5 Voiceover Mics under $200 (compared with a $3000+ mic) | Booth Junkie

[@PDXASM]

"A really expensive mic will only bring out the flaws of a bad room..." AMEN!!! Gawd, how I've tried to get this through to people over the years...

[@LEWITT-audio]

If our (potential) customers ask about what model to get or if it makes sense to invest the extra $300 for the higher model, we always recommend checking first if there's still potential for acoustic improvement in their recording space. Love your videos, and thanks for the feature.

[@1337Atreyu]

I love hearing this directly from a mic manufacturer. Y'all have a great lineup of mics, but people are only going to get salty if they buy something expensive and they don't know why they still sound terrible. GGs Lewitt.

[@Jdmeco]

I’m a v.o artist in Spain. Do you have any dealers that allows to try your mics ?

[@pradeepchakraverti]

I appreciate your intervention. I own the LCT 440 and LCT 240 mics in India, and I'm extremely happy to have invested in them both.

[@foursite]

Love my Lewitt 240 PRO I just got from Amazon after listening to Tom Buck! Sounds different than my shure mics. My students online said I sounded great! Thanks guys!

[@NicoDeclerckBelgium]

Tried the LCT 440 in a store, and it's definitely on my "want" list... ;-)

[@FullSendPrecision]

Man that worker bee sounds incredible.

[@1337Atreyu]

Your preamble was exactly what was needed before starting this video. You always hear the room first, the interface second, and the mic third. Overall, the room is the most important part of the equation!

[@HairSuitGentleman]

That's a great way of putting it, Jordan! I'm totally stealing this. (I say while using a Neumann with a Behringer interface while recording in a bathroom). 😁

[@1337Atreyu]

@@HairSuitGentleman ha, yeah, I am using an E100S. When I got it, I had it in an untreated cinder block basement. Moved to a PVC booth out in my garage for a while, and then actually studded out and built a bespoke treated (and isolated) room in my basement which has made all the difference. Now I can do horror game screams and death wails without waking up my wife sleeping literally 6 feet above my head.

[@johnkotches8320]

Unless you're using a specific feature in the interface, I'd put the microphone second. Interfaces these days without engaging tone controls (which is what the circuits are) are all quite good.

[@KaneAmaroq]

@@johnkotches8320 Thank you, I was about to say that. Most modern interfaces are totally transparent, the noise floor and distortion on them is far less than either the room or the mic will ever have.

[@brianutley5636]

This is a very humbling video, I keep looking at more and more expensive microphones while not fixing the problem which is my room.

[@NKWTI]

The interesting thing about the Neat Worker Bee is that rather than sounding like a budget condenser mic, it actually sounds like a legendary, high quality dynamic mic. It could easily go toe to toe with RE20 and SM7B for voice over/narration/podcasting purposes. I think it sounds best with the included screen

[@hr2186]

The King bee and worker bee are very very great microphones....they will become collectors items.

[@zegan_audio]

incredible how amazing that $80 mic sounds. Truly shows u how important room acoustics is. and a great voice obviously haha!

[@xrarelightx]

I have the Worker Bee! 😂 It looks funny but it sounds amazing in my closet! I always have a blast with it! Worth the money! I've always stuck to budget mics because my income is low, also because I've never needed a super expensive mic. Enjoy and get what you can afford and, if you don't have a booth like me, always make sure your environment is quiet before you record. BTW The Neat Bees have new versions: King Bee II and Worker Bee II that just released this year! Can you review those? Thanks for this video. I'm going to share it with my VO followers on Twitter!

[@BoothJunkie]

The worker bee is really good at it's price. Sounds way better than a lot of mics at the same price.

[@RedFunk]

The stellar was the only one of the budget mics I didn't hear that self noise from.

[@OldGodsofAppalachia]

The second half of our first season and the first half of our second season were recorded using the TZ Audio Stellar X2. We switched to the X3. Love the TZ stuff, and I'll give you three guesses where we learned about it :-)

[@Painted-Coyote]

Oh hey, I listen to you on spotify!

[@ericdano]

Love my Stellar X2. Great value. Great sounding mic.

[@BoothJunkie]

It really is!

[@sandiago7564]

Still using it today?

[@ericdano]

@@sandiago7564 Off and on.

[@LBJedi]

Great vid for this time of year👍 Also, when I bought my mic/built my booth, I took your advice. I got a Shure KSM32, and spent the majority of my budget on my booth. It makes my mic sound WAY better, and my editing process so much easier.

[@joshuaharrover3205]

Hey, Mr. Delgaudio, huge fan of your work. My name's Josh, I'm a freelance Voice Actor from Florida, and I loved this video. Thank you so much. I also saw a video you made several years ago about recording in your car. I am currently doing that, using a combination of dynamic mics and one pencil condenser mic, thank you for the information. Merry Christmas.

[@iReadBooks]

Thank you very much for all you so here, for this incredible source of information. Your thorough reviews are such a great help. I can hardly put in words how much I appreciate your work! Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your loved ones!

[@SpookySkeletons]

Thanks for testing mate! If you had told me, that the worker bee is about 1000 $ I'd believe you. It sounds amazing.

[@ChrisSchaffer]

A really good set of microphones - sadly, I don't have any of them that I speak to from experience, but I haven't seen anyone hate them. And as always, thank you for emphasizing that top end gear, while awesome, is really primarily about prestige and taking production from Great to Stellar rather than being necessary. And even more thanks for the constant reminder that in any level of budget the bulk should be spent on making sure the recording space is excellent before worrying about the level of exacting detail you mic can record, because recording in a space that sounds like you're in a tile bathroom will mean no one will care that the recording came from a Neuman microphone.

[@digadigado]

can you do a vid on how to find the jobs? maybe you've been in the game long enough that you don't know how someone new would get jobs nowdays since you get all yours through connections or established relationships but if you have insight into getting into it nowdays that'd be great

[@Zvukobuka]

Is it just me or is Mike's last name Delg-Audio? The name says it all.😃

[@marcchapleau8343]

Listening to all of them side by side, the one that sounds better for me is clearly the Stellar X2. The less desirable mic from the bunch to my ears is clearly the Movo VSM-7. But the Lewitt LCT 240 and the CAD m 179 are also very good microphones.

[@ZeketheZealot]

One might say that it sounds… stellar?

[@marcchapleau8343]

@@ZeketheZealot The Stellar X2. I work with it almost everyday and i just love it.

[@SoundSpeeds]

The first couple minutes should be released a separate video. Spot on Mike!

[@sailorsboyproductions]

I actually ordered the Lewitt LTC440 after watching this video--I had no idea the company existed, and I absolutely LOVE the type of sound you got from the 240, so I researched and got the 440. I just finished setting up my studio, and I've been wanting to upgrade from my cheapo mic I've been using!

[@jadencestewart1305]

my friend told me about your channel. he said your really good at what you do and your a cool dude. I can agree, as soon as I opened your video and heard your voice I was like "he sounds like a nice guy" =)

[@tompickering]

I have learned so very much from your videos. Many thanks for sharing the volumes of excellent information.

[@AbbreviatedReviews]

I'm pretty interested in the CAD m179 covering up for my poorly treated room. I'm seeing some of the reviews talking about quality control issues though.

[@patrickclancy4434]

I love the worker bee 1! It's helped me book my first few gigs to upgrade my whole set up!

[@TrueShayari]

I want to do voice over. I want to record my poetry professionally. In which I get high quality. But in my poetry some lines will go in high tone and some lines will go in emotional low tone. Suggest me a good mic, headphone and audio interface.

[@crypticvisionary]

God I love the Worker Bee.

[@DrPedroCastroLopes]

That worker bee in Europe (Portugal) 160 Eur - Almost 200 USD :-( Merry Christmas Mike.

[@RayneCoZZo]

i wish i could buy the bee worker in Romania .. 😢😢 ...anyway ..NICE VIDEO ! You have been a GREAT INSPIRATION in my journey with studio Microphones and i just wanted to say THANK YOU ! 😊😊

[@Mamiya645]

Once upon a time, I paid approximately $25 with free shipping to a studio closing up shop, for a Sennheiser ProfiPower MD-431 mk1. Hope you all have similar luck in your hunts. Still stuck using the thing because I cannot find anything better. Most recently recorded early 80's feeling synthpunk lyrics through it.

[@TechnicalGamingChannel]

oh no not mike recommending more mics i already have a cad e100s because of you my wallet mike, think of my wallet lol

[@DrPedroCastroLopes]

😂

[@BoothJunkie]

Next up, "5 Critical VO mics under $10k". ;-)

[@itsme_sd2896]

Mike, I have the Neat Worker Bee. It's great, this will be something I use for a while.

[@EnglishEloquenceMoscow]

To all you guys commenting. What are your thoughts on the Worker Bee versus other mics? Thanks.

[@monkeyboy8424]

As always, very informative and helpful. Mike, do you have a specific time when you prefer to record? My voiceover sound arrives at about 3am.

[@BillysWild]

I think the $199.00 mic sounds better than the $3,000.00 mic.

[@FredsTech1]

I love your down to earth approach. The tips you give sounds so obvious but I never thought of it like that. (Sorry for bad English)

[@learnaudiobasics]

Great vid! Do have any videos that explain your signal path and what your effects chain looks like?

[@goskidmark]

Don't forget about the MXL 990! Thanks for the videos!

[@BoothJunkie]

Also a great starter mic.

[@Gem-Ex]

Love your content dude. Let me know if anyone is parting with an original E-100 in the EU, kinda want one again for nostalgic reasons, should never have sold it lol.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

First, the preamble is critical. It's all about the room. Second, love seeing the Movo VSM-7 here. NO one is talking about it. I own way more expensive mics, but that mic has lived on my desk for a year as my daily mic for professional use - podcasting, coaching, consulting, videos for clients, etc. Great stuff. Happy new year Mike!

[@Zalazaar]

A voice like that makes any microphone sound good lol

[@coacharielandersson]

Appreciate your video and the push for space treatment.. did that 1st❤ .. now the interface today and I hope to commit to a mic specific to Vo work.. nervous and excited:))

[@AbbreviatedReviews]

2:20 With all these loose wires around my desk, I might need a "shock filter".

[@FatherLamb]

I'll tell you one you can snag. MXL V63M. LEGENDARY for the price. Was once a $200+ mic but now days it can be had for $30-60 ranges new.

[@MrSimpington]

I agree but if you can spend $80-$100 for the MXL 770 I promise it will out perform the V63M in every area.

[@FatherLamb]

@@MrSimpington Not exactly. The 770 is the same capsule found in most common usb condenser mics and not a true gold capsule like the V series. It's very limited. The 770 is a budget mic. The v63m was once a higher end (now 30-80) prices used and still a good $100 new in some areas. It's the all around better choice for response and has a better warmth and less needing an EQ tune vs the 770 big time.

[@SlappinBluesLou]

Been a rough holiday sofar kicked out of my home..on Christmas SMH Had to sell all my studio stuff and now I'm looking for sumthing better than I had b4 just to cheer me up a little 🙃

[@somethingsouthafrican6934]

Excellent advice

[@UnboxerofWorlds]

Seeing new Booth Junkie content delights me every time.

[@RyanRRolle]

Very informative video! I appreciate the fact that you also demonstrated the potential of all the mics as well. THANK YOU!

[@crimsonnexus8332]

Thank you. I am starting out in a podcast and have been struggling. I have been working my booth up bit by bit. And finally got a p4 podtrak. I forgot to do research on a mic. And that cad m179 sound perfect for what I need for now. Thanks.

[@killajanda5084]

Mike! I love your material and I am going to start my voice over business in the new year. What earphones do you recommend?

[@cfed95]

This guy sounds like he's taught me how to do ever retail job I've ever had

[@alexandrevaliquette1941]

I'm a proud owner of an USB condenser mic, NEEWER 7000 (around 50$ Canadian). I record amazing stuff in it and I don't think a more expensive one will give me better results. Consider my limited talent! Every time I have a Zoom meeting, people compliment me on the nice sound and cool look of it. One day I will have a real booth, but so far I'm very happy camper!

[@seanwebb605]

Well if you're in a video conference call with people using their onboard camera and microphone etc. you will sound better relative to others. But we're mostly talking about trying to record pristine audio for content creation.

[@alexandrevaliquette1941]

@@seanwebb605 I agree on the conference call things (my 50$ will sound like solid gold compare to crap). But how do you explain the blind test (cheap vs expensive ) that fool most of the sound guy and pro like Mike? More durable, well... In a studio or band, maybe it's an issue. But for 99% of the rest of the market, you can replace 20 times your 100$ to match one 2000$ mic. Less postprod, well... You just have to buy one or two cheap mic to match the tone/color that you like. I'm a noob and a cheap guy. I don't mind buying expensive tool, but I expect the ROI to be in the same order of magnitude.

[@viralbuthow000]

That Worker Bee sounds amazing

[@yourneighborhoodfbi7518]

I tend to get a bit impulsive with spending, so this was really helpful!!! Thanks!!! :D

[@_kacynicole_]

I absolutely love my Neat Worker Bee! And it's so unique

[@xrarelightx]

Me too! Mine makes me so happy! I used to think I'd stick to USBs forever. I'm so glad I switched to XLR this year. 😂

[@nourhanmagdi_vo]

Hello, would you mind recommending a microphone for long travel rig, I usually take my focusrite mic (which is my main mic) along with me with the audio interface and all kit) - do you know mics that are smaller in size but good in quality, and do you think I should keep taking the audio interface?

[@daitedve1984]

As a profi you can discuss for hours about room, interference, hiss, but be realistic: MOST of the people with budget $300 don't have even separate room! They record everywhere from bedroom till toilet. Obviously they CANNOT make these places "sound absorbing". Don't you still realise it?? So best mic people should get is LEAST sensitive mic, which will "skip" noise around. Oriented dynamic, cardioid mic is cool choice (if I get terms right). And of course AI is needed.

[@ww1www]

All microphones sound good on your voice :) But this Stellar thing won today's episode.

[@tfriedmann5908]

Mike--I want to let you know that I purchased a TZ Audio Stellar X2 based on your recommendations, and I'm quite pleased with it. It's very rich for voiceover work. If anyone has any recommendations for EQ'ing this mic, I'd love to hear your experiences/recommendations. Thank you!

[@annebokma4637]

The Neumann or the Lewitt 1040 ? Looking at the 240 pro, but with the additional cost of the popfilter and basket, won't the 440 be a better buy?

[@Oogler1]

Was suprised that the synco D2 wasn't mentioned in here. It's only 160

[@Another_Lady]

I'm wondering about the self-noise levels on these mics. I can't seem to find it listed for the VSM-7. I see the Worker Bee comes in at 9.5 dB, the CAD is 11 dB, the LCT 240 is at 19 dB, and the Stellar X2 comes in at 13.5 I believe (for anyone else who is interested...) Any idea on the MOVO? Thanks

[@AngloSaxon1]

Hello Mike. Could you include the microphones self noise.

[@AikoAmami]

I have a rode nt1-A rn, do u think any of these might be better? because they sound so smooth!

[@roykasika870]

My favourite sound of the 5 is the 179. Not even because I have one, but it's just way creamy!

[@pvkosmos5548]

Do you guys know which mic was used for the brilliant VO in "Apocalypse Now"? My guess is Shure SM7b.

[@caloss2]

Liking the improvements with video quality and editing Mike, as always the audio is on point of course ;)

[@daniellee1722]

When the checks start coming in I'm going to treat myself to a Neumann. Either that or a new kidney haven't decided

[@Unlucky_Vampire]

Please review the rode podmic, I keep wondering if it could be used for voice overs

[@SinSchism]

The Worker Bee is one of my favorite microphones ever.

[@Arfonfree]

Evidently Neat is replacing the Worker Bee with the Worker Bee II, so Amazon has the Worker Bee for $79. Used your affiliate link, so thank you for your help. I have a couple of really cheap mics, but this is the first time I've used a recommendation to buy what I hope is a better one.

[@1337Atreyu]

How do you like the bee? Good deal hitting it for 80 bucks! I have always been intrigued by them, even though I don't personally need one haha.

[@Arfonfree]

@@1337Atreyu Good so far. The noise floor is significantly lower than anything else I've got. The mount is solid, too.

[@DarkTrapStudio]

For bad room Its better to get a small diaphram condenser or a dynamic if someone want to know

[@AdeeKulkarni]

The movo is the same as the Boya BYM1000

[@LamorindaMarketing]

I have the X2, so thanks for saying "its not huge"... cuz at my old age, I DEFINITELY can't hear the difference.

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

I got the Lewitt 240 as I couldn't get enough for the 440 but very happy with the quality and clarity for now.My next buy with be the 440 for sure.

[@theglobalzrecordingproject]

Since posting this vid, the new Neat King Bee II was released, and for under $200 USD, is another contender to be considered IMHO. Nice voice mic but it weighs a ton. Needs a stout stand.

[@raulinremix1]

Hi ..please you can Review OF Neumann Bcm 705?

[@danzai]

that 3k one sounds great! maybe not £2800 better though

[@CWU2006EOY]

The CAD mic punches above it's weight!

[@cursedvoid]

Btw the neat worker bee v1 is discontinued the V2 is out for $100

[@viralbuthow000]

Sound as good or better?

[@cursedvoid]

@@viralbuthow000 I'd say a little better, it's been a while since I tested it.

[@laurieegbert9052]

🤣 Put your things away Mike 🤣 You are the best.

[@theMindwalker]

Funny how I'm watching this video...months after I've made my purchases. Hahahahaha...good info nonetheless. I know I won't go wrong with future choices by taking your recommendations, which is nice. Thanks for the info Mike.

[@jamesmcclure1279]

I know this is 2022 but no love for the good old SM58?

[@homestudioacademy]

I truly appreciate you addressing acoustic treatment instead of just recommending the latest and greatest mics. So many people make that mistake and neglect the basics. Big fan of your work Mike!

[@Dracomies]

Presonus PX-1 sounded pretty good on Bandrew and Bark (Obsure mics). If we're throwing different types of microphones, I'd include the Sennheiser E614 as well :P Quite a great sounding pencil microphone. Does need a pop filter though :P

[@theiammike123]

Finally. Thank goodness the Movo VSM-7 (aka Boya BY-M1000) finally got the bigger recognition it deserves. 💖

[@RondellKB]

I can't even hear the difference with the $3000 mic

[@seanwebb605]

You won't get the best representation of the sound on KZbin.

[@RondellKB]

@@seanwebb605 I've seen mic comparisons where I actually do hear the difference. What this tells me is that the audio from the $3000 mic is not that different, otherwise I definitely would hear it.

[@HairSuitGentleman]

Love your work, Mike! Your positivity and sincerity is infectious.

[@FrankieHustla]

Speaking of rooms being paramount for good voice over quality, how would you treat a hardwood floor? I'm considering using my apartment closet but it's on the 3rd floor with hardwood floors. Thick blankets good enough? I'm not allowed to install carpeting

[@AdeeKulkarni]

The movo is the same as the Boya BYM1000

[@roseacresfarmily]

I really loved my blue yetti at first, because I have a soft voice and the mic is super sensitive. I used it with audacity and got a pretty clean sound--at first! Unfortunately, now I'm having major issues with some of my words being completely inaudible. I tried my daughter's snowball and got the same thing. It seems more like an audacity problem than a mic problem. Has anyone else had this issue? It's really frustrating because you don't realize it until you're editing. It sounds fine through the headphones as I'm recording.

[@perrykeshahwalker5321]

I actually like the worker bee better. It has a fuller sound to me. The lewit sounds thin. All of the others were ok.

[@MyStutteringLife]

Thank you for this video!!! I just started my VO training and I have the Shure SM7B and the RE20 for VO. I'm just starting so I'm sure I'll be upgrading my equipment. I have a 20x18 portable building with acoustic foam tile with hanging sound blankets. (LOL - None of my mics 🎤 are in this video)

[@xxxxxxxyyyyyyy]

*Plus the way you process your vocals and the room of the recording matter the most.*

[@odiumpugnator472]

Hey man, "shock filter" works. Shock mounts do "filter" out vibrations so that those vibrations can't travel into the mic body where the mic element would pick up the vibrations if there were there. Shock/Vibration Filter. I like it. Of all the mics you demoed, the Worker Bee and the Stellar X2 sound the fullest and best to my ears. They both have similar tonal qualities to the Neuman. I am listening through M-Audio BX5 monitors, not headphones. My favorite is the Stellar X2. It has similar lower mid to the Bee, but it has a noticeably smoother higher end. Sibilance handling is very nice with the Stellar. For voice over work the Neuman is very nice, but the price is not. Thanks for this video, it is very informative and instructive. Update: Due to your excellent mic review, I looked into the TZ Audio Stellar X2 mic. It comes in two varieties. The link you provide above goes the to Stellar X2 mic, not the Stellar X2-Vintage. It is the X2-Vintage that is trying to emulate the Neuman U-47 sound. The mic you used and show is the Stellar X2. The X2-Vintage has "Vintage" printed on the mic right below the "stellar X2" print. The "Vintage" version cost about $70 more from the massive forest retailer, you know the name. :) Still, the regular Stellar X2 that you demo here sounds great. It would be cool if you could do a video comparing the Stellar X2 with the Stellar X2-Vintage. I'd like to hear your take on the differences.

[@aussernllc]

I'm so glad you made this video. Treat room first: mass loaded vinyl for sound proofing, foam for sound treatment. Microphone. Audio interface. DAW. High pass filter around 80hz, low pass filter depending on voice. Noise reduction filter. Basically took me 3 years to learn those steps. I hate the sound of my voice, but then I figured out I hate of sound of my voice in an untreated room. Just not sure my BM-8000 is the problem or if the CAD e100 is the solution for the last details. Your review of the CAD e100 is amazing. I've seen the video on SSL 2 audio interface. Exceptional gear. Where does my room need to be before buying that gear?

[@Brooknomsworld]

I love your reviews will you ever review the MXL BCD1 Ive been using it on my podcast for 2 years and I have loved it despite some of the hate it gets, I would be very currious to know your opinions on its sound

[@theplainsightpodcast9602]

The real question is what channel strip/audio app should you get. Room treatment can get cumbersome if you choose wrong. The Dbx 286s is AMAZING for most applications, but is kinda too big to be mobile.

[@alexandrevaliquette1941]

Most of the time, I don't feel any difference between mic or very subtle. Especially expensive Vs basic mic. Is it because of KZbin compression? Maybe you can boost the mic 30dB for the noise check? Otherwise, we only hear.. nothing! Maybe to get a fair comparison you can show us the graphic in Audacity? Anyway, I've put my thumbs up before the intro ends, as usual!

[@kevinboucher6536]

Hi Booth Junkie..I’ve been a radio DJ and News reporter and long form radio documentary producer for quite some time and and always looking to improve my game. Especially since I’ll be “ retiring “ later this spring and will have tons of time to devote to Freelance VO. just found your great, very clear, video on the DBX 286s..Great job explaining it. That should work with my current rig. Sound Devices recorder and several microphones..Rode NT1 , SennMKH416 and Heil PR40. ( it a decent treated room ) Thanks again for the very good explanation of the 286s. I’ve subscribed to your channel, and looking forward to a lot of good information. Always learning. Kevin