Recording Equipment for Beginners. What you Really Need (and What You Don't)

Recording Equipment for Beginners. What you Really Need (and What You Don't)

1. Microphone: Your Most Important Tool

Use a Dedicated Microphone
Avoid using your laptop’s built-in mic — it will not sound professional enough for audiobook production. We recommend and XLR setup for optimal quality but it may be possible to use a USB microphone if you ensure that the model can produce ultra low noise floor output.

Recommended starter microphones:

  • Rode NT1

  • Audio-Technica AT 2020

  • Aston Origin

All three are affordable, easy to use, and produce professional-quality results.

Avoid:

  • Headset microphones

  • Built-in computer microphones

  • Smartphone mics

2. Essential Accessories

Pop Filter
A pop filter sits between your mouth and the microphone.
It softens harsh sounds from ‘p’, ‘b’, and ‘t’ sounds, making your audio smoother and more listener-friendly.

Audio Interface (for XLR microphones)
This converts the soundwave to data for the computer to store, and provides the mic with power.

Shock Mount
This Creates a barrier for unwanted sound transference to the microphone

Microphone Stand or Boom Arm
Holding your microphone while recording leads to handling noise.
Use a simple desk stand or boom arm to keep the mic steady and your hands free.

Closed-Back Headphones
Use closed-back headphones (not open-back or earbuds) to monitor your recording.
This helps you catch background noise, mouth clicks, or other issues immediately.

Recommended beginner models:

  • Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

  • Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm

  • Sony MDR-7506

3. Recommended Extras

Acoustic Treatment
You don't need a full studio.
Recording in a quiet room with soft furnishings (curtains, carpet, cushions) is often enough.

READ MORE

Foam Shields / Reflection Filters
Helpful if your room is echoey

Audio Interface
Only needed if you use an XLR microphone.
If you choose a USB microphone, you don’t need an interface.

4. What You Definitely Don't Need

  • Professional studio hire

  • Multi-thousand pound equipment setups

  • Complex recording software with steep learning curves

A simple, good-quality setup is more than enough to produce a professional audiobook with VoomVox’s enhancement service.

Having the right basics in place means you can focus on telling your story,
and leave the technical polishing to us.