Professional Services
For promotional materials and all things marketing, I rely on Matt Shelton Design. When you watch my videos, my JBM Logoed Apparel is brought to you by Matt Shelton!
My Equipment
I get asked all the time what it takes to do what I do. I’ll say that the best equipment isn’t cheap, but you can get a professional finished product with a reasonable investment. Below, I’ve got a list of equipment I use, have used, and recommend. If you have any questions, please email me!
RODE NT1 Microphone
For a voiceover artist, choosing a microphone is like a wizard choosing his wand (or the wand choosing him). In this case, I had toyed with a few different microphones. Upon the recommendation of a friend and colleague, I decided on the Rode NT1 microphone.
This “kit” solved some space-restriction issues in my studio, as well. Offering some versatility in setup, with the included wind screen, for the price point, you can’t beat the Rode NT1!
Scarlett Solo Interface
I originally built my studio with the Scarlett 2i2, but the earlier generation of that was restrictive in some of the specs. In order to do more audiobooks, I upgraded to the Scarlett Solo, which only offers one primary input, but for my recording studio, that’s all I really need. I’m a fan of the Focusrite products, and there are many different configurations to suit different needs. I like the USB connectivity.
Dell Gaming Laptop
I researched SO many computers and ultimately decided on this beast. A gaming laptop with a good-sized solid-state drive and plenty of processing oomph, I can render video files quickly.
Logitech Gaming Mouse
For most of my professional life, I learned to master Adobe Audition with a standard mouse. Trust me when I say that getting a mouse with more buttons and functionality is a MUST for on-the-fly editing.
Boxer Tools Sound Blankets (with grommets)
Each studio or recording space is different. These thick, heavy moving blankets with reinforced grommets for hanging.
Laptop Cooling Pad
Multiple fans with speed control all charged off a USB port.
Adobe Audition audio production software
From the earliest days of Cool Edit, Adobe Audition builds on what worked for decades and made it 100x better. This is the industry standard!
Adobe Premier video production software
Video editing made easier with plenty of options and features.
Adobe Premier Rush basic video editing software
Premier Rush is the basic version of the deluxe Premier. Rush is the program I use edit self-tape auditions for commercials and television. It’s got all the basic functionality you need from its big sister, but Rush keeps it simple.
The Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
Personally, I prefer the Adobe Creative Cloud family. From After Effects, Photoshop, Audition, and Dreamweaver, this package is essential for creatives.
Laptop / Mouse Pad
Call me old school, but I like a mousepad. This is huge and lays under my laptop and creates a much larger workable surface, while protecting my desktop.
Curved Shower Curtain
Believe it or not, this is something I bought for my studio. If you have a smaller walk-in studio like mine, this can help give you a little more breathing room. I have a solid core door, but a blanket hanging on this rod gives you additional sound dampening and space!
Dog Training Clicker
Sometimes when I’m in the studio working on voiceover projects, this clicker helps me mark edit points.
(And if you’ve ever heard my stand-up routing, you know these are good for child rearing, too!)
Home Video Kit (Lights, Backdrop, etc)
Studio lights, 3 different backdrops, and stands for it all. This is a really all-in-one setup. You’ll need some space to set it up, but this really does help your productions look more professional.
LED Studio Lights
Mounted in my studio to offer more professional lighting when I want to record or do video conferencing while I’m working. Bi-color adjust
Monitor Wall Mount Arm
A dual-monitor setup isn’t mandatory, but it sure helps. This mounts my 2nd studio monitor above my laptop. The sleek design particularly is what really interested me.
LED Light Bar
Bought on recommendation, this LED Light bar is mounted in my studio directly behind me over my head. With magnetic wall-mountable panels, you can easily store this on the wall, or pull it off for more manual, direct light when needed.
SHURE Lavalier Mic
Shure, one of the most trusted brands in audio engineering, offers one of the most cost-effective answers to mobile recording. I’ve used this on my laptop as well and I have to say the audio quality is VERY good. This was my first lav mic and you know what they say – you never forget your first.
RODE Lavalier Mic (for mobile)
Made specifically for those of us on the GO, this Lav mic plugs right into your phone’s headphone jack to offer crisp, clean vocal quality above even the on-board mic, which is pretty impressive in most phones nowadays. This offers a more direct audio product without the background noise.
Roxio VHS Digital Conversion Kit
One of my goals was to convert all of my old VHS footage to digital. Granted, upon seeing some of this early work of mine, I will be recommending a fire pit next.
Roxio is a brand I trust from my early days building computers, so I went to them when I wanted to work on this project.
VHS Mini Adapter
One of my favourite Christmas gifts as a kid was the video camera my mom got for me (I STILL own it!). This is the converter for the mini tapes to standard VHS.