gift, as it can significantly impact their career and daily life.

Remember that the best gifts for voice actors are the ones that show understanding and appreciation for their passion and dedication. So, go ahead and make their holiday season extra special. Happy Holidays!