Sennheiser MKH-416 For Voice-over? Consider This Instead! Sound Speeds

Many KZbin channels recommend the Sennheiser MKH-416 for voice-over but you won't see me doing that UNLESS it's for close micing. That's when the short shotgun pulls in sound from just the mouth and the proximity effect fills it out. Instead I recommend people to buy another mic - one that sounds much fuller at a greater distance.
If you're in the market for a premium voice-over microphone and don't mind dropping $1000 on a 416, you'll get the most out of this video. A shotgun microphone, like the 416, is designed to pull out a voice at a greater distance while rejecting out undesired sounds. Join me as I introduce you to the Sennheiser voice-over microphone I feel you should buy instead of the 416 unless close micing.
Note: I'm aware of how these mics both sound in this video. When I got into post I could hear that the MKH-40 wasn't properly represented because both mics were positioned the same exact way and they shouldn't be because they are two different style of microphone. The MKH-40 should be used more from overhead - angled down at the mouth rather than how you'd use the 416. That said, you might appreciate this other comparison video: • MKH-416 vs MKH-40, Sen...
To purchase a Sennheiser MKH-40: geni.us/MKH40
Still want a Sennheiser MKH-416? geni.us/MKH416
There's also a low profile, modular version:
amzn.to/31ZmJRX
Find your perfect voice-over microphone position!
• Finding Your Perfect V...
To read the history of the Sennheiser MKH series microphones, read this very informative article:
assets.sennheiser.com/global-...
Gear Commonly Used In My Videos:
Panasonic Lumix FZ-80: geni.us/SoundSpeedsLumixFZ80
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7: geni.us/SoundSpeedsLumixDMCG7
Tascam DR-40: geni.us/TascamDR40
Sound Devices MixPre-6:
www.sounddevices.com/products...
Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links and if you purchase something using one of these links, you'll pay the same price that you'd find on Amazon if you looked it up yourself but Amazon will pay me a small referral fee for sending you there to make a purchase.
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[@DtKnize]

I simply love the 416! And one of the most knowledgeable sound engineers in the Country who happens to be a VO Actor, loves the 416. I don't know what processing was done with the MKH40 but to my ears it sounds muddy. Perhaps a great mic for higher range sibilant voices.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It didn't represent as expected. When I did my first comparison I was using the 40 overhead as with a boom mic. In this example, I didn't do that which was a mistake in hindsight. When you listen to your own voice while talking, it sounds different than when you playback later. I plan to revisit this later (had already planned to actually) but until then, this is my example.

[@dobbatron]

Overhead ie angled down will sound different to angled up....one is picking up the nasal/head sound, the other the throat and chest.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yes but if it's designed primarily for overhead use...

[@w.g.5225]

lol. get a good pair of headphones. the 40 sounds right. the 416 is nasty with ess it hurt my eyes when I hear it in voiceovers.

[@SoundSpeeds]

🥱

[@jackedkerouac4414]

I know it wasn't your intention but you confirmed that the 416 was a wise choice for me. I have a deep voice and noticed the MKH40 made you have more bottom end. That'd be ideal for you but for me I need the brighter high end that a 416 offers. By the way your talking speed is impressive especially during that long take.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and thank you for watching.

[@Dracomies]

I actually think the 416 captured your voice quite well. Very clear, great sound - and probably more accurately captured your voice. The 416 is probably much closer to what your voice actually sounds like. The 40 is much warmer for sure but I wouldn't consider it better than the 416. If you're looking for a shotgun mic that will give you what you're looking for, ie. warmer sound, you might be surprised with the Audio Technica AT875r which is $168 and it'll give you that warmer sound.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I've heard it but still prefer a cardioid. More than anything I'm glad you listened here. It's important to make the decision yourself.

[@ottoc7129]

Thanks for this video. I was actually shocked when you turned to the 40. It was too deep, too rich (I had to turn down the volume). I have a deeper voice and I can only imagine how "boomy" it would sound on the 40. The 416 was thinner, no doubt, but it made listening to you much clearer. I have been looking/listening to the Sennheiser MKH-50, which seems like the better mic for indoors. I am doing narrative work and trying to determine which "A" mic indoor/outdoor to have in my kit. So far it seems like MKH-50 (indoor) and MKH-416 (outdoor). Thanks again. Subbed.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for the sub. Yes, the 40 can come on strong if too close which I was when I introduced it. Backing off a little helps you find the sweet spot. The 50 is a great choice for narrative.

[@snubdawg1386]

did you personally made a comparison between the mkh 40 vs mkh 50 for voice over? would be an interesting comparison video for me

[@BoothJunkie]

Hmmm. I'm not sure I'm convinced here from this demo. The change in tone at 3:20 - 3:35 is pretty significant, but I think the 40 less flattering for you than the 416. I'd love to hear more back and forth between the two.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I had a feeling this video would summon you. ;-) The 40 is the mic I mentioned to you a while back and honestly, the MKH 20-70 are bassy if too close so you should get a bit farther back. They have larger diaphragms than the 70's phantom mics like the 416 which also helps with that too but there's a mild roll off too. In retrospect I should have presented the 40 at the proper distance for most of the video and matched distance to the 416 for a short portion of the video. I'll send you an email with another comparison.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@Charles Michael Poking the bear isn't considered a good thing though.

[@paulengle5784]

@@SoundSpeeds Honestly, any thoughtful and respectful dialogue between you and @Booth Junkie makes my day.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@paulengle5784 I have nothing but the highest respect for Mike. He's a really good man and extremely talented.

[@KookedKoala]

Waiting for mike to review them both!

[@ChrisPFuchs]

This is somewhat off topic but felt like sharing anyways. I was once trying to record the 'click' of an old school amplifier's knob turning, and the only decent mic I had at the time was the MKH50. I mistakenly placed the mic up too close to the knob. When I went to record, I could hear the low rumble of my muscles contracting as I went to grip the knob and turn it. I thought that was the weirdest thing but it got me thinking that getting good audio is more than just as clean and 'full' as you can make it. I think a common mistake some people tend to do is get way up close to the mic in an attempt to lower the noise floor and use the proximity effect of the mic. This is a common thing people do on a podcast I work on. They hear the low end boost of the proximity effect which closer resembles the voice they hear in their own head, but end up getting this audio with plosives, wind rumble, and excessive mouth clicks when counter intuitively to them perhaps backing off the mic a bit could give a better sound.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Well said. This is one reason I back off twice and make a point to state that you can. It's quite acceptable to back off and not get proximity effect in the track. By the way, the 40 also has a roll off to help with proximity effect

[@slyyam]

Hi, love the channel! What are your thoughts on using the 40 on set as a dialogue microphone? I've used the 50 extensively on set and love it but was thinking about getting a 40 as well. Thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

The 40 is a great mic to use on set. If you're familiar with the 50 then you can easily imagine a cardioid version of the supercardioid 50. I use the 40 for a slightly fuller sound on voice and especially on people sitting at a table.

[@costajunior1956]

Hey the little one is good but the 416 is better to my ears. The sound is clearer. Good option, but if I have to chose, 416 is the one.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's cool. Good to listen and make your own decision. :-) Thanks for commenting.

[@costajunior1956]

Sound Speeds you’re absolutely right and I got your point. The little one is an awesome mic, giving the circumstances one could not identify the difference after post production. Very nice video. Thank you.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching!

[@cacoparis]

Hi there, thanks for the video, just one question about the polar pattern, it's not much better using a MKH50 that have a Supercardioid polar more than a MKH40 that have a Cardioid polar for voiceover, dialogs?

[@SoundSpeeds]

A 50 will get you about 90-95% to where a 40 is in voice-over but the room does a lot to shape the sound. A 50, like a 416, is much more focused than a 40 and is more likely to hear sound bounceback off the wall behind you if untreated but a 40 is cardioid and hears your voice and the air around your mouth in nearly every angle your mouth is line of sight to. There's a reason 99% of the mics used for voiceover are cardioid. A 50 is great for overhead micing though and I favor it to the 40 in that circumstance because it is more focused on the front of the actor as opposed to the entire actor's head, behind them and all around the mic except directly above it. A 50 also allows you to reject out a bit more sound without sounding awkward.

[@highlycreativedigital5472]

nice i didn't expect that big of a difference.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's why I felt this video was so important.

[@ErnestoPossiSpanishVoiceOver]

You are right! But a still likes the 416 for record my voice ..... great video.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's not in any way a bad mic so don't let me disrupt your flow! ;-)

[@nickr5213]

Very interesting! My cousin does VO and she uses a 416. She does sound good on it, but this mic could be even better! I would love to talk her into a tube condenser though, because I think that would pick up the texture in her voice very well.

[@SoundSpeeds]

If she has a workflow with that mic, she may not want to disrupt that. A 40 would change her workflow because she'd have to be farther away from it than with a 416 and if she does EQ or processing, that could change everything too.

[@audioteb]

between the Sennheiser MKH-416 andShure ksm 42 ,for vo who is the best ?

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's a matter of opinion but more people use the 416 for VO.

[@audioteb]

@@SoundSpeeds thx bro

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@ili6065]

thank You. Very usefull

[@SoundSpeeds]

Glad to help. :-)

[@00solman]

and the wish list continues to grow. ; )

[@SoundSpeeds]

With every video released...

[@andrewdickson1556]

So, full disclosure, I love my 416! It's really hard to tell from this video as the audio samples sound compressed by KZbin, even distorted to my ears. That said, the 416 sounded way more natural to me - M40 added quite a wooly bottom end and lost air. (again this could be KZbins fault)The ubiquity of the 416 means the signature sound is now embedded in a lot of engineers minds as the "VO Promo" sound, so having it in your locker just makes sense. You may prefer the 40 but if the client hiring you to cut a promo prefers the 416 then you have to go with that right? What sounds 'better' is subjective. The real question is, what's the right tool for the job. So why advise people to spend more money on a tool that actually may make their auditions sound less like what the client would expect?

[@SoundSpeeds]

And that's all very fair. I'll be releasing more audio samples soon. I understand the appeal of the 416 but after using the 40, I find it to be much more versatile UNLESS you need to reject out something or you need more reach. My mistake in this video was matching the distance off mic from the 416 and 40 first. The 40 needs a bit more air because of that signature MKH bass boost.

[@josephlandman1402]

Hi, excellent video. What mic would you recommend for foley's?

[@SoundSpeeds]

The MKH-50 supercardioid is very popular. You'd also get great results from the Schoeps CMC-641 and DPA-4018C.

[@davidguerrero1636]

The 416 sounds so much better even on your video. Did you listen to it?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Of course I did. When I got into post I realized it wasn't a fair comparison so I followed it up with this video. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqradmaNlJ1mrsU

[@phillystax]

My background is in the music studio world and I'm getting into the production and post-production world. A lot of people recommend the MKH-50 as indoor boom mics over the 416 because of size and off-axis rejection. So what is the difference, ultimately, between the MKH-50 and 40? Would the MKH-50 work in voice-over if I'm already planning on getting one or two for location sound?

[@SoundSpeeds]

The 40 is cardioid and the 50 is supercardioid. That's the difference. Studio voiceover microphones are almost always cardioid (as you know) but yes, the 50 will work just fine. It won't be as full, fat and rich as the 40 but it'll sound wonderful in a studio. You might want to back off on it a bit more than a cardioid though.

[@phillystax]

@@SoundSpeeds Ah, that makes sense! I didn't even check the pattern on the 50!

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@phillystax Yes sir

[@GingerDrums]

The low mid buildup in that room is pretty nasty. Could use some bass trapping ;) The MKH 40 sounds slightly boomy, much prefer the 416 on your voice in that room. If I need some more bass I have EQ, but the overlapping boomyness is harder to handle in post.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I have since upgraded my studio.

[@Timinican]

I have a question.... why on set when you're about to roll audio you say speed instead of rolling audio?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Because the 1st AD calls "roll sound" and when we're rolling, the boom op yells "sound speeds" so everyone knows it. Watch this video for more info about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYWnfGaIiMhogpY

Can you suggest me a cheaper option that sounds similar to the mkh40? Probably the mke600? Other brands?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I've actually never used the MKE600 or compared it to MKH series mics. It depends on your use case.

@@SoundSpeeds talking head for KZbin in a medium acustically treated room.

[@MikeBroderick33]

Hi Allen: There is a well-known story within the voic-eover community that the ubiquity of the 416 in voice-over and VO studios is essentially thanks to one man - the late Ernie Anderson who was the promo voice for ABC in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. He was the guy who would say "Next on the Looooove Boat," (and also the Father of film director Paul Thomas Anderson). Depending on which version you hear, Ernie either wanted to be more comfortable recording in the control room rather than the booth, or was paranoid about what people were saying about him in the control room, and said that he wanted to record in the control room rather than the booth. By all accounts he was a nice man, but had a temper and could swear like a sailor, so the studio accommodated his request, and a sound engineer tried the 416 because of its off-axis rejection. The 416 then became Ernie's mic, and all the LA studios got one. It's still among the most popular VO mics today - especially for promo, but for other genres too. Voice actors rave about it, and it's very popular as a travel mic, because it rejects off axis noise so well in less than ideal conditions. (The 40 does sound great though.) I'm going to link in a blog post about the Ernie Anderson story (although I've heard it told by a few people) and a video of Ernie working in the control room. davewallacevoblog.wordpress.com/tag/ernie-anderson-sennheiser-416/ kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnbVg6WpirmUe80

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for this. I understand the advantages of a shotgun and there was a purpose for that. In my opening sentence I make it clear I'm identifying people looking for a premium voice over mic and are looking on KZbin for inspiration and recommendations. Pros would (and did) identify the problems and recommend a mic for that purpose but those people would point out their mic recommendation and reason after watching this video. This video is targetting the KZbin viewer that would follow the lead of every channel out there (many of them following each other's recommendations) and would better be served by a cardioid.

[@MikeBroderick33]

@@SoundSpeeds Hi Allen. I DID watch the video before commenting. I'm not questioning your knowledge of mics and their performance at all. I just shared my comment so you could hear the story as to how it became one of the most popular voice-over mics - through Ernie Anderson's influence. It's a great story.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@MikeBroderick33 Oh, I wasn't fighting you on it. Sorry if it seemed that way. I'll certainly check out the links tonight when I get home from set. Thank you for that info.

[@MikeBroderick33]

@@SoundSpeeds You're welcome. It's a good story, and the video of Anderson is a trip.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@MikeBroderick33 I look forward to it.

[@yamdigger]

I use the 416 in my VO work. I have a deep, bass voice, so I don't need a mic like the 40 he recommended to sound "phat". In fact, I still have to use a 100 Hz roll-off at the low end so as not to sound boomy with the 416. I also don't have a perfect, noise-free booth; which is another reason I have the 416; namely, for off-axis background noise rejection. Whatever noise still gets through gets nipped with iZotope RX8 Spectral DeNoise VST plugin (I highly recommend it). If I had a perfect noiseless booth, I wouldn't even be using a shotgun mic.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sounds fair. It's important to like the sound you produce.

[@yamdigger]

@@SoundSpeeds ….And even more important that my VO clients like it too

[@SoundSpeeds]

Very much so!

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

Would you say the the MKH 50 is as great if not better than the MKH 40?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yes, I would. Especially on a film set.

[@protoman247]

good stuff

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you

[@monty671]

Now that the MKH 40 is no longer being made... What is the recommendation?

[@SoundSpeeds]

MKH-50

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

Hey Allen, how many inches long is the MKH-40?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Exactly the same length as the MKH-20, 30 and 50. It's around 6 inches long but for exact lengths, Google the specs.

[@MitchellShelby]

Awesome video, very informative and helpful...

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and thank you for watching.

[@yogggoogle3965]

Hi! What boom mic would you suggest for yt talking head in a room that has reverb? mkh 50?

[@SoundSpeeds]

That does work, sure, but many supercardioid mics will too. Just get them close to the top of your head.

[@yogggoogle3965]

@@SoundSpeeds Could you please name a few? 🙏

[@SoundSpeeds]

Depends on a lot of factors. Small diagram condensers are probably going to make you happy. Depending on your budget, Samson C02, Rode M5 or NT5, Neumann KM-185, Sennheiser MKH-50, Schoeps CMC-641...

[@yogggoogle3965]

@@SoundSpeeds Thank you for the response! 👍

[@yogggoogle3965]

@@SoundSpeeds Which would you buy within 550 - 800$ ? Neumann 185 or maybe Audio-Technica AT 4053B? Ohh, I can't decide...

[@Chasjazzez]

And still the MKH416 sounds more natural to me...

[@SoundSpeeds]

The 40 sound more natural from above.

[@astralaudio101]

I prefer the 416 also for this particular comparison. Is the 40 rounder because of the Cardioid factor? The MKH50 could be another excellent one to compare with the 416 being super-cardioid? Feedback appreciated 👌

[@SoundSpeeds]

You're right, the 50 would be great to compare too. The 40 would have been better coming fr above.

[@stevejeffery4857]

The MKH 416 sounds better to my ears. I could hear the difference right off. The MKH 40 sound a bit too boomy while the 416 cut through much better.

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@TechWeLove]

Have you ever touched the models like the Mk70 , Mkh 60, Mkh 50, , Mk 8070, and MK 8060 ? @SoundSpeeds #SoundSpeeds

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yes and used every one of them.

[@TechWeLove]

@@SoundSpeeds Which one sounds the best ? Could you list them in order of sound quality ? I don't want to have buyer's remorse, when I could have bought a bit better sounding microphone. I want to record audio book type sound, something someone would want to listen to.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Wow... totally different mics. All of them. To my experience the 8000 series has slightly less reach and fidelity at greater distances than the nonmodular version. You can get a digital preamp module for less noise even though you'll almost never have the opportunity to shoot somewhere with that low a noise floor not to mention you still have noise on the capsule. You can get different nodules to give you many options for plants, mounting and wireless applications. Personally, I prefer the nonmodular version by the slightest of margins. I'd also say... 50/8050 < 18 inches of subject's mouth 60/8060 = 18-30 inches 70/8070 > 30 inches and that's if you have them all are in a normal room with normal noise. The 50/8050 can pickup great farther though as can the 60/8060 and 70/8070 in better conditions. The longer the mic, the thinner the sound but you get better reach. Best for fidelity, 50/8050.

[@TechWeLove]

@@SoundSpeeds Have you used RTX Voice at all with Nvidia graphics cards ? I know it might sound silly, but which one of these mics does best sound quality with some wind, i.e. a fan ? I would like the ability to use RTX Voice, but yet also have the best mic for the job, if I choose not to use RTX Voice. Summer is coming, and my room gets to unbearable temps even with the AC blasting, therefore sometimes I would have a fan pointed at my legs, etc. Make sense ? Thank-you for your in-depth videos, and in-depth comments. Very quality work there, you earned a subscriber. : )

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. Welcome aboard. I'll be doing a video on RTX Voice soon. My GPU isn't compatible with RTX Voice even though I have an Nvidia graphics card so a friend is helping me with it. I'd you're doing voiceover or something at your desk, I wouldn't recommend any of those mics. Do me a favor and shoot me an email and give me the details... is your environment treated? What are you planning to record? What other gear do you have? Feel free to send pictures. Depending on the details, I may send you in a completely different direction for the better.

[@eldest3171]

Now if only I could afford it

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ask Uncle Bandrew. ;-)

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

416 is God man. In and out of the booth. It my opinion, the best preamps to pair it with are Focusrite’s Scarlett series especially for mid to low baritone voices to get that crisply detailed, rich, and bassy sound.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Really? You find the preamps to make or break a mic? That's quite amazing to me because preamps are supposed to be neutral even though we do know that they color the sound a tiny bit.

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

@@SoundSpeeds Different preamps process audio differently for every mic. Yes, it all depends on what core processor certain preamps have, the differences can be based as much on brands as it is with different mic brands as well.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I understand completely but that's a huge difference.

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

@@SoundSpeeds Yes, sometimes there's a huge difference in what audio processor a preamp has compared to a different brand one, and that can also reflect the quality and general sound of the playback through certain types of mics hooked up to said preamps as well.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I get that but many of the inexpensive processors are very similar. It's when you compare the inexpensive once to the more premium versions do you hear them.

[@VJFranzK]

Hmm, that is a more substantial low end... could be good or too much, depending!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Try it overhead and it's a much more balanced sound.

[@antoineinniss140]

Sir, do you ever do reviews on good, low budget microphones like large diaphragm and shotgun microphones?. I , along with a group of voice over hopefuls have been following you for some time now, but we haven't seen you done any low budget ($$80-250) microphones reviews

[@SoundSpeeds]

First of all, thanks for watching. Secondly the market is flooded with those reviews and since I can't sing, play any instruments and have a voice higher than most, my reviews get lost way below in the search results. What I can offer is a professional opinion which can be very critical unless I say something is good for the money but consumer audio isn't a specialty of mine. I have listened to a lot of mics and if something stands out as something I like, I remember the name of and refer it but many products sound the same to me and unless there's something special about it, all I would do is be unimpressed. I can't and won't praise something I don't like but I'm sure there are mics in that range I'd like and speak highly of though. There are many videos I want to make and unless a vendor reaches out to me or I receive multiple requests to review something, I won't direct attention towards it. The t.Bone mics I reviewed I liked. Well, 2/3 of them I did. Is there something you'd like to see me review?

[@antoineinniss140]

@@SoundSpeeds The e-image pm500 shotgun microphone, the Synco Mic DT2 Shotgun microphone, the audio technica AT875R. By the way, which of the 2 out 3 T-Bone mics you liked. For the record sir, your professional opinion will be very helpful to us, when it's time to go purchase microphones

[@SoundSpeeds]

I reviewed the Synco Mic D2 already. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYDXiIp9npWci68 As for the AT, I'll reach out and ask if they would like to shoot one my direction. Thanks to CoronoVirus my entire industry is shut down so I'm not buying anything more for Sound Speeds right now. As for the t.bone mic... I like the SC400 (although they've apparently made a change since I reviewed it because the self noise is higher) and the EM9900. If you look in my playlists, you'll see a playlist of product reviews: Product Reviews: kzbin.info/aero/PLpPR2HcQu7YKdy5FYl_ecHjmzElfyCyvY I also LOVE the Neat Microphones King and Worker Bee mics: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4bLo6Gwoph5j68

[@antoineinniss140]

@@SoundSpeeds Ok grrreat. You however didn't make mention of the e-image pm500 shotgun microphone

[@antoineinniss140]

I look forward to the AT review and the e-image as well

[@darrenorange2982]

Frankly the reason I believe that the 416 or even the 816 is used in studio is to maintain the sound of the mic so the dubbing in a film is not as obvious.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Agreed. I believe I said that in this video. If not, I said it in one of them.

[@darrenorange2982]

@@SoundSpeeds Great video btw!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and thank you for watching.

[@user-zv7lm8uk7h]

He says that at 2:00 in the video.

[@SoundSpeeds]

👏

[@NinoAmerica]

How about the mkh 50? No voice over. Just a boom for a video podcast set up

[@SoundSpeeds]

The 50 is very solid. Great choice as is the 8050

[@SoundSpeeding]

Lots of people do seem to just parrot what they've heard once before, such as "industry standard 416". And you get a cycle of this being repeated over and over from one person saying it to another who then says it to the next. Is one reason why for instance Canon DSLRs remained popular for so long as an entry point into filmmaking! "Oh just get a Canon Rebel" or "buy a 5D", while being oblivious to the better choices out there to get instead.

[@SoundSpeeds]

And I'm not afraid to say it. The 416 is a fine mic but I firmly believe the 40 is better if used properly.

[@skakdosmer]

Again and again … the 416 just sounds better.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ok. The important thing is to listen and choose for yourself. Thanks for doing that.

[@smoogles.5534]

everyone tells me to use it for voice over MKH-416 -also on my headset the 416 makes your voice sound so much better

[@SoundSpeeds]

Watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqradmaNlJ1mrsU It's important to have an opinion but the shotgun nature of the 416 just focuses in on the mouth (why it sounds detailed) but speech comes from the head down to the chest and the 40 is much better at picking up the whole voice and space around it.

[@sojournerfornow]

@@SoundSpeeds There's a technical term for this... boloney. Different voices derive their character from different places... some are chesty, some are sinusy (is that a word?), some are thoaty, but everyone is different.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm very aware of everything you're saying and say it often. I should probably redo this video because my background at the time of this video didn't present the mic well.

[@larryhinze537]

But the shotgun 416 would sound better in an untreated area, right?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Depends

[@rayvaldovinos8067]

What about the MKH50? Easier to find

[@SoundSpeeds]

That works too

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

Got my 50 from Glazer’s Camera out of Seattle. BEST investment for vo 😁

[@SoundSpeeds]

The 50 is great. For VO you might appreciate the 8050 more though. Smaller diameter and digital preamp options.

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

@@SoundSpeeds I’m sure it is! But both me and my budget prefers the 50 at the moment 😆

[@SoundSpeeds]

Don't get me wrong, the 50 is great and will serve you well.

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

@@SoundSpeeds As a matter of fact I work with both the 50 and 8060. 8060 is a fantastic update of the 416 that rejects even more background noise, has additional low end to it and the consonants are a lot more clear sounding for commercial and promo work. The 50 I absolutely love for animation, game, and narration work where you want to get the lows and mid sounds/tone of a voice as opposed to the harsh higher frequencies found in the short shotguns. 8060 is great for just jumping on a session and recording a short commercial where you want the words to cut through a mix. It’s spontaneous. Both terrific distinct sounding Sennheisers for different genres/applications!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Agreed. Very high quality mics for streaming.

[@praxis-living]

Those 2 microphones sound entirely different. The reason the MKH 416 is used is to cut through just about any production that you throw at it. It sounds like the MKH 40 wont do that.

[@SoundSpeeds]

The 40's place is overhead micing.

[@TVPostSound]

Unfortunately you don't have an announcer's voice, thus the 416 wont work with you. I used the 416 on ALL the big boys in the 90s, including Ernie and the Don, they also knew how to work it. Another problem is your room full of foam, not properly trapping all frequencies.

[@SoundSpeeds]

My voice is indeed higher than normal. Don LaFontaine I'm not. True also about the foam. I'm redoing my studio at the end of Jan2020 using Audimute and Insulquilt products. Thanks for your input! I like hearing from experienced studio guys.

[@hklinker]

Not an announcer’s voice? I disagree. The tone/timbre is one part. What you have to say and how you say it also matters a lot. I’ve listened to guys with ‘rich’ voices that leave me gagging. You know, the guys getting off on their own voice. I’m just saying there’s room for different tones, especially if the higher toned voice has some talent behind it.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. :-)

[@dannyproveaux566]

I like jumping in the booth stoned too, but dude... it sounds way different...

[@SoundSpeeds]

Stoned?

[@voa23]

So there's like 3 or 4 people who throw stones at you before jumping in the booth to record? Interesting!

[@SoundSpeeds]

I shrug. Can't understand.

[@voa23]

@@SoundSpeeds Im sure you can't after getting stoned?

[@SoundSpeeds]

This thread is over my head.

[@skyace888]

MKH416 sounds much better to me. Also MKH40 appears to be discontinued now.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's news to me. I wonder if they're just sold out.

[@almightyri1757]

Think it's been replaced by the MKH50

[@SoundSpeeds]

No the 50 came out in the 1980's like the 40 did. All but the 30 and 50 have been discontinued. There's still the 8000 series though.

[@trending24hours]

MKH416 "The Gold Standard" for Voice Over.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yep

[@garrywindshield1]

I'm really sorry if this gonna hurt, but you have to accept your voice as it is. Yes, it's high and nasally, but I bet you're a tenor which means you can sing high notes easier (if you need that) and there is a separate market for you in VO. MKH-40 sounded much worse then 416. It's just boomy and muddled. It's not richness. It's not easy on the ears. It's sounds way cheaper to me. My advice is that you should focus on making your voice rounder by different training techniques and buying, perhaps, even a whole different mic that will bring out the best of your voice. Take it from the guy who's been selecting his mic for years. But yes, it's part of the deal. Cheers!

[@garrywindshield1]

And please, for the love of God, never be so confident in such delicate matters. Especially when criticizing a well-established mic. Many tried and many have failed even with worse mics like SM7b

[@SoundSpeeds]

No offense taken. Your response is actually the correct one - someone who has listened critically and made their own mind up. That, admittedly, was the purpose of the title and I do have another video where I do a better comparison and environment is critical. The MKH-40-70 microphones are strongly used in the motion picture industry even though I'm a fan of DPA and their flat and highly detailed sound. The 416 is very directional and lacks cinematic richness where the 40 is full sounding and a lot less muddy if you don't have as much of the pattern picking up the chest cavity like I do in this brief test. Also, I'm suspecting that this 40 may have endured some heat damage over the decades as it should perform much better against the 416 in a controlled environment.

[@Melideas]

I like the MKH-416 a lot more on your voice to be honest.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ok

[@asianguy6174]

In a small space typical in voiceover depth of absorption is critical. In a small space you need 8” of absorption if you are using a 416. Hence the misunderstanding about the 416. See below Booth Junkie and audio engineer guest kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYmcfnZuj72BgNk 416 and phase cancellation kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoqTg4OEbdCpntU

[@SoundSpeeds]

😐

[@funkpages6690]

Test out a Schoeps CMIT5U

[@SoundSpeeds]

Too bright for close micing.

[@sojournerfornow]

ProTip... flatter microphones are not necessarily better for location or voice/narration recording (or anything else). As for a "better" alternative to the 416...really? Did you actually listen to what you are recommending? The 416 eats its lunch.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's better if you use it more overhead. I've done other videos about it

[@alexandre7634]

It's strange to use a shotgun for voice over, a large diaphragm have a more pleasant sound for close vocals and if you really want something natural, you take a small DPA...

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm not a fan of shotguns for VO either.

[@marcusvaldes]

Now MKH-50

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's a good one too but over extends to bass a little too much to my ear when close micing.

[@WILDWILDVAPE]

MKH40 way to bassy and muddy, the MKH 416 is King :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ok

[@HebrewMadeEasy]

My friend, thank you for this video but this video is a proof that mkh 416 is much better then 40. Sorry

[@SoundSpeeds]

If you like metallic and flat but detailed sound, sure. My mistake in this video was using the 40 straight on trying to match the 416 when it sounds so much better overhead.

[@HebrewMadeEasy]

Maybe so.. but anyway appreciate your effort!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thank you for watching.

[@Audiomonkscollective]

I don't have my money.. I'm buying MKE 600

[@SoundSpeeds]

If you like it, that's all that matters

[@ghorbani]

this mhk 416 is better than your recommendation

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ok

[@tinylittlefilms3043]

It doesn't have the rich type of bass as the 416 mic.

[@SoundSpeeds]

In this comparison I should have used it overhead like a boom.

[@tadhgmcgrath1409]

No thanks I have a deep voice and problems with room noises. 416 is optimal for me.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ok

[@cainedeegan2652]

idk man, the 416 still sounds better, haha.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Listen to Masked Mics number 13 and see which ones you like of the new mics. Then tell me what you like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJbUqJuBgdKnncU

[@Tropictank]

416 is much better!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ok

[@BayanChacra]

actually the 416 sounded better than the 40 on your voice

[@SoundSpeeds]

It didn't represent well in this test. It's designed for overhead use so if you come in from overhead, it sounds much better.

[@jeffchristianson-ziebell7727]

Or watch this video too... kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXrUc41-lpWWfKM FYI the MKH416 is an industry staple because its a great accurate mic period. Retains its value (ebay completed sold listings will prove my point as fact) This guys voice is his voice maybe not yours definitely not mine and this comparison is very unique to HIS VOICE ONLY. PERIOD. if you get to the point where you need a mic in the $1k plus range do your research and make decisions based on advice from people who are where you are trying to get. This example is only an example of this guys voice which is higher and more nasally than someone with a deeper richer voice like the pro in the clip above or than maybe yours. Just how it is... Cuz thats some sound advice.. Lol. Thanks for posting video but please disclaim better to gain more respect from those viewing your videos intended to help. This IS NOT AT ALL an accurate factual representation of everyone. Not even close but is a great example for people with thus guys voice. Welcome to Pro Audio btw.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Been in pro audio for decades but thanks

[@humble_integrity]

mkh 416 is better in my opinion

[@SoundSpeeds]

OK

[@OCUBOX]

Your recording space sounds awful, in the nicest way possible :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

In what way? Could it be reflections because I'm loud? Could it be issues with my audio processing and the way KZbin streams it? Input appreciated.