Is a Home Studio Right for You?

Whether you’re a seasoned voice over actor or a newbie just entering the business, the thought of setting up a home studio has probably crossed your mind. There are a number of advantages to having a studio at home, and if you’ve got the digital-savvy to manage sound, then it may be the right choice for you.  However, there are also distinct benefits to working with a traditional studio.  Let’s look at both options.

Advantages of a Home Studio

Just a couple of decades ago, home studios were reserved for only the most successful voice actors.  But with the advancements of technology and the ease of operating it, more voice actors than ever are now making their own home-based studios.  Obviously, the biggest advantage of doing this is the time and money saved by not having to travel.  Even if a studio is in the same city as you, it still takes a chunk out of your schedule to go there and work.  Home studios also allow actors to accomplish much more in a shorter period of time, and with quicker turnaround times.  Plus, as with any work-from-home gig, you get to manage your time according to your schedule, balancing work, family and other commitments so that it works best for you.

Advantages of a Traditional Studio

Traditional studios have some benefits as well.  These facilities have been built for the sole purpose of recording and formatting sound, so all the equipment is there and being managed by professionals – all you have to do is speak into the mic.  This is often a better choice for complex projects, as experienced production staff are trained to work with these types of jobs.  Depending on how much work you do, it may also be more cost-effective to use a traditional studio.  While the equipment to set up a home studio is certainly less expensive than it was, it’s still not cheap.  It may be more economic to simply pay the hourly fees at an off-site studio rather than invest in home equipment.

Before you do anything, carefully evaluate the pros and cons of both scenarios.  Take the time to crunch the numbers and see if a home studio is worth the investment, or if you’re better off sticking with a traditional studio.