Pro Voiceover Artist Reviews The Earthworks ETHOS | Earthworks Audio

Brian Lee is the signature voice for the MLB Network. He the sound of the Super Bowl promotions on CBS. He’s the hallmark voice for NBC Sports solidifying the phrase “Sunday Night is Football Night.” Every time that you watch any sporting event or get excited about the latest upcoming movie trailer, you hear the voice of Brian Lee. And now you can listen to him speaking through ETHOS, our latest broadcast microphone, and hear the difference.
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[@brianlee3146]

Yes...absolutely a fair amount of EQ and compression/limiting .. It's really about how I want to sound on this mic, vs how the mic sounds FLAT. My EQ is extensive...2 filters and 4 bands of EQ. A broadband compressor and running a 600hz side-chain ... That way the compressor can work so much more freely without bass commanding the total gain reduction of the compressor. This allows me to compress MORE, as the compressor sees way more of the audio signal above 600hz to determine its gain reduction. This is also why you're not hearing 'pumping' ...The other advantage is, I can work the mic closer. For instance....the EV RE20 has a HPF switch that attenuates freq below 400hz. YES....400hz.!!!!! Goodbye low end... The purpose for my 600HZ side-chain compressor...is I WANT my lower register to pass through normally, just not kick the compressor. So, I don't attenuate my mic with HPF. Finally....I really don't care that much for my own signature sound. But as an audio engineer, I know what's going to sound good in the broadcasting application. Production music tracks are bricked, so are any mastered songs over the past 15 years. In the post production world....the contrast between a FLAT mic and a music track is HUGE. So, I treat my VO tracks extensively to closer match the dynamic range of the music and production elements. But be aware....this is my theory and signature sound.....For me, it's about creating a buttery blend....and really cutting through in the mid-range. MY sound, MY tone, MY decision. Everyone should have their sound if they have enough knowledge of the audio spectrum. If I know what the application is for my voice...I will deliver the audio in 3 different ways. I know what the engineers need...and also deliver the audio in a way that I want it to sound. In today's world, you wound't believe how much video post has NO audio mixer or post work done.....which results in an awful lifeless sound. In the end, it's my preference and sound that matters. Crazy but true. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2mai4WfbqimfNk

[@drewpatterson9970]

This is incredibly insightful, Brian. Big fan of your work and I appreciate you sharing some of your technical approach. Are you running the sidechain with outboard gear or software?

[@GeorgeTheTech]

Great seeing you work on camera, Brian! It's your mic technique that really stands out to me here. Everyone take note of what he's doing on the dramatic trailer style VO. The mic is great of course, it's Earthworks. Brutally accurate microphones with slightly elevated self-noise ratings due to their tiny diaphragms.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

As an editor who has worked for multiple networks. I can confirm that a lot of things you see on TV haven't had a proper mix besides some levels adjustment or minor compression by the video editor. You'd be surprised how many even bigger promos can be pretty much drag and drop of audio and be aired without it being send off to a proper audio engineer.

[@tw314159]

omg this guy's voice so good i barely noticed his glasses

[@aPharo]

This is the best sales pitch I’ve ever seen.

[@liquidvelvetliterature]

I could listen to this guy read Shakespeare on this microphone for a year straight. Ordered mine today. Up to now, I’ve never been able to say this, because the VO sound is so personal and subjective, but this is the best microphone I’ve heard. I have a Neumann, a Sennheiser, a Rode, and I’ve never been so blown away by the sound of a mic like I am with this one.

[@EarthworksAudio]

Thank you so much Jeff! You're gonna sound great on your new ETHOS. If you post anything with it on KZbin or any other social media, let us know by tagging us at @EarthworksAudio!

[@liquidvelvetliterature]

@@EarthworksAudio You’re welcome! And absolutely. And thanks!

[@jorgelopez9620]

LOVE IT! pleasure working with Brian doing promos for CBS2 LA

[@alfonsitohouse]

A beast of pure sound transparency

[@무이무이]

I just ordered Ethos in South Korea. I used combination of SM7B + Grace Design m101 but a few days later, I can stream with Ethos! :)

[@Nickel-and-dimes-budget]

Your voice sounds amazing!! I love this mic 🎤

[@OsagieGuobadia]

Holy Mackerel, is that the voice actor who does voiceovers on CBS 2 News in New York? OMG, I am surprised. : 0

[@JuanSplatedUp]

Yeah and also works on Nickelodeon

[@OsagieGuobadia]

@@JuanSplatedUp Awesome. : )

[@weltenraunen]

I love this mic! Bought it a few days ago. Not only does it sound great - even at a slight distance ... it also looks really nice

[@EarthworksAudio]

So glad you're loving it!!

[@SuperMarioIdrissaPenguin8383]

My hometown in Philadelphia, KYW!

[@muziky2k]

Now, if I just had his voice. lol

[@TheCratesMotel]

Exactly. Unfortunately owning this mic is not going to make us sound like him haha, but it is a great mic nonetheless.

[@TheCratesMotel]

I own both the Icon Pro and the Ethos. I actually prefer the Icon on my voice personally, but the Ethos is incredible. My RE20 and SM7B are gathering dust as we speak (no pun intended).

[@EposVox]

😍

[@TheCratesMotel]

You're the reason I bought the Icon.......and then the Ethos. My wife is not happy with you dude.

[@courtcounselor]

What's his vocal chain eposvox? No goxlr here

[@Fitzcam1]

Brian Lee. Good friend of mine.

[@therevival9505]

This video convinced me to buy my ETHOS. You hooked me, love the microphone.

[@LesJeuxdEro]

🙂😍 I want one. Looking forward for this one. Hoping for a test😉

[@infinityiguess]

I need a voice over from him like fr I do

[@skepticsandseekers4715]

I had this mic briefly but returned it because it didn't sound very good on my voice in my room. This is one of two videos that has convinced me to give it another try. I think I gave up on it too soon.

[@GearCave]

Yeah the processing here is what gives 90% of the sound quality. I own an Icon, recorded flat, it doesn't sound anywhere near this good. What kind of gear are you using to process this?

[@smallbizdigitalmedia]

Will this microphone be forgiving for a video podcast setup where I have PET acoustic screens to the front and sides providing some sound treatment but not a booth environment? In short I need it to have similar background noise performance to dynamic microphones?

[@EarthworksAudio]

Hi there! The ETHOS will absolutely work for your environment (and it'll look great on camera too). It boasts excellent rejection from background noise, and it holds up very well in untreated spaces. If you’d like sound examples, check out the excellent review of the mic by KZbin channel Podcastage. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[@JollyLegend]

This video made me buy this microphone, now I just want to see exactly what processing he did xD

[@EarthworksAudio]

Hey there! Thank you SO much for picking up an ETHOS! We pinned Brian’s signal flow at the top of this video's comments, so you can see how he gets that sublime sound. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[@JollyLegend]

@@EarthworksAudio Ok the microphone sounds terrible on my voice, insanely boxy and has some really unpleasant resonances in the upper bass/lower mids that makes listening on tv speakers terrible. I don't know if I got a dud model but I am not impressed for £480.

[@EarthworksAudio]

@@JollyLegend I'm sorry to hear you had a less than stellar experience with the ETHOS. My team and I still appreciate you taking time to try it out. If you believe there is an issue with your mic, please visit the Service page on our website and we can look into whatever issues they may be.

[@ericsmith2480]

Brian: Eric from Auralex (and WINK-FM, formerly) here. How does the Ethos sound to you compared to the SM5B?

[@EarthworksAudio]

Hi Eric! This isn't Brian, but if you're looking for a comparison between the two mics, check out the ETHOS review from the channel Podcastage. He tests the ETHOS against several broadcasting mics. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[@DrayClay]

I’m considering getting rid of my SM7B’s and could lifters after watching this.

[@BrandonBroome_]

does anyone know if i used this for RNB vocals would i get good results?

[@doctorbassjr]

Sounds excellent. What preamp/eq/converter are you using?

[@TragedyTales]

What do you use to apply the compression live? a mixer? thanks in advance :)

[@user-vp3hm7vm8r]

💚

[@gugong]

Can I just use it with zoom h6 instead of interface?

[@courtcounselor]

Please share your vocal chain?

[@courtcounselor]

Pretty pretty please share your vocal chain

[@envisiotube]

I really like the mic and your voice and have an Icon for comparison. But I strongly dislike the processing. The sibilants sound non-natural and compressed, a little bit in direction of Neumann mics like U87, but in a bad way. Oh I commented already. So at least I am consistent.

[@marknortham5677]

But... is it usable in a room that is not fully treated?

[@Lotus_Trade]

That’s what I’m trying to decide .because this room looks fully treated to the ☕️

[@yinYangMountain]

It sounds great as a 'radio' / 'podcast' mic. For voice-over, however, it's too dark and, well, there is way too much self noise (16dB) to be a serious competitor in a professional studio (IMO). Something like the iCon Pro recorded at 6 inches (or more) recorded with an average of -6dB and max peaks of -3dB while still having less than 10dB self noise is what most professionals will be looking for.

[@impalagasper]

My SV33 went dead and the support literally said it's hardened on the inside (why???), impossible to repair and that I should toss it. I work with similar gear for 15 years and never seen/heard anything like this. Yes, sound is great,, but something goes wrong and it is literally TOTAL GARBAGE! Be careful what you invest in.

[@TBURNATV]

what with RAP VOCALS ?!?!