Advice for recording voice overs with a Sennheiser ME66

[stanw]

I want to record some voice overs using a Sennheiser ME66 connected to an iMac through Adobe Premiere. I plan to connect the boom into a small preamp that I have. The boom is currently attached to a handheld tabletop mic stand, and I have the mic stand on a stool that is positioned close to me. The boom is below my mouth and pointed up towards it. The preamp https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/578308-REG/CEntrance_Inc_MicPort_Pro_USB_Microphone.html

1. For doing basic voiceovers, can I obtain better quality audio from getting a more advanced preamp?
2. Can someone please recommend a pop filter that will work good with the ME66? Will a fuzzy windscreen for the boom also work as a pop filter?
3. Is there anything else anyone can recommend I get?

Thanks

 

[Peter C.]

This isn't my area of expertise, there are others who will respond better suited to answer your questions, but I'll give you my opinion.

Most profession VO will have 4 things:
1: The room acoustically treated or a portable sound booth. This is by far the most important beyond your technique.

2: Large diaphragm mics are commonly used there are other mics that can work too. If your just getting your feet wet and you're not making much money I wouldn't spend a lot until you're established.

3: A decent preamp usb interface.

4: There are post production work that you should be familiar with to sweeten the audio. Most sound straight from the mic will not wow you until you do some work to it.

I wouldn't use anything but a proper pop filter. I don't think they're expensive. I wouldn't use a fuzzy they alter the sound. As far as mic placement it's usually above pointed down at the chest. the closer the mic the deeper the bass. There are Youtube videos on the subject. Curtis Judd is an excellent resource.

 

[Alex H.]

The boom is below my mouth and pointed up towards it.

This placement is not ideal. See below.

1. For doing basic voiceovers, can I obtain better quality audio from getting a more advanced preamp?

The pre-amp matters a lot. I’m not familiar with the one you have, so I can’t comment on its quality. Just know that a pre-amp can make or break your signal. Everything from frequency response (added color, which may not be a good thing) to self noise can take a perfectly good mic and destroy the quality of what it captures. Ideally, you’d have a good quality outboard pre-amp feeding a USB audio interface, or a USB audio interface that has good pre-amps built-in. When I do voice recording, I have a RØDE NT-1A through and ART Voice Channel (pre-amp, compression, EQ), into a Focusrite interface.

Even a Focusrite Solo would do you some good here, and allow you an XLR input with phantom power should you need to record VO or even scratch.

2. Can someone please recommend a pop filter that will work good with the ME66? Will a fuzzy windscreen for the boom also work as a pop filter?

Placement is the first concern. A shotgun mic can be used effectively for voice recording, but I’d highly recommend that you get a mic stand with a boom arm and place the mic overhead, pointed down. Same placement as if you were setting it for an on-camera interview, except with VO you can get the mic a whole lot closer.

Second, speak across the mic at a 45° angle, which will help avoid plosives hitting the mic head-on. After that, the foam windscreen may prove enough. If not, look for a pop shield from sE Electronics (Dual Pro), On-Stage (ASFSS6GB), Gator (GM-POP), or Shure (PS-6). They don’t cost much, but look at multi-layer screens as opposed to single-layer.

3. Is there anything else anyone can recommend I get?

You need to treat your room, or find a treated/quiet space in which to record. The two easiest options: three sound blankets or furni pads and two C-stands can be rigged into a pretty decent, makeshift VO booth, or; a walk-in closet can be a great option, since it’s usually packed with hanging clothes that provide plenty of sound diffusion and absorption.

 

[stanw]

Thanks Alex and Peter for the info!

I can put the boom on a stand pointed down towards me, however, I was under the impression that placing it below and pointed towards me was also a good option. I know traditionally booms are overhead and pointed toward the subject, though aren't booms also under the person and pointed towards them sometimes? OR is this just when the shot requires it?

Thanks!

 

[Alex H.]

Booming from underneath is a last resort, used only when there’s no better option. I’ll boom from underneath if it’s a matter of shadows in a high and harsh sun, or if the camera’s frame otherwise prevents overhead booming. It can work, but it’s not ideal.

If you have it pointed up toward you, you have it pointed toward the ceiling reflections, or the sky (birds, planes, etc.) as well. If you have it overhead and pointed down, it’s pointed toward the torso and the (hopefully) absorbent ground (grass, carpet, etc.).

Plus, placing the mic up and aiming down points the mic toward the sternum and provides a good balance between direct voice and chest resonance. From underneath, the chest resonance can be favored, which isn’t what you want.

 

[Jim Feeley]

Building on previous comments:

In the video below, starting around 0:58, you'll see a quick succession of VO people saying they use a Sennheiser 416 for VO work. I call this out because broadly, the ME66 is kind of like a 416 (not as good, but also not as expensive). But the key thing: Pay attention to how they each have the mic positioned. A couple have it slightly below their mouth, but those people have serious chops; I don't suggest that positioning for those of us who don't have such chops. More have the mic above them pointing down; it's not positioned as vertically as it would be during a location shoot, but do take a look.... So these positions are more like what Alex describes above.

And with mic above the mouth, I again agree with Alex. Maybe a small foam windscreen will be enough. It probably will be. If you find it isn't, a small pop filter made for mics like the 416 (e.g., your ME66), such as that from Hook Studios might be helpful. Several people in the VO video above are using the Hook Studios filter, or something equivalent. They're pretty transparent, and about $70. Here's a link, but I wouldn't buy one until I knew I needed one.
https://thehookstudios.com/filters.html

If you don't have a good closet, or studio sometimes a bedroom can work; at least it will probably work better than a dining room. The bed, closed curtains if you have them, jackets hung on walls & dressers, etc. can help. Windows facing noisy streets don't help.

Oh there's so much more, but I gotta go.

 

[stanw]

Jim,

Thanks for sharing the video, it was really helpful.

 

[stanw]

I just ordered the Hook Studios pop filter.

The location where my computer is located is far from ideal, it has travertine floors, and walls and ceilings that will bounce sound off of. Do I need to cover the floor in the area that I am sitting with sound blankets while the boom is raised above me and pointed down towards me, or do I just need to enclose myself in sound blankets?

Thanks

 

[Peter C.]

Most common treatment for hard floors is a rug. You also want a quiet computer or put some distance between you and it.

Like I said before the single most important factor is creating a setup that isolates you from environmental sounds and is acoustically ideal. Some will dedicate a room for it others will build or buy a portable booth that they can quickly roll out and put away.

In addition a dynamic mic can be an effective way to isolate yourself

 

[dorotyadams]

I want to record some voice overs using a Sennheiser ME66 connected to an iMac through Adobe Premiere. I plan to connect the boom into a small preamp that I have. The boom is currently attached to a handheld tabletop mic stand, and I have the mic stand on a stool that is positioned close to me. This list of essay writing services Pay for Essays is a boon. In marketing, we understand the need for high-quality content. These services offer reliability and professionalism. A valuable reference for marketers and students alike.

1. For doing basic voiceovers, can I obtain better quality audio from getting a more advanced preamp?
2. Can someone please recommend a pop filter that will work good with the ME66? Will a fuzzy windscreen for the boom also work as a pop filter?
3. Is there anything else anyone can recommend I get?

Thanks

Hi!

1. Upgrading your preamp can improve audio quality, but the Sennheiser ME66 is already a high-quality microphone. If your current preamp is clean and provides adequate gain, you may not see a significant improvement with a more advanced preamp for basic voiceovers. However, if you're experiencing noise or interference issues, or if you plan to use the microphone for other purposes like music recording, a better preamp might be beneficial.
2. A pop filter is essential for recording voiceovers. It helps reduce plosive sounds (p, b, t, etc.) that can cause unwanted pops in your recordings. While a fuzzy windscreen can provide some protection from wind noise and plosives, a dedicated pop filter like the "Stedman Proscreen XL" or "Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter" would be a better choice. These are specifically designed to minimize plosives without affecting the sound quality. You can attach them to your mic stand or boom for optimal results.
3. Here are some additional recommendations:
   • Acoustic Treatment: Consider adding some acoustic treatment to your recording space to reduce reflections and background noise. This can greatly improve the quality of your voiceovers.
   • Headphones: Invest in a good pair of closed-back headphones to monitor your recordings accurately.
   • Shock Mount: A shock mount for your microphone can reduce vibrations and handling noise, providing cleaner recordings.
   • Boom Arm or Mic Stand: If you find that your current setup isn't very flexible or comfortable, consider getting a quality boom arm or a floor-standing mic stand.