Holiday Gift Guide for Voice Actors
Help a voice actor in your life build a professional home studio with these gift ideas.
How to Build a Home Voice Acting Studio with Tara Strong
If you’re shopping for the perfect holiday gift for a voice actor, or you’re finally ready to invest in your own voiceover dreams, I’m here to help you build a simple, professional home studio that actually works.
I’ve spent my life in voice acting, recording everywhere from major studios to home booths, and I promise… You don’t need to break the bank, but with a few smart investments and a space that makes you feel confident and comfortable, you’ll be on your way to landing gigs.
This holiday gift guide for voice actors is based on what I personally use, what film directors and sound teams rely on, and what many successful voice actors use when working in a pro voice-acting home studio.
Creating Your Voice Acting Booth at Home
Let’s start with your recording space.
Here’s a secret: there isn’t one “right way” to stand or sit while you record. Some actors love standing (ahem, Tom Kenny when he voices SpongeBob) because it gives movement, energy, and expressive animation. Others (like me) actually prefer sitting most of the time. Sitting helps me stay grounded, maintain breath control, and stay comfortable during long sessions, while still allowing me to move and perform physically within the space when the moment calls for it.
So you’ll want a comfy chair or bar stool for recording.
You’ll find what works for you, and that’s exactly how it should be. Your booth should feel like a cozy little sanctuary where you can connect with characters, emotions, storytelling, and joy!
I have character plushies and cutouts all over my home studio that inspire me to get into character.
When you feel good in the space, you sound good too (especially when you have the right gear!)
The Best Microphones for Voice Acting
Let’s talk microphones – because they matter.
Studio microphones are incredibly sensitive. They pick up every tiny detail: breaths, subtle sounds, jewelry movement, dog panting in the next room, and yes… even a little tummy growl. That sensitivity is what captures emotion, depth, and the professional-quality sound that sound teams expect.
The microphones I use and love:
Neumann U 87
The Neumann U 87 is one of the most popular voice acting microphones in the industry. I’ve used it throughout my career, and it’s incredibly reliable, rich-sounding, and professional. If you’ve ever wondered, “What microphone do real voice actors actually use?” This is one of them. Just ask Hollywood casting director Terri Douglas, she’s got one in her home studio too.
Rode NT1-A
I also regularly use the Rode NT1-A. It’s beautifully clear, warm, and perfect for home studios. If you’re building a professional voice acting setup at home, this microphone delivers incredible quality without requiring a full broadcast studio (or as hefty an investment).
We also pulled together a list of budget-friendly microphones for voice actors with help from our Voicelings community. These are great for when you’re just starting out.
I like to purchase my mics from Sweetwater or Amazon.
The Audio Interface Every Voice Actor Needs
Your mic needs a mixer box/audio interface to process the audio and adjust your recording levels for a studio sound.
I use the Focusrite Scarlett. It’s simple, professional, and easy to use. It’s one of the most recommended audio interfaces in voice acting for a reason.
If you’re shopping for voice acting gifts and someone is serious about recording auditions or working from home, this is one of the best pieces of gear, and it’s sometimes available in a bundle with a mic and shock mount.
Best Computer Setup for Voice Acting
People often ask whether they need a powerful, fancy computer for voice acting. The truth is: no.
I prefer a desktop computer over a laptop because desktops run smoother and quieter without the fan noise. But again, it’s personal preference.
As long as the computer is dependable and handles your recording software comfortably, you’re good!
Why Studio Headphones Matter
Studio headphones are a must in a professional or home voice acting setup. They allow you to hear your performance: the nuances, breaths, tone shifts, clarity, emotional delivery, and any subtle mouth or room sounds.
Good headphones help you train your ear, improve your craft, and communicate clearly during remote directed sessions.
They’re an essential part of recording like a professional voice actor from home – and they make such a thoughtful, valuable gift. They’re one of my favorite studio accessories!
Go to Amazon and search for the top-rated ones. It doesn’t have to be super expensive (but don’t go super cheap either). Some of my Voicelings like the Audio-Technica ATH-M20 or M50x (these are the ones I use) or Beyerdynamic DT 770.
Here are my Kwik Tips for using headphones in the studio.
Simple Sound Treatment Tips for a Better Voice Acting Booth
People often think they need expensive acoustic foam or a custom-built space.
Not true.
One of the simplest and most effective tools? Carpet. Carpet softens sound, reduces echo, and helps your space feel warm and cozy.
Some of my students swear by their blanket forts. Others? Pieces of styrofoam to do the trick and drown out unwanted background noises.
Get creative, try different things, and always test your audio to see what’s working and what’s not.
Software for Recording and Editing
Audacity is one of the best free tools out there for recording and editing voiceover. It’s beginner-friendly, easy to learn, and powerful enough to handle auditions, practice sessions, and projects. You can record clean takes, trim mistakes, remove background noise, adjust levels, and export high-quality audio files without needing a fancy DAW. It’s a great starting point for new voice actors and a reliable tool even as you grow.
One of the best paid tools for voice actors is Adobe Audition, a DAW for serious recording and editing. Unlike Audacity, Audition offers multi-track sessions, advanced noise reduction and tools, integration with other Adobe apps, effects, editing, real-time noise suppression, and tools that make auditioning and producing pro voiceover projects much faster and easier.
The Secret Performance Tool Voice Actors Forget: Hydration
One of the easiest and most important voice acting tips? Stay hydrated.
Hydration keeps your voice smooth, supported, and emotionally expressive. It also prevents “shmacky” mouth sounds (which we definitely don’t want landing in recordings).
Always have a fun cup or water bottle with your favorite animation characters on it!
If You Have These Basics, You’re Ready to Record Like a Pro
When you combine:
- a high-quality microphone
- a Focusrite Scarlett interface
- a steady computer
- studio headphones
- a comfortable space
- and hydration
You’re not “kind of” ready. You ARE ready to record professional-quality voice acting from home.
The Best Gift Beyond Equipment: Voicelings Access+
Equipment helps you record. But training, inspiration, and a community network help you grow into a voice actor.
That’s why I created Voicelings Access+. It gives you learn-at-your-own-pace lessons, guidance from me, support from people who love voice acting just like you, live learning opportunities with Hollywood legends, audition opportunities, and a place to build confidence.
If you’re gifting something meaningful to a voice actor (or investing in yourself – no judgement), Access+ is one of the most powerful gifts you can give!
Look Like a Voice Actor. Feel Like a Voice Actor. Shop Voicelings Merch
When you wear Voicelings merch, whether it’s a hoodie, tee, beanie, or tote bag for studio auditions, you’re not just wearing something cute (though it definitely is), you’re telling the world, “This is who I am. I’m a voice actor.” It’s your uniform for learning, recording, and being part of something bigger.
And that confidence (and fun) is everything.
Give the Gift of Voice Acting
This holiday season, whether you’re gifting a microphone, building an at-home voiceover studio, signing someone up for Voicelings Access+, or surprising them with something that makes them feel proud to be part of this beautiful community…
You’re not just giving equipment.
You’re giving possibilities.
You’re giving support.
You’re saying, “Your voice matters. Your dream matters.”
And that may be the best holiday gift anyone could receive.
With so much love, support, and excitement…
– Tara Strong 💜
