Need some tips about recording voice overs (software/vocal booth)

[AFX]

I'm using an AT2020 USB mic, and for what I'm doing, it sounds good. The thing is, I don't feel like I'm doing all I can on the software side of things to get the best recordings possible. I'm using Adobe Audition 3 (is there something better?) and basically just plugging in the mic, setting the volume to about 40-50% in Windows, and hitting record. It's really not bad, but sometimes volume is a little inconsistent and things like that. I don't feel like I should be solely relying on input volumes in Windows. What can I do within the program, settings-wise to get the best sounding voice overs I can? Keep in mind, I know very little about software itself, and I don't think it's necessary to learn it top to bottom for what I'm doing, so I just need some simple tips.

Also, I'm just recording things in a normal room and aside from regular room noise, I'm having some trouble with echo and the voice sounding a little hollow when backing away from the mic in order to yell or talk more loudly. I'm considering going with a simple solution and pulling everything out of my walk in closet and throwing some decent acoustic foam on the walls. Some people say this is a great idea, and some say it's a horrible idea, but most opinions are regarding singing. I'm thinking if I'm just recording voice overs, this will help eliminate the ambient room noise, stop my voice from bouncing all over the place and keep it from dispersing so much when I back away a little. Thoughts on this?

Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

[af-TimOBrien]

The room you're recording in is about 80% of the sound (that's why pro studios spend millions to build acoustically corrected rooms.

As for the closet, they will work but leave the clothes in them to provide absorption.
(yes, you're going to have to experiment but you'll learn a lot in the process)

[robertruetz]

Tim is right. There isn't much else you can do really. The mic goes straight into your computer via USB, so there's no adjustments to be made on that end. Audition is a powerful DAW, and should do everything you need to do. You might try a little bit of compression to help with your volume issues (just don't go overboard). I can't remember if Audition supports real-time effects or not. If it does, throw a compressor (I believe AA3 comes with an Izotope compressor even) in your mic channel and play with it until the volume evens out. Otherwise, do everything you can to use good mic technique and improve your recording space. The closet can sound like a little echo chamber if it is too small or left untreated. Leaving clothes in for density is a good idea, assuming you can fit inside with them. Small spaces are easier to control, in theory, but they are also harder, in that quick reflections are a nightmare. A bigger room helps disperse some of those immediate reflections. Basically, you'll have to keep trying.

Welcome to the forums!
Rob