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There are a lot of demands for voice over actors to provide voice over services. That said, there are also a lot of voice actors trying to nail those voice over projects. So what can a starting voice actor do to get his voice over services some amount of exposure? Build a studio.

For a budding voice over actor, setting up a studio can help a lot in more ways than one. Not only can he make edgier demos, but have his own base of operations already established when the demand for his voice over services starts pouring in.

However, almost all in-home voice over studios are a constant work in progress. Having a studio that's fitted only with the barest essentials will already provide an edge to the studio's owner. It will also, needless to say, readily provide some decent voice over services for small time projects. Another added benefit of having a personal studio is that the newbie can learn how to run several audio software and programs and at the same time, learn the trends in voice recording hardware.

Apart from having the enough floor space and enough cash, other items a voice actor should have are:

1. A PC system with a decent, functional monitor or laptop loaded with a decent sound card;
2. A strong Internet connection;
3. Necessary software and computer programs for recording, splicing, editing, and sound enhancements. Programs must be compatible with today's formats such mp3, wav, aiff, etc.;
4. A decent, functional microphone;
5. Playback speakers and headphones;
6. Cords, cables, plugs, and sockets for wires;
7. Sound-dampening materials for soundproofing purposes.

These are just the basics. But one must understand that there's no permanent design on how to build a studio. At the very least, a workable studio can cost around $300-$500; even at that price range a studio can still offer quality voice over services. As mentioned earlier, a studio is always a work in progress. Once a voice actor has garnered enough money and built up a strong client base, then upgrading is pretty much imperative.

There are also some great publications about building a home studio, most notably, Voice Actors Guide - Home Recording, authored by the renowned voice actor, Harlan Hogan. Harlan has also patented the amazing travel recording booth, the Port-a-Booth, for those seasoned voice over actors who don't want to miss out on auditions or gigs.

For those who feel totally lost in setting up a home studio, home studio installation guru, Dan Lenard (dansvoice@roadrunner.com) is an amazing consultant.