Which USB Mic for Voiceovers?
- Thread starter rfrink
- Start date
Steve House
Veteran
Rode Podcaster - $229 at B&H Photo, plus $40 for the shockmount if needed. I know that's a little over your stated budget but not by much more than the cost of a tank of gas these days.
rfrink
Member
Thanks Steve! I have my eye on that mic.
Here's my list and approx Ebay prices from new retailers. Some come with a small desk top stand and/or shock mount.
Samson C01U $90-120
Samson C03U $150
Blue Microphones Snowball $100
MXL 990 $60
MXL 008 $170
Rode Podcaster $180
Audio Technica AT2020 USB $100-150
Any thoughts?
-Rob
Here's my list and approx Ebay prices from new retailers. Some come with a small desk top stand and/or shock mount.
Samson C01U $90-120
Samson C03U $150
Blue Microphones Snowball $100
MXL 990 $60
MXL 008 $170
Rode Podcaster $180
Audio Technica AT2020 USB $100-150
Any thoughts?
-Rob
Steve House
Veteran
I've heard decent things about all of them. I'm personally familiar with both Rode and Audio Technica, though not those specific mics, and have confidence in them. Blue has a following as does MXL but I don't have any first-hand knowledge there and I'm personally a bit leery of Samson.
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Noiz2
Sound Ninja
Blue makes some very nice mic's. The snowball has a good rep for VO and I played with one once but not enough to have much of an opinion. I'm interested in picking up one of the clip on versions they make as a mic to carry with my computer for those "if I only had a mic" moments. I also have mixed and not so great experience with Samson products. Could be a fine mic but once bitten...
The AT I have also heard good things about. Haven't heard anything about the Rode but they tend to be on the big bang for the buck end of things so...
If you already have a mic you like there are a number of Mic pre to USB adapters out that have a pretty good rep and would fit your budget.
The AT I have also heard good things about. Haven't heard anything about the Rode but they tend to be on the big bang for the buck end of things so...
If you already have a mic you like there are a number of Mic pre to USB adapters out that have a pretty good rep and would fit your budget.
JordanBlock
Well-known member
I've got the XLR version of the AT2020 and have used it on a couple occasions for live voice-over / announcing. Assuming the USB version has the same specs, its a great mic for the price.
MXL and Blue both have decent followings, mostly in the home recording crowd, from what I've seen.
The only Samson gear I've used is a cheap set of drum mics that didn't hold up under pretty tame working conditions.
MXL and Blue both have decent followings, mostly in the home recording crowd, from what I've seen.
The only Samson gear I've used is a cheap set of drum mics that didn't hold up under pretty tame working conditions.
rfrink
Member
Thanks for the responses! I was hoping to hear something like..."hey, I've have all of them, and honestly, the so and so model out shines the rest ...hands down..."
But it sounds like any of them will work fine for me. So I guess I'll just close my eyes and throw a dart at the screen and see which one it hits...bingo! we have a winner!
Or maybe, I'll look at the photos for some cool or interesting detail or color that seals the deal.
Fortunately, this is a lower cost investment compared to other equipment...so I'm not too worried about it.
Sincere thanks again!
-Rob
But it sounds like any of them will work fine for me. So I guess I'll just close my eyes and throw a dart at the screen and see which one it hits...bingo! we have a winner!
Or maybe, I'll look at the photos for some cool or interesting detail or color that seals the deal.
Fortunately, this is a lower cost investment compared to other equipment...so I'm not too worried about it.
Sincere thanks again!
-Rob
rfrink
Member
I've changed my direction. I bought one of thsse XLR-to-USB adaptors/interfaces...so I can use my XLR mics. This way, if I buy a new mic for just for VO work, I'll get it the XLR version...and it might give me more options later down the road.
At least...that's my latest thinking.
-Rob
At least...that's my latest thinking.
-Rob
RandomHero
Well-known member
I'd say go with the MXL Micmate. It's solid, fairly inexpensive, and there have been some tests done that really put it up against much more expensive systems, with very comparable results. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the link, but there's my opinion anyway.
rfrink
Member
Yes, I bought the Micmate....but I don't have a Studio mic yet. Just a RODE shot gun on my DXV. I figure I'll try it...but I have my eyes open for a Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Mic.
The AT4040 looks nice....but @ $299, it's more than I want to spend. Gosh, there are so many choices and decisions..
-Rob
The AT4040 looks nice....but @ $299, it's more than I want to spend. Gosh, there are so many choices and decisions..
-Rob
RandomHero
Well-known member
Some voiceover guys swear by shotguns as well. There's plenty of 'em out there who love the Sennheiser MKH416. So depending on how high quality your shotgun is, and your recording/post production software, you should be able to sound as good as anyone in the biz
