There are many people using the power of their computers to narrate their own websites, audition for commercial work, or do podcasts. They might wish to spread their knowledge, establish their expertise, or just have fun. You may want to do this, but are uncertain exactly how it works. Here are some basics:
Do you need Protools?
No. While Protools in its many variations is ubiquitous, and works extremely well, it is by far the "only" computer-based recording platform. It's unlikely that you would ever tap its full features simply recording voice. What you really want is a method to capture sound and edit, control volume, and export files in a certain format (.mp3,.wav being two of the most common.)
Do you need to spend a lot of money?
No. If you have a computer, you can be recording voice for about $100. You can, and might be well advised to spend more - the sky is almost the limit. There is, however, a point of diminishing returns.
How do you get started?
You probably do want to sound more professional than can come from the microphone which may be built-in to your laptop. That's one reason why there are outboard microphones or gadgets that allow you to plug directly into your computer via USB. Some even come with recording software.
Another way is to use an outboard (separate) microphone preamplifier, which boosts the low output of the microphone to a level which can then be input into most sound cards in most computers. You can then add equalization (bass or high frequencies) within your recording program, if it allows.
A third way is to use what is called a "channel strip" which includes a microphone preamplifier and other built-in options, for example: equalization (fancy tone controls), perhaps a compressor (which turns low sounds up at the same time it turns loud sounds down for a smoother presentation), a limiter (which locks the loudest sound to a predetermined threshold) and maybe a "de-esser" which can be tuned to keep "ss" sounds from being too pronounced or harsh. A channel strip then outputs into the line input of your sound card in your computer.
What most important thing do many miss?
The acoustic environment in which you record will greatly affect the outcome. You might hear the hollowness of the room as the sound bounces off the walls, floor, and ceiling (as an exaggeration, think what it sounds like when you talk in your shower). Happily, there are ways around this, both electronic and physical. As an electronic cure, and sometimes present on a channel strip, you would use a "gate" which turns down the lowest sounds your microphone hears. A too aggressive use will also cut parts of your words out, though. Acoustically, anything which absorbs sound can be positioned around the microphone to keep sound from bouncing around the room and being heard.
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