Explanation of typical equipment used for voice acting?

[Aedan Clarke]

For a few years now, I've been wanting to be a voice actor. Of course, more important things came up first and I've not had the money or time to buy equipment or even learn about equipment. So, I'm about to ask for a TON of information.

After doing a bit of research, I've find that condenser microphones are best to get a clear voice recorded and I've been looking at the AT2020 as a beginning mic. However, I see that most mics require "phantom power". Without knowing exactly what it is (First question: What is phantom power?), I found that preamps are a solution to this problem, having higher quality than the USB solution. Looking for affordable preamps, however is difficult and I have no idea where to start (Question 2: What's a good preamp, preferably in the $100 - $150 range?). After even more research, I see these "sound cards" pop up such as the M-Audio MobilePre. (Question 3 & 4: What are these sound cards and what do they do?) Then, of course, I realize that, DUH, I need a pop-filter. So, (Question 6 what's a good pop-filter to go with an AT2020?

Sorry for my newbishness, it's just because, well, I'm a newb.

Thanks.

[ScottStoked]

Phantom Power:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_power

Excellent $150 pre/sound card. Your computer will use this as both the interface and sound card via USB. It will also supply phatom power to any xlr mic.
http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-2i2-.../dp/B005OZE9SA

Pop filter. Pick any $15 - $20 . . . they'll all pretty much act the same.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...rds=pop+filter

[J-curl]

Scott and a few others posted some very informative information in a topic of mine that will likely be very helpful to you. Check it out here:
http://voiceactingalliance.com/board...-studio-set-up

[Aedan Clarke]

To both of you, thanks. It looks like I'm gonna end up getting some pretty good newb stuff for a low price. Cost-management FTMFW.

[Labamba]

u'd be amazed by how many ppl use rock band mics.....

what u really need is a microphone and a pop filter would be best, but not everyone uses one, its just A LOT better if u do.

also, a recording program, a lot of people start off with audacity, or other free recording programs.
i used wavepad. you could google free recording programs.

that's all you REALLY need. a mic to record and a program to record it :3