Deity S-Mic 2 vs MKH 416 for Voiceover

[@BoothJunkie]

I probably should've titled this "For all intents and purposes" Jeez, repeat yourself much, Mike?

[@oncameramastery]

So glad to see this review, I've been looking forward to seeing Mike's view on it! Love these booth junkie vids!

[@vincentmedina570]

I love it!

[@KingAzaz]

Your voice is Liquid Gold

[@RadianHelix]

Give yourself a break! For all intents and purposes this is a great return to video makin!

[@xaosnox]

It's always entertaining, Mike. You're the only guy I know who can make an amusing video about fiberglass. For all intents and purposes, I hope you can get your money back for that Deity. Talk about a misnomer!

[@stalman]

The price performance is fantastic, but this video really sells me on the quality of the 416

[@whichlens435]

Seems that much to me and even more with the proximity effect.

[@JAXTWIN]

Agreed. Quality is superb.

[@djmatt1]

Yep 100%, you can clearly tell a difference between them, the Diety sounds muddy or muffled in comparison to the 416, the 416 really shows it's worth here.

[@RipRecords]

same

[@JahgoobyKing]

I'm listening on computer speakers and I can tell the 416 is super clear and crisp. The deity sounds muffled and muddy. I think the Synco D-2 which is cheaper than the deity was a closer comparison.

[@Podcastage]

He lives.

[@KontrolStyle]

He's aliiiiive! :)

[@Tony-pp2ms]

You guys should do a collaboration where you fight each other with knives.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@Tony-pp2ms Mike would have to find Bandrew first and that's impossible. Bandrew lives in a trailer and travels the country checking his various PO Boxes for Amazon packages before disappearing again. You have a better chance of encountering a Bigfoot in the wild.

[@alurnima]

Yes collaborate or something like a discussion maybe answer User questions together in a Stream :)

[@xaosnox]

I was afraid he got stuck down in that basement and they forgot about him down there! I'm wondering if he's wishing he'd used aircrete instead of the Owen's insulation in the ceiling/floor.

[@shadowpoet883]

MKH 416 just sounds so rich and easy on the ears to me.

[@anthonyfesce3838]

Agree. It definitly sounds better, way deeper. But the Deity is very good bang for bucks.

[@seanp2k617]

it’s also from familiarity with the sound since it’s used in so many movies and videos :)

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for this Mike. I agree on all fronts. The S-Mic 2 works quite nicely with your voice and is good value for the money.

[@curtisjudd]

@Chucky Love All the shotguns! That would be fun! Interestingly, Mike's voice and the 416 work very, very nicely together. I sound like a shrill stack of sibilance with the 416. But I still love the 416 for when I'm recording most other people. :)

[@curtisjudd]

@Chucky Love LOL! I'm betting that the CMIT mini is holding its own very nicely!

[@VirtualTourPhotographer]

@@curtisjudd Do you not hear the difference in the low end? It's as if the Senheiser's running through a high pass filter but it's not ?

[@curtisjudd]

@@VirtualTourPhotographer They're a little different and yes, the MKH416 sounds a little less boomy to me - probably more natural.

[@alaneddy4575]

@@curtisjudd I think when you consider cost tho the S-Mic is a winner. Ok, raw the 416 wins but his point about a 'five minute EQ' makes you think. For someone with a lower budget who had to choose 1 mic, the S2 is amazing. I'd like to see a test between these two and the Rode NT3. Your point about the S Mic 2's water resistance was really valid too, Curtis. I. like the robustness, water resistance and comparatively low cost of the S Mic 2.

[@golosbezdoka]

OMG You're back, we missed so much! :) I have started my voiceover career on youtube while waited for you, Mike!

[@dariancowgill2853]

Voice artist here as well and to me, the 416 really is the best VO workhorse there is. The only other shotgun mic that blew my proverbial skirt up was the Schoeps CMIT 5U. You should add hearing that one to your bucket list if you have not yet. Thanks again Mike for your awesome channel! (Darian - MKH-416, UAD Apollo twin, 2018 MacBook Pro, pro-tools, Audio Technica M50x cans)

[@craigieb]

I'm sure I've said this before, but your voice is like a toasty blanket that wraps around me. And your presentation style is so natural and unaffected. After nearly five decades in production, I'm still learning...and you make it easy. Thanks for all you do (for all intents and purposes). ;)

[@EposVox]

:D I love both of these mics! Don't mind me, just over here swooning over the gravel in your voice during the proximity effect sections. #goals

[@RangerRickTV]

Sup vox? You help me out a bunch on my voice over videos. Let me know how it sounds to you if you have time. Thanks :)

[@cbdemented]

Don't sell yourself short. I'd kill to have either of your voices, heh.

[@gizmogoose.2486]

I was wondering just yesterday when we'd see another unbeatable, great episode !!!

[@carljenkins7354]

First, welcome back! It's no surprise to any of us that we're thrilled to see you again after a couple of months. Second, this is a very timely review, as I and obviously others have been considering the S-Mic 2 as a new addition to our mic lockers versus the much more expensive 416. Granted, a used 416 can be had for $600-ish, so that makes it much more affordable, but still. Third, about the EQ. So many customers ask for raw, unprocessed files, but I'm wondering, is that really what they want? If I'm using an S-Mic 2 and I want to make use of the transformative EQ settings, I can't imagine that the sound engineers on the other end want to have to do that extra work when I can as a matter or normal process workflow. Now, I'm certain what they REALLY want is no "obvious" or "coloring" EQ, since so many amateurs do it wrong. But I can't imagine anyone NOT wanting the corrected EQ you demonstrate over the raw. So that would be a question for you, maybe the subject of a future video. If the customer asks for a "raw" audio recording, should you really, absolutely give them what they're asking for? Thanks Mike, glad to see you again.

[@cameronjm]

Mike you could make a fortune selling products for QVC or some other live presentation format. You have great presence, ultra-articulate and a genius level ability to talk about a product without losing the audience. You are a great pitchman

[@PaulMDiaz]

Your videos are great! Would love to hear the MKE 600 thrown into this to see how it stacks up.

[@libertyDude1775]

Welcome Back Mike! You have been missed. Hope & pray all is well in Booth Junkie world.

[@mattcom2]

Bless you, Mike, for returning to the tube. I agree with another comment: your viewers could benefit greatly from a series tracing your development as a voice talent.

[@KontrolStyle]

Glad to see you back. Some of us are glad that Podcastage kept us entertained while you were too busy to do videos. :D 🌲🌲🌲

[@nanoIQ]

Haha thats so true!

[@brigganobryan3403]

WOAH! First, so good to see you posting again. Second, as a wannabe future 416 owner, Deity sounded like a great alternative, but with some quality lacking. At the 9:55 mark, though...the EQ adjustments amped up it's sound quality shockingly! I haven't even finished watching the video yet. THAT's how huge an impact it made. Thanks, Mike!

[@WorldWideVoiceOver]

Where ya been, Mike? We missed you!!! Hope all is going well with the new house and the new studio build. Thank you again for your videos, your comparisons, and what you do for us. Cheers!

[@ken_ai5117]

Glad to see ya back and everything is back to normal for ya.

[@ZeusNasty]

Thanks for your return Mike! I'm glad uppity master this video. I've been looking at they deity for a while. Very informative.

[@Golden_Fog]

I've always greatly appreciated your videos, you've always been straight forward and to the point without unnecessarily complicating things. Your reviews are absolutely awesome thank you!

[@ujustinree2987]

I'm a complete noob with post-processing and that EQ you put on the s-mic is amazing. I had the same sorta tone with my rode procaster and I tried making an eq curve similar to that and it is like magic. Makes this thing sound like double its value.

[@golosbezdoka]

Hello Mike, that's a great review and I've just recorded something amazing. May I ask, if you're getting 90% of MKH416 with this mic, how much of MKH416 do I have if I own an SM58? :) Thanks if you reply.

[@cjsebes]

Glad to see you back! While I'm scrolled down the page typing this without the video in view, I can clearly hear every time you switch back and forth between the two mics. I don't like the lack of brightness that the S-Mic 2 has. Still sounds decent with the EQ, though. Tough decision.

[@ControllerTape]

As a streamer who often struggles to get good quality audio out of budget equipment, I appreciate your videos; even the videos about microphones I don't own give me clues and guidance on how to get the most for the stream-a process that comes with more than its fair share of frustration. Your stuff is invaluable, so thank you for making these videos!

[@toddreiman1141]

The return of the Booth Junkie. Yes!!! Get down brother.

[@toddreiman1141]

Love the shirt. Gotta get me one of those puppies.

[@heyyitsandy]

Welcome back Mike! Minimal difference, Diety really nailed it for their price point....

[@bobstechreviews8942]

Finally you’re back. Was getting a little worried since you haven’t uploaded in a LOOONG time. Good to see you’re back 👍

[@richardpaddington4216]

Nice review. Deity is what I bought, and as you kindly pointed out, a little EQ can match the Sennheiser. At some stage it would be good to know your EQ settings. Thanks

[@johnjackson8902]

He showed it in the video. Cut the 1 KHz region by about 2 dB, boost the areas where the MKH416's boost is by 4-5 dB. Because the S-Mic 2 is already so flat you can EQ it quite easily.

[@MikeBroderick33]

I think your search for a travel mic is over. Everyone - you, Bandrew, Curtis, Allen, Carlos - agrees the S-Mic 2 is a good mic. And you're right: With that EQ setting it's pretty darned close to the 416. Nice one. P. S. I watched your other review that came out today. I loved the blue lights. They look sharp.

[@muggleborn0]

This Shotgun Mic is a world of difference from my AT2035. Thank you for always giving your viewers great choices to choose from.

[@no1slisteninganyway]

For all intents and purposes, I'm very glad to see (and hear) a new video!

[@monty671]

Mike. Thank You very much for this review. I now have the Deity S Mic 2 for use in my "booth" (closet). The mike is attached to the Saramonic SR-VRM1 because of your review. The combo works great. Took a little time to get the right levels, but a great combo. The computer is in another room and did not want to run the cable across rooms. I take the memory card back to my computer and process in Reaper. Thanks for all your wisdom.

[@Excellent2009able]

Could you recommend a decent Cam Mic for recording music live ?it’s for live street gigs (I think a shotgun would be fine as it would be directed at an AER Domino 2A Amp.. We tried using an Apogee MiC (just perfect for live ‘indoor’ venues but too clean for outdoor gigs) I came across a few cam mics on eBay that I thought may suit & well priced , sE Electronics ProMic Laser, Deity D3, Rode video mic pro & Sennheisers.. I’m guessing the Sennheisers & Deity maybe a little bright? Does a deadcat soften the high end detail more or maybe too much compared to a foam windshield ? I would still like to have a little street ambience. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@ForeGoneProduction]

The legend is back.

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

*like the video* *put a big smile on my face to see Mike back^ Now I can start watching. Welcome back mr. Junkie!

[@nonsoville]

When he adds the eq to the Deity, you cannot tell the difference

[@TechWeLove]

Have you ever touched the higher models ? I want to buy the MK-416 and be done with it, but then someone showed me the higher models, like the Mk70 , Mkh 60, Mkh 50, Mkh 40, Mk 8070, and MK 8060 ? @BoothJunkie #BoothJunkie

[@GameAbuseStudios]

I am re-visiting your videos since I bought the beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones and let me tell you that the MKH 416 is more than just cleaner but! also that Deity S-Mic 2's noise floor is now very present to me. Before today I could not tell the difference whatsoever.

[@brianhilario5230]

This video is the reason my company bought that Diety. We use it on set and in the voiceover booth. Bang for Buck.

[@SuperDerek]

You sold me on that S-Mic 2 the second you applied that EQ. Wow! Gotta get one!

[@audreynogales]

I literally gasped when i heard you put on that EQ like WOW

[@SebCiné]

Thanks for this review, and the other actually ! I'm definitely conviced that I'gonna take the 416. I try to find a really good mic to recording actor's voice during plays I filming, and I think the 416 could be a good choice. I also think about the Oktava MK-012 but I don't know if he can take sound when actors are not near the mic...

[@DSD]

Good to see you back and that was a great comparison. Sounded pretty good especially with your ex curve. So here’s the question, if you lost both mics and you were had to replace them, which one would YOU buy???

[@johnnyb357]

Wow I’m impressed. The 416 has a clearer presence and sounds ever so slightly boosted in volume , but very close. I’d love to see a comparison with the Diety vs the Synco D2.

[@DarrenStephens1]

Valuable. And thanks for making me feel better about owning a 416.

[@phillipkirby1989]

Well, there we go. Now I know which mic to start off with.

[@UriskOfTheFae]

Oh wow, that EQ seriously made a difference. I'd switched from my editing setup to my tablet to watch this video after the first few minutes, and I still heard it loud and clear when that EQ went on the Deity!

[@Hebhansen]

Hey junkie - did you do a test of Deity VMic D3 Pro? Just wonder how it performs in a booth… I don’t think I saw you test Levalier mics. What are your thoughts? Size matters in the booth or !? Do you know Realistic Electret Tie Pin 33-1063. A vintage cheap radioshack one hit wonder …

[@DynamixWarePro]

Great to see another video from you! I have the MKH 416 and it was the first mic I tried out of several that actually sounded good on my voice. I am an 30 year old adult man and from testing out different microphones for voice overs (Rode NT1-A, NT1 (2014 version), Sennheiser ME66, Neumann TLM 102 and a few others) I found that any boost in the higher frequencies didn't suit my voice and I needed a mic that was either very smooth in the highs or had hardly any boost in the highs, although I did find the Rode NT1 almost too flat sounding and a bit muffled on my voice even after eq (the NT1A was too harsh with the mids and highs and couldn't EQ it to sound better), but I found the MKH 416 worked well and far more natural sounding on my voice. I do agree with the box you get with it, its the same type that the ME66 comes in and it costs quite a lot less than the 416, so you should get a better box than that for the price. With the EQ on the S-Mic 2, it did come a bit close to the 416, but there was still a difference, to me. I found the 416 was a bit smoother overall and the sibilants in your voice sounded a little more harsh to my ear on the S-Mic 2, maybe due to the mid range boost it has. The S-Mic 2 is quite good sounding for the price, not $1000 sounding, but still good for what you get.

[@bobbieblueyes]

You have a windscreen that you have for you shotgun mics in one of your videos. I can't remember which one though. Its not the foam one you slip over the mic. You attach it to the end. Could you please tell me what brand that was. I have been searching the internet and can't seem to find it. Thank you.

[@k1eea]

Awesome!!! You’re back!!! I really missed your videos!!! Thank you!!!

[@DesmondM]

This was timely. Have been considering the S-mic 2 to supplement my 416 (also purely for voiceover). To my ears the MKH 416 has more "body" and the S-mic 2 has more sibilance, which could be an issue on my voice. As usual, excellent value provided in this comparison.

[@kingsqueak2221]

I just got the S-Mic 2 S to try against a Sennheiser MD-421 that I usually use and I'm very pleased. Let's me get the intensity with better freedom of position vs the 421. It's the first shotgun I've ever tried. I use mics for teleconferencing and ham radio use in a pretty noisy room so the off axis rejection is very useful. You do a great job on the videos.

[@f0t0b0y]

Spend $150-200 more on a used MKH 416 on Ebay. I got one for $550. I did a talking head interview in a loud cocktail hour and it was insane how much of the background it doesn't pickup and after a couple noise and voice isolation filters and it's worth the price!

[@voa23]

Great Video Mike! The Senn MKH 416 is just pristine versus the muddiness and dullness of the deity so what preamp or audio interface is running through it? Listened with some ATH-M50's from 5:09 to 5:10 you can hear when the complete silent ambient sound takes on a slight fuzziness at 5:10.

[@bigjimmedia]

Not sure if you still check this tread sir, but I was wondering if you have an EQ setup to get the s-mic2 to sound close to the 416? I have a similar voice as you, so It would be really close with some tweaks. Thanks in advance, -Big Jim

[@dalenihiser7766]

Hey I know this is way after the time you shot your video but I still have to ask. What are your impressions if any of the Sennheiser MKE 600 shotgun mic? The 416 is too rich for blood but the Deity S Mic 2 is an unknown quantity even for $250. Your thoughts?

[@johanneskepler873]

I needed those bloopers in the beginning. Thank you

[@Dracomies]

Thank you for doing this review for us, Boothjunkie! We've been waiting for this comparison!

[@LetsBuildThatApp]

416 sounds better but i notice you are facing that mic more often.

[@EU_DHD]

With the EQ curve, that actually sounds really good. Not $1000 good, but definitely good enough for three-whatever hundred dollars. If I were to get the Senheiser I'd do it to not have to bother with the EQ and know that it's going to be clear and all that you get without any bother. You can however still hear the cheaper components even with the EQ. This sort of sounds like the SM58 of shotgun mics.

[@AlfordCTaylor]

Welcome back. You have been missed.

[@TERUMI7]

How about the long distance sound ? MkH416 can pick up the sound when it have long distance. Is deity too?

[@MichaelWynneCAS]

Thanks for this comparison video Mike! For a videographer, student, indie film maker or someone working on a budget, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Deity brand or the S Mic 2. It offers a lot of value at the price point!

[@gv4958]

Can you comment on what circumstances affect your decision to use Condenser vs Dynamic vs Shotgun mics?

[@InfinitelyQurious]

Damn, that Sennheiser MKH416 does sound nice. The Deity S-Mic 2 is no slouch, but the Sennheiser MKH416 sounds so natural.

[@richardhall8347]

Your EQ curve made a huge difference... Well done bro!

[@josephfloyd727]

Booth Junkie, do you think the shock mount would work if it were hung overhead from a manfrotto magic arm?

[@GodlogicProject]

Thanks Mike! I bought the Deity a couple of months ago after a LOT of research. However, I made the purchase without the opinion I valued the most... yours! Love the mic... this made me feel better about the investment. I'm going to apply the EQ you suggest! I hope all is well.... God Bless! Rev Kev

[@joentell]

Awesome! I was wondering when I would see a review of the S-Mic 2. I did the same thing with PEQ correction on the S-Mic 2 to get it to sound like the 416. I made a preset and I apply it anytime I use the S-Mic 2.

[@DaveStarr100.3]

Lol glad to see you back!

[@KaidoLP]

The Deity case is fully water proof (its on their website). But for the sceptics it has a rubber seal and a pressure equalisation valve, the same tech used on Peli and B&W, etc. cases which are certified water proof.

[@theeoddname]

Question: I've bought two of these recently and have a Focusrite 4PRE-USB interface, MacOS Catalina, using Final Cut Pro. When recording each of these mics (separately), using the phantom power of course, I have to crank the 4PRE-UBS input gain up to 8-9 and boost the audio in post by 5 to hear anything. What am I doing wrong? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@Symba_Lysm]

I'm not an audio guy but do they not sound very similar? If not the sennheiser MKH416 sounding a tad brighter and richer?

[@connorwolf5816]

Yes, the Booth Junkie Patron lives!

[@murraystechtime8530]

Great shotgun mic the Deity S-Mic 2, it sounds really nice with that EQ you did. Great to see your content again, thanks for the review. A great contender for the Rode NTG4 in price, too...

[@timofreee]

Legendary comparison video, love your channel btw Was sold on the S-mic2 at 9:52 - can be corrected so easily.

[@gymwars1244]

Mike, I keep hearing that the MKE 600 paired with the MixPre 3 is the best audio set up under $1,000 that you can buy. I just don’t know the MKE 600 that well. Could you review the MKE 600 (maybe compared to the MKH 416), or share your thoughts? Your feedback could be the deciding factor for me. Thanks, from an aspiring KZbinr (narration).

[@mageprostudios4334]

I'm with you in the fact that some EQ on the Diet S-Mic2 and they sound closer, but even with EQ matching, they are still distinct. Which brings up yet another comparison between the S-Mic2 and the AT 875r. Closer cost difference. Did you still want to look over the Townsend Labs Sphere L22?

[@RegisBladeStudios]

Welcome back! We missed you!

[@boutiqueimagery4461]

The Junkie is back!!

[@AaronWeiss]

Wow. The Deity really does match up nicely with a little EQ. I'm impressed.

[@seanp2k617]

Think about it like this, you could have a Deity plus an Elysia Xfilter 500 stereo EQ that you can use on other stuff too for the price of just the Senn (assuming you have a 500 chassis already). I don’t mind EQing either in post or with a strip / mixer / dsp. It’s great that these are another optional available to folks now. The market needed this and I hope other mfgs respond with their own affordable shotguns that don’t suck.

[@caloss2]

The MKH 416 Has more top and bottom than the Deity, I didn't like the Deity on your voice, it sounded mid focused and dull; to the point I thought the Deity had a problem of some kind like the wrong foam over it or was damaged. For example my Rode Procaster has more top-end.

[@willsworld57]

@@kunleodebode Absolutely! The 416 was so much more present! The Deity was muffled. Too muffled. Mid-focused. So it can be corrected in DAW. That extra time spent in an online world where you need to be in the top 5 to get listened to makes a diff.

[@RobertLinthicum]

@@kunleodebode "Like a Shure SM7B" is a good thing for my ears.

[@JBoy340a]

I agree. A lot of things can be fixed in post with a Daw. But I prefer to do the minimal amount of post processing.

[@WoM]

Huzzah!

[@ICACJ]

Would love to hear a comparison with the ntg3 if you can get your hands on one.

[@xxxdrcarlxxx]

...the NTG4+ !!!...

[@billweaver2549]

Have you done 416 vs NTG3? Can't find it if you have. This seems like an obvious comparison since Rode built the NTG3 from the ground up to be a 416-killer including its RF design principle (one thing that sets the 416 apart from most other condensers). This design makes it very resistant to humidity changes, one of the reasons both the 416 & cheaper NTG3 are preferred by location recordists.

[@ICACJ]

@@billweaver2549 he hasn't. that is why i requested it. and the 416 killer thing is the specific reason i'd like to hear it.

[@blazingdan]

Like most things, you get what you pay for. The MKH is noticeably better to me, but different voices, set-ups, etc. might be able to make the Deity work for them. The MKH is clearer, with more body, while the Deity seems to be mid-heavy...something like that. Either way, good to see you back.

[@mikebottiaux5850]

You’re the best, Mike!

[@Kryptfire]

Hey Mike! I was wondering if you'd had the chance to test out the Warm Audio 251 yet, and what your thoughts were if you have!

[@JoeZahaitis]

Damn you Mike - I have been with you long time and I can now TOTALLY tell the difference . . . . and it looks like I'm spending 1K on a shotgun mic )when I can afford it) but for now . . .maybe the S-Mic-2. . . ugh. Love you man, great stuff as always.

[@sickmedia]

Great review. Thanks for the EQ tip on the S2.

[@kerrybustetter7085]

Great to see you Mike.... Love the review but I still think the 416 is the ticket. I got mine for $670 lightly used... Just love it

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

Awesome! Have to try the EQ Curve on mine.

[@Marlonorellana]

Did you process this? This is like the third review I’ve heard and I couldn’t tell the difference until I heard yours lol. I bought the NTG5 and my friends 416 I couldn’t tell the difference 🙈wanna check out the diety myself lol

[@chrischeetham2659]

Great video as always, learning lots from your channel - I recently purchased an NT1 to capture live audio for streams however my PC fans are very noisy and unfortunately there isn't an easy solve for that given what we're doing. ReaFIR + Gate help but there's clearly some detriment to quality - I had conisdered going down the dynamic route - SM7B + Fethead, is the SMIC2 another option given the off axis rejection? Keen to know what you'd recommend. The clips of the SM7B / dynamic mics in general that I've heard seem to lack some of the condenser 'sparkle' which puts me off but possibly a necessary compromise given unavoidable background noise? (Noise from fan sitting at about -45db on NT1 with gain set for -12db peaks)

[@WildRice281]

So, You going to do a video detailing the new booth? all we have seen is the one angle.

[@syedarmaghanhassan4652]

Hey Mic can you please also show their performances as dialogues microphone on a film set? I mean not as a VO but in a proper real interview or film type setup pls? Thanks and kind regards, Armaghan

[@dobbatron]

Good work as always Mike...one thing I noticed was the S-Mic def starts to sound quite sibilant with the eq applied, probably just needs finessing a tad.

[@scottyreads5509]

Sounds really nice, especially after the EQ. I only have an ME66 at the moment but would love to compare these two at a more similar price range.

[@oscillate9594]

glad you're back

[@westleyleonstudios]

Take a shot every time Mike says, "For all intents and purposes". Try not to die. Lol