Home studio mic setup for tutorials?

story2rewrite

story2rewrite

Well-known member
I'm looking for a mic for tutorials. I have a 2i2 right now which I plug in a shotgun mic but I was thinking of changing to something else. Any recommendations? I'm looking under 300 on this. Thanks.
 
What kind of tutorials? Walk and talk? Computer? Other? Voice overs/narration? I've never a 2i2, is the a mixer or a preamp. Can you be more specific?
 
Rick, I'm 99.9% sure he's talking about the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB interface. I have a 2i4 right in front of me; it's actually a really decent preamp & low-latency interface for the price; I mainly use it to drive my monitors on my edit (ie- not audio post) machine and laptop. Had mine for five years or something. I like it. https://us.focusrite.com/scarlett-range


Story, so I'm guessing you want to record software tutorials while sitting in front of your computer, or other similar not-moving VO-style stuff. Of course, let me know if I'm wrong. Anyway, there are SO MANY mics you can choose from, and the podcasting boom/menace means manufacturers are bringing out more every day. And there's so much funky advice on blogs. I'd say the choice depends partly on your own voice and how noisy your room/studio is.

Out of the many not-great reviews, here's one that stands out in my memory. Aimed at people producing narrative public radio (think "This American Life," "Reveal" and those sorts of shows), but rather hype free. Some audio samples, too. If nothing else, it'll give you some background info to help narrow your choice...From a couple years ago, but still useful imo:

Podcasting Basics, Part 1: Voice Recording Gear
https://transom.org/2015/podcasting-basics-part-1-voice-recording-gear/

There's also this comparison they did a dozen years ago. Still some relevant mics, and the cool thing is they have sample recordings for each mic by three different people (two male, one female):

The Transom Studio Mic Shootout: Blindfold Test
https://transom.org/2005/transom-studio-mic-shootout/


Those two articles might help you narrow down your choices. Also, dig through dvxuser's Ty Ford's thoughtful reviews and demos. For example:
https://tyfordaudiovideo.blogspot.com/2017/10/aston-origin-large-diaphragm-condenser.html

Well I'm not making any specific recommendations. Sorry 'bout that. But hopefully this info helps at least a little...
 
Our friend Ty Ford, has reviewed many VO mics. His opinions and observations you can trust. Lot of choices for VO mics. Popular large diaphragm condenser mics are the typical go-to for VOs. Some prefer large diaphragm dynamic mics like the EV RE20, Shure SM7, Sennheiser 421. Some big name VO artists swear by a 416 shotgun. Depends what works with for your particular voice. Audition as many as possible in your price range.
 
I'm a fan of the stuff from Blue. I personally have the Yeti, even used it to ADR an entire feature as well as tutorials. Here at work I have a Blue Snowball sitting in front of me, also sounds great and is a little cheaper. If you're just doing tutorials and searching Google with it, no need to break the bank.
 
Wow. Thanks for all the responses. I think I'm leaning towards the Rode NT1. I'll definitely research the others. Right now I'm using a ntg2 shotgun. We use ntg3 on location when shooting. I'm a fan of rode products. I'm mostly going to use this for online vfx tutorials but I'm going to be doing some voice over stuff for animated project I'm working on so it will be nice to have this for some of the minor characters. For the majors I'll probably book a studio. Thanks again.
 
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