Audio Recording Resources
This page offers for recommendations for audio recording equipment and editing software. (For more recommendations click here.)
Most of these links to go product pages on Amazon.com. Always read some product reviews to learn how other buyers like or dislike the product. Amazon sellers can change prices and offer deals with a click of the mouse so don’t be surprised if the prices have changed.
Getting Started
Headsets with microphones are a low cost yet good quality way to avoid using your laptop microphone and speakers. Logitech H390 is a #1 best seller. Amazon
Note: I own the Logitech H390 but no longer use it. Instead I use my wired Apple EarPods for Zoom, Skype and other quick recording tasks.
Microphones:
You’ll need a foam ball or pop filter to avoid popping sounds made when you say a word beginning with “s” or “p.”
Recommended Microphone:
The ATR2100 microphone has been replaced by the ATR2100x. This new microphone comes with USB-C and is a “hotter” mic. This higher gain means your voice records with higher volume than the ATR2100. A hotter mic also means you can record a little farther away from the mic. This is an advantage when recording while reading a script.
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
This microphone replaced the ATR2100 and is $99. USB-C. Sounds great. I recommend buying it in a bundle which includes a pop filter and stand. Amazon
Monitoring Headphones
Good: Earbuds which came with your smartphone. Earbuds add bass and let in background noise but are way better than using your laptop speakers.
Better: Sony MDRZX110 ZX Series Stereo Headphones ($10)
Be sure to get the version without a built-in microphone. You want to control the monitoring volume via your PC/Mac/Mixer to keep it consistent between recording sessions. You also do NOT want any headphone which add extra bass. You’ll use headphones for audio/video production not consumption so you don’t want extra bass.
Amazon Best Sellers
Best: Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone ($80) Amazon
Solidly built, lightweight, and great sound quality. Used in many professional studios including mine.
Ambient Sound Control
LyxPro VRI-30 – Portable & Foldable Sound Absorbing Vocal Recording Panel – Stand Mount ($70) Amazon
Acoustic Panels wall treatments Amazon
Recording Software
Audacity for Windows, Mac, and Linux (free)
http://www.audacityteam.org/
GarageBand for MacOS and iOS ($5 for Mac and free for iOS)
https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/
Adobe Audition ($20/month)
http://www.adobe.com/products/audition.html
Apple Logic Pro ($200 one-time)
https://www.apple.com/logic-pro/
Camtasia for Windows and Mac ($200 one-time)
https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html
Screenflow for Mac ($149 one-time)
https://www.telestream.net/screenflow/
Disclosure: Please note that some of the product links are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. Please understand that my recommendations are for products I have used or have been used by people I trust. I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.