Best Voice Over Microphone and which mics NOT to buy!

[@Voiceovermasterclass]

For more audio equipment recommendations click here: www.voiceovermasterclass.com/equipment/

[@alexsitnikov5588]

Just recently bought an AT2020 (with a Behringer usb interface) and really happy to see it featured here. Next comes the surrounding area and making the acoustics better :)

[@toadamine]

I built a makeshift sound studio out of sofa cushions, a futon matress, a sleeping bag and some blankets and boards... the sound floor inside it is -70'ish... 😁👌

[@ChrisWRR]

I did basically the same thing 👍

[@DubiousDubs]

Its immensely humorous to me that this guy gets so many hate comments on this video from armchair "engineers", when in fact, HE is the one making a comfortable living from it.

[@TrollMeister_]

The latest usb mics in the $200 range (eg at2020usb xp) are very good and comparable to xlr in sound quality and sensitivity. The only problem is they have less flexibility in sound adjustment as the signal is already digitized.

[@kevinwalden4288]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and that AMAZING voice!

[@mellevanderpoel9181]

Your video's helped a lot with my ever since growing voice over career. I will be sure to check out your recommended mics 🙂👍

[@ShadowGirlyz]

Thank you! I just saw the link to this vid from another vid AFTER I asked a question on Mics, I very much appreciate it :)

[@Echo_Hotel]

I’ve been enjoying a dynamic microphone lately. I wish more people would give them a chance.

[@thefilipinojoe]

I needed this. I've been recording professionally with my phone and using AudioLab and Audacity to fix the sound. I've become a pretty good audio editor, lol. I'm anxious to upgrade and get a proper microphone setup. I've watched videos about microphones before, but none were as good as yours. Thank you.

[@damilaresanusi5430]

What app do you use on your phone? Thanks

[@LeSaff]

@@damilaresanusi5430 I use "neutron" it's cheap but really complete just for recording.

[@LeSaff]

Try the usb SE electronics Neom mic and Izotope RX9 and you will see a huge difference. Not being so sure about xlr mics who need an expensive cable and audio interface to work properly.

[@thefilipinojoe]

@@damilaresanusi5430 I don’t use any special recording app on my phone. It’s best to get as good of a recording set up as possible, as if you have to fix bad audio, it’s very time consuming.

[@LeSaff]

@@thefilipinojoe it can an interesting alternative solution if you have to deal with a computer with a CPU fan who create a vibration difficult to eliminate. It really made me mad and I could finally find a solution after several months. But I must use Krisp to reduce the noise while recording, then the noise reduction (connot go over 16db without creating a distortion) then a noise gate. It is time consuming. Better to put the airplane mode to avoid interference. With a complete recording application like Neutron, you get excellent results.

[@S.T.G.]

Just for the records, the AT2020 is not a large diaphragm condenser. It has an electret condenser element with a diameter of 16 mm.

[@antalperge1007]

😍 YOUR VOICE IS MAGICAL! LEGO WARS!! 💖

[@stevesculptor1]

Peter I took your recommendation and bought a Stellar, I had to do a bit of searching like you said, Thx

[@williambass8045]

I have a tech zone audio stellar x2. It’s great mic and a good price.

[@timstephenson6923]

I have one also, and I am thrilled with it. $199 is peanuts for the quality of this gem.

[@nikinik7503]

Neumann 103 or U87 and Sennheiser MKH 416 , PERIOD ALL you ever need plus good preamp

[@MyStutteringLife]

Thank for this! I am just starting out and I picked the Warmaudio Jr mic and the apollo interface. I have a DIY booth with moving blankets, acoustic absorption, and couch cushions 😉

[@Voiceovermasterclass]

If you’d like more help with creating a home recording studio we have a whole course on it which you can find at voiceovermasterclass.com

[@MyStutteringLife]

@@Voiceovermasterclass Thank you so much!!!

[@siobhanchou]

Thank you for the helpful video! Definitely learnt some things from this :)

[@MarkVO]

Hello Peter, I've seen that the Sennheiser MKH416 is extremely popular for voice over and it definitely is used as an industry standard microphone. I understand shotgun microphones are untraditional. Would you say that the MKH416 is the only real exception or do other shotgun microphones have their place? Thank you from a Udemy student!

[@schoepsms]

Other shotguns have their place also, but they come with technical issues when recording indoors. (as does the the 416) Shotgun mics were developed for outdoor use. For indoor use it's better to use a hypercardioid mic which has less off-access coloration and phase cancellation issues. (which can make your voice sound hollow). You can of course use a shotgun mic indoors, but it's best if your room is treated properly. Answering your original question, a Rode NTG2 will work as an alternate shotgun. Not as robust as the 416 but it is more forgiving with its wider polar response for those who waver off mic.

[@blessedchannel_811]

Do you need interface with AKGP420

[@Danny-Lightning-WR]

Nice video. Use a set of studio monitor headphones and I can easily hear the difference in microphone test. But yeah. It's still not as good as hearing a original recording.

[@77shoemanable]

Good information. Thank you

[@TheWeekendTreat]

No Rode NT 1? :(

[@PROzra4nij]

No proximity, no nt1 :)

[@TotalSinging]

I recommend the ECM-87 from Gauge Microphones. Its a $300 nearly identical Neumann U87 clone.

[@antoniofiscella2575]

Hi! I am a speaker-voice actor. I would like to upgrade my home studio. Currently, I have a Warm Audio Wa47jr Fet. I would not like to purchase the "usual" Neumann. I really like the Vintage sound so I would like a good alternative (not a clone) to a Neumann Tlm 103, Tlm 49. What would you recommend? I'm thinking Telefunken or Jz. Many thanks!

[@stevesculptor1]

Watch the video above he does just that LMAO

[@kyleethekelt]

You could try for a tube like the Rode K2 or the Lawton Audio 220. despite his advice re ribbons, I'd also try the Rode NTR. It's an active ribbon mic and it sounds gorgeously creamy and natural. However, go to a store and try before you buy. It won't give you the exact result of being in your studio but it will give you some idea whether it'll work for you or not.

[@newtothismu]

Hello Peter, thank-you so much!!! That was lovely and so welcome - perfect timing ♡! Please could you do the same for studio headphones? I'm in urgent need to buy both (microphone and headphones) and I absolutely trust your expert and honest recommendations! Thank-you so much, God bless you always, your help is much appreciated! I took your Voiceover Masterclass course and stayed several months on end ♡! With Katie :)

[@MarcusMondayVoice]

Very Very True, Please listen & follow his advice! Right On wisdom! -!!

[@covathetech]

AT2020 SWINGS Wayyy above its Price Range. Never getting rid of mines.

[@photony]

What are your thoughts on condenser shotgun mics, like the Sennheiser MKH416 or Synco Mic D2?

[@Voiceovermasterclass]

In my opinion they're great for video work where you need to focus on a specific area excluding other voices or noises. For VO work you really have to stay "on mike", as soon as you move around the sound picked up changes. Great for drama work through where being "off-mike" is what is required for some lines. Thanks for your opinions and Q's, much appreciated! For more information and advice, check out the training courses at www.VoiceoverMasterclass.com Best wishes, Peter Baker

[@Bullcutter]

Very sound advice!

[@ManojSharma-xd1ui]

What about AKG P120 microphone ?

[@AtomizedSound]

You skipped over The Rode NT1 series. They are extremely popular in the business too.

[@yourneighborhoodfbi7518]

WOOOOO, thanks for the advice!!! :D

[@Sasha0927]

Fantastic. This is maybe the second video I've watched on this channel (I'm just getting started in voice work and want to do my research). I really appreciate how information is presented here between your accent, dry humor, and straightforward approach. Thank you so much. :)

[@amrankaid]

Nice..Thank you

[@nolanthewarrior8893]

what about the new shure mv7, it has a good noise floor and it sounds nice. 250 dollars but it is a USB and a dynamic microphone. Was just curious if any of you have heard or tried it out yet

[@Voiceovermasterclass]

I've not tried this one out but it looks like this is designed for podcast work or VO recording of "normal" speaking levels. Looking at the specs it won't have the sensitivity to capture soft narration or acting or to be able to deal well with "shouty" stuff we are asked to do sometimes; that's why voiceovers are best with large capsule condensers. I'll check it out when i get a chance though! Thanks!

[@dominickbenincasa5043]

It works well for me. That said, I did have to mess with my eq settings quite a bit to get it just right.

[@lau_dhondt]

helpful vid, thanks

[@agnesgreen6519]

Excellent and helpful info. Thank you,,

[@kimtalentino1104]

Thank you so much. 🙏🏻

[@violingalata]

Thank you so much..

[@Draven-s8b]

There's never a clear answer some say a ribbon mic is great for vocals other say there not wish everyone can just make up their minds.

[@voicescloudvoiceoverjobs3742]

Great video thank you!

[@chetansoni9626]

Nepal 🇳🇵❤️ love

[@tricogustrico]

Not a big fan of bassy radio voices. I am older and low frequencies sound muddy and hard to understand. How do we gae away from these stereotype voice and switch to a voice that people like me can understand.

[@blessedchannel_811]

How about ATR 2100

[@blessedchannel_811]

Please let me know soon

[@hot88s23]

RODE NT 1A ?

[@EumlOriginal]

NO !

[@sachint5030]

P420 is not at all good. Tried in soundproof environment, tried from all angles. My all headphones worth 1/10th of cost and they sound better than 420.

[@casemcdonald2152]

"masterclass" with bad information about fundamental equipment. I guess I can't trust the skills instruction either.

[@garealtours]

You've offered nothing to validate your claims or refute the information given. Your comment is a useless response, which makes it untrustworthy.

[@Bullcutter]

The best voiceover guide I've seen on YT. Ignore the prat

[@DapperDanLovesYou]

@@garealtours Well, the _main_ egregious error is suggesting that Small-Diaphragm Condensers (SDC) are somehow less-sensitive or less-detailed than Large-Diaphragm Condensers (LDC). This is categorically false. SDC mics are typically _far more sensitive_ and have better accuracy, _especially_ with bass frequencies. In fact, LDC mics are often quite _inaccurate_ with their sound, which is actually what makes them _subjectively_ pleasing for VO! The larger capsule/ membrane reduces sharp transients and smooths out the bass, often referred to as sounding “warm.” This puts a focus on the mid-range, which is where the majority of speech clarity exists. LDC microphones often have a “larger-than-life” sound, allowing for comfortable long-term listening without ear fatigue! Furthermore, the real reason USB mics are typically avoided has less to do with noise/ hiss/ sensitivity, and more to do with Analog-to-Digital (and Digital-to-Analog) conversion (AD/DA), THD distortion, and headphone/ monitor capability. The built-in AD/DA converters typically aren't as accurate or well-implemented as more expensive standalone units (Focusrite, Audient, Universal Audio, etc.). USB mics often distort more easily, even at regular speaking volumes. This distortion might not be full-spectrum, and may only affect _part_ of the sound. Distortion of high-frequency information can create harsh sibilance, even if the microphone is relatively neutral in tone. Once audio becomes distorted, it is significantly challenging to restore it, sometimes even impossible. USB microphones also lack powerful headphone amps or speaker monitor outputs. Many USB mics _do_ have a 3.5 mm headphone jack, but these would be inadequate for driving high-end mixing or tracking headphones (Sennheiser HD 600, Beyerdynamic DT 770). They also lack any Monitor Outputs for desktop monitors. Without proper headphones or speakers (and proper amplification), you will be unable to better track or analyze your recordings. No matter how great your microphone is, if you can't properly hear it, you can't properly mix and edit it. That being said, the general advice offered is still accurate (just for the wrong reasons)! USB mics should be avoided if possible. LDC mics are more common for VO. Cardioid pattern is preferred for isolation. The AKG P420, AT2020, and Stellar X2 microphones are great budget options for home recording! I might not personally call them the “best,” but they're definitely good!

[@nsawestregionsecurityvanw187]

to much low end in your mix it sounds very muddy to me.

[@borscast]

Focusrite scarlett... Are you serious? Is this the masterclass?Very rookie

[@Voiceovermasterclass]

I've been doing voice overs for 40 years so long past being a rookie

[@borscast]

@@Voiceovermasterclass HIGH quality equipment is a must have thing... SSL2, Audient ID4, Universal Audio Apollo Solo, etc.

[@casemcdonald2152]

The ignorance is profound. 40 years of being wrong doesn't make you right.

[@nickgoogle4525]

Horrible audio!