Bristol Studio Tour & Equipment Breakdown

Welcome to My Bristol Studio

One of the most common questions I get from aspiring voice actors is: "What equipment do you use?" Today, I'm taking you on a complete tour of my home studio here in Bristol, breaking down every piece of equipment and explaining why I chose it.

The Booth

First things first: I don't record in a converted room. I record in a purpose-built booth that I designed and built myself — a proper DIY project from the frame up. Building it from scratch meant I could solve the important problems by design rather than by patching a room afterwards:

• Controlling reflections and echo
• Minimizing external noise from the street
• Creating a comfortable space for long recording sessions

Acoustic Treatment

Good acoustics are more important than expensive equipment. Here's what I use:

• Acoustic panels - Strategically placed on walls to absorb reflections
• Bass traps - In the corners to control low-frequency buildup
• Reflection filter - Behind my microphone for additional isolation
• Heavy curtains - On the window to block external noise

Recording Equipment

My current setup includes:

Microphone

I use a Neumann TLM 103. It's a professional-grade large-diaphragm condenser microphone that captures warm, detailed vocals perfect for voice acting. While it's an investment, the quality is worth it for professional work.

Audio Interface

An SSL 2 connects my microphone to my computer. The preamps are clean and quiet, and it has been rock solid for me session after session.

Monitoring

• Headphones - Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (250 ohm) for accurate monitoring in the booth
• Studio monitors - a pair of studio monitors at the desk for editing and mixing

Recording Software & Workflow

I primarily use Adobe Audition for recording and editing. My typical workflow:

1. Record takes in a session
2. Edit for clarity (remove breaths, clicks, background noise)
3. Process with EQ and compression
4. Final noise reduction and normalization
5. Export in the client's required format

Inside the Booth

The booth has a desk and a stool, but here's the thing: I stand for all of my recording. Standing keeps the breath open and the energy up — the stool is there for the rare moments between takes when I need it. The desk holds the script and session notes so everything I need is at eye level without paper rustle near the mic.

Essential Accessories

Don't overlook these small but crucial items:

• Pop filter - Reduces plosives (P and B sounds)
• Shock mount - Isolates the mic from vibrations
• Cable management - Keeps everything tidy and reduces noise
• Humidifier - Maintains vocal health, especially in winter
• Water bottle - Always within reach!

Total Investment

My current setup represents years of gradual upgrades. You absolutely don't need to start with high-end equipment. I began with a £150 USB microphone and free software. Focus on:

1. Getting the best acoustic treatment you can afford
2. A decent microphone that fits your budget
3. Learning your software inside and out

Final Thoughts

Remember, gear is just tools. The most important investment is in your skills, training, and ability to deliver compelling performances. I've heard amazing work from £100 setups and mediocre work from £10,000 studios.

Focus on your craft first, upgrade equipment as you grow. Your talent will always matter more than your gear.