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A wall of fabric and foam, and a door, separate the space for writing novels (above) and a voice-over studio (right).
 
 
Joan Hall Hovey
Voice Actor & Suspense Novelist
 
Originally what was one room (12 ft. by 7 ft.) where I did my writing, is now two tiny rooms.
 
My husband put up a door and wall in the middle of the room to create a voice-over recording studio (6 ft. by 7 ft.). He soundproofed the studio by attaching two-inch foam to the door and wall.
 
I added fabric to the wall, and had purchased both the foam and fabric at a fabric center. The door between the rooms shuts tightly.
 
The books in my floor-to-ceiling bookshelves help to soundproof, as do heavy drapes on the window opposite my Yahama keyboard. I play a little, so I'm multi-tasking in this space. Behind the solid wall opposite the window is my bedroom clothes closet, which is also a big help in keeping things quiet.
 
There's a desk and chair in front of the window. And that's it. Works for me.
 
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
 
My studio equipment is minimal:
  • EV PL 20 mic
  • dbx 286A preamp
  • Cool Edit 2000 recording/editing software
I chose this equipment because it seemed best for someone who is very definitely not an audio engineer. I wanted to keep things simple.
 
Along with lots of trial and error when setting up the studio, I received valuable advice from many pros in the field. I like the sound of my voice on this mic and it's very forgiving of any sibilance, which I have a slight tendency toward. It's a lovely mic.
 
The DBX 286A was recommended by Todd Schick, a wonderful voice talent. I use it strictly as a preamp because I didn't know what the hell I was doing with the compressor.
 
At Joan's web site, hear her read a passage from her novel, Chill Waters, winner of the Golden Wings and Bloody Dagger awards. Based in New Brunswick, Canada, her voice-over work includes commercials, narrations and audiobooks. She is also author of the suspense novels, Nowhere to Hide and Listen to the Shadows, and wrote and produced Write Your Novel, a how-to guide that she narrates and also sells as an e-book.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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