Voice over mic help

[Brian_Rice]

Needing a microphone for voice over work on my new flash animated series. Using a Fostex FR2LE for recordings. Trying to decide if it's better to pick up a NTG-2 or a NT1-A. Both cost around the same with the NT1 being slightly cheaper.

My other option is to continue renting Countryman lav B6 mics at around 20 bucks per rental.

Thanks for the assist!!

 

[Alex H.]

A quick search of the audio form will turn up several threads where this has been discussed in detail. Here are a couple to get you started:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?265434-Narration-Mic

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?258896-VO-Studio-Setup-Thoughts-and-Suggestions

 

[ryanjf]

I wouldn't use the NTG-2 at all. When I bought the NTG-3, I asked myself why I even bothered with the NTG-2. It's a night and day difference.

If you need something cheaper, the Audix CX-112 is a great mic for VO work. I'm not sure what kind of acoustics you'll be recording in, but if it's less than ideal, I wouldn't put a shotgun in there, but rather a cardioid.

If you're recording in a pretty isolated booth, then I recommend the NTG-3 as it can be used outside the studio as well. I bought mine used for $275 and it still has the 10 year warranty on it.

I did a mic shootout a couple months ago between the NTG-3, the MKH 416, and the MKH 40, and to my ears, the NTG-3 is smoother at the bottom and less harsh. I even posted the results on my website.

** EDIT: I did the shootout in a class A recording booth.

 

[Alex H.]

Again, this has been discussed to death. Links above will guide you to other threads that address this very topic.

 

[robotsound]

Typical animated programs often use large diaphragm condenser mics. The Rode NT1-A is such a mic.

I'm not a big fan of shotgun mics (like the NTG-2 or NTG-3) indoors, as it's very easy to get weird low end reflections. Unless you have a solid understanding of acoustic treatment, a little closet or iso booth is probably just going to make your sound boxy with any mic, and especially with a shotgun mic.

For your situation, just go for the NT1-A. I have three Rode NT1's (the original ones from the 90's) and tons of other mics, and the NT1 would be what I would try first in your situation. And stay out of little boxy closets, they'll just make it sound boxy.