Any suggestions on a voiceover Mic?
- Thread starter JoeJITSU
- Start date
Steve House
Veteran
"Something decent" and "under $80" are mutually exclusive. Voiceover and narration is usually recorded with a large diaphram condensor or a studio dynamic mic. Roughly $200 would be the entry point (Rode NT1a) and the sky's the limit as you move up from there. Plus, of course, you need something to plug it into and a proper space to record in.
Don't forget that certain dynamic mics can work in this situation, and may be better if the room/recording space isn't terribly friendly for a condenser. Mics like the EV RE20 and the Shure SM7, made for broadcast voice, aren't terribly cheap but can be very useful. RøDE has one as well that is less expensive: check out the Procaster.
Recording VO with a dynamic is obviously going to have a much different sound, but to record with a proper large-diaphragm condenser also requires treating the room.
Recording VO with a dynamic is obviously going to have a much different sound, but to record with a proper large-diaphragm condenser also requires treating the room.
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Noiz2
Sound Ninja
And actually my favorite the Heil PR-40. Very similar to the RE20 but a bit "cleaner" and very hot (for a dynamic) because of rare earth magnets. It's also a bit cheaper.
To the OP. Other than getting something used "under $80" isn't generally going to get you much.
I once got a trio of Nackamichi small condenser's (with all the capsules) for $25 each, and I picked up an original SM55 for free (a theatre had used it for a prop and were going to toss it because of space). That's about under the "decent category and I used to scan the want ads for stuff all the time (pre eBay). I have picked up a lot of strange mics cheap but that isn't really what you looking for.
If your budget is firm then I would say just keep looking for used in places where there won't be many sound people (like want ads). Your looking for either someone who just wants to get rid of stuff or an estate sale where they have no idea what they have. You should also bring something along to check the mic to some extent since there are no returns. In this economy I suspect there are bargains to be found if you look hard enough.
To the OP. Other than getting something used "under $80" isn't generally going to get you much.
I once got a trio of Nackamichi small condenser's (with all the capsules) for $25 each, and I picked up an original SM55 for free (a theatre had used it for a prop and were going to toss it because of space). That's about under the "decent category and I used to scan the want ads for stuff all the time (pre eBay). I have picked up a lot of strange mics cheap but that isn't really what you looking for.
If your budget is firm then I would say just keep looking for used in places where there won't be many sound people (like want ads). Your looking for either someone who just wants to get rid of stuff or an estate sale where they have no idea what they have. You should also bring something along to check the mic to some extent since there are no returns. In this economy I suspect there are bargains to be found if you look hard enough.
Doc Bernard
Indie Arms Member
Another thing to think about, maybe later on.....one mic is never the best for all talent. At one time, I had nearly 100 mics in my locker, from a $15.00 radioshack mic to $6000 tube LDC. I knew what mics worked on what was being recorded.
As was stated before, $80 is not much to work on for a decent VO mike, but it can be done. MXL's are okay mikes. That mike Noiz2 linked you to, looking at its freq plot, is going to be a bit hyped on the 5K-15K range. But for the price, you cannot expect stunning results. See if there are mods available for it. There are a lot of guys that "tweak" their mics and show you how as well.
As much as I am a "low budget" proponent......... things would be better for your results if you bumped that amount you are wanting to spend up a bit.
As was stated before, $80 is not much to work on for a decent VO mike, but it can be done. MXL's are okay mikes. That mike Noiz2 linked you to, looking at its freq plot, is going to be a bit hyped on the 5K-15K range. But for the price, you cannot expect stunning results. See if there are mods available for it. There are a lot of guys that "tweak" their mics and show you how as well.
As much as I am a "low budget" proponent......... things would be better for your results if you bumped that amount you are wanting to spend up a bit.
Chadfish
Veteran
I can vouch for the NT3 as a decent VO mic. It's got a 2/3" diaphragm. I have used it for VO on ads where I go to the client and record them. It's also a decent boom mic, though heavy. You will need a pop flter when using that, and most any mic for VO. I say go for it. But if you go for a LDC (large diaphragm condenser) the NT2a, at 400.00 comes with a package that includes a shock mount, pop filter, and cable. It's a good sounding mic that I used here:
And I used an NT3 for this one. It's the mic I have sitting on my desk for when I skype with my friends, but I didn't want to set up another mic for this:
And I used an NT3 for this one. It's the mic I have sitting on my desk for when I skype with my friends, but I didn't want to set up another mic for this:
Doc Bernard
Indie Arms Member
There is no doubt, the NT3 is a great mic. But for VO......it isn't "intimate" enough for me. There was something missing in the tonality.