Resources are one of the best things for an aspiring voice actor.
Everyone knows that to become a voice actor you need not only the talent, but the know how of getting into the industry. Here is a list of items to help get you started.
Programs for audio mixing/recording
The higher end of mixing programs
- Adobe Audition - Adobe® Audition® CS5.5 software delivers the professional tools you need to make your productions sound their best. Handle a wide range of audio production tasks efficiently, including recording, mixing, and sound restoration. ($50-300 pending on version, and if in bundle)
- Adobe Soundbooth, part of the Adobe Premiere Suite, is a powerful audio mixing program with multiple features for mixing, recording, effects, and exporting audio content. ($100 or more, pending on if in bundle and version)
- MixPad is powerful multi-track music mixing software. Designed with all the audio studio features you need without the clutter, this program lets you mix multiple audio tracks together quickly and easily. (There is a limited free download trial and a full out version for purchase. About $50)
http://www.nch.com.au/mixpad/index.html?gclid=CL2To4zVha4CFcIDtgodUnmwUQ - Audacity Audacity is a free, easy-to-use and multilingual audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems.(I suggest downloading version 2.02, and adding in the LAME plugin.) (FREE)
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ - Multiple programs http://www.pcmusicstuff.com/ offers many varieties and options for different programs, pending on what you want to do. ($25-100, pending on which one you want.)
- Acoustic Labs real time multi-track recording, editing and mixing as well as audio recording and audio editing for all of today's popular audio file formats. ($25-50) http://www.acoustic-labs.com/
- Garageband by Apple, your own recording studio with multi-track mixing, recording, effects, etc. http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/
* Mixcraft, Garageband for PC http://www.thegaragedoor.com/roadcrew/garageband-for-pc.html
Websites with more tips and related on voice acting
From the Voice Actors' Alliance website, tips and tricks on recording and mixing for specific effects, as well as avoiding various problems such as puffs and clicking: http://voiceactingalliance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?48-Tips-and-Tricks!
From Ashley Lange on deviantart.com, the basics on getting started on voice acting: http://ashleylange.deviantart.com/art/Online-Voice-Acting-Tips-108940939
From Gamespot.com, an interview with voice actors on tips and tricks: http://www.gamespot.com/news/voice-actors-talk-tips-and-tricks-of-their-craft-6325024
From Voices.com, information on the industry and how it works: http://podcasts.voices.com/voiceoverexperts/2009/12/voice_over_experts_episode_111.html
From Behindthevoiceactors.com, more information from a professional view: http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=59
Kevnin Sanderson on voice acting at: http://www.ksanderson.com/voice_over_talent.html
Useful program for editing and mixing:
Levelator, a free compressor and leveling program all in one, available for OS X and Windows. Current version 2.1.1: http://www.conversationsnetwork.org/levelator/ (official site will be closing down at the end of 2012 but the program will still be available online)
Sound Effects Resources:
Free Sound is a website which allows for the collecting of sound effects under a common or free use license, or attribution type of copyright. An account is needed to download sound effects or add sound effects, but is free. http://www.freesound.org/
There are other sites out there that can be searched, some free, others charging per sound or per sound bundle/pack.
Be your own Foley artist and create your own
