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 Room Setup

I'm fortunate to have a dedicated room for my studio, but it wasn't always perfect. The key challenges were:

• Controlling room reflections and echo
• Minimizing external noise from the street
• Creating a comfortable workspace 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

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 connects my microphone to my computer. It provides clean preamps and is incredibly reliable. I've had mine for years without a single issue.

Monitoring

• Headphones - Audio-Technica ATH-M50x for accurate monitoring
• Studio monitors - Yamaha HS5 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

The Desk Setup

Comfort matters for long sessions:

• Standing desk - Allows me to switch between sitting and standing
• Ergonomic chair - Essential for posture during seated sessions
• Dual monitors - One for the script, one for recording software
• Script stand - Keeps paper at eye level and reduces rustling noise

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.