Which microphone do you rely on the most and why?

Question

One mic does not fit all, not by a long shot...so just wondering which one is your go-to workhorse and the reason for it.

Answer 1

I was an Audio Technica user for a long time. I was using the 4033. Now I'm using the Neumann TLM 102. Can I tell the difference? A little I suppose, but I've also had to adjust my technique a bit as well.

Comments

I've been on a Sennheiser 416 for 6 years, virtually the only thing I have used in that time.  AWESOME for promos etc.  However on the narration projects, I think I would like to have a TLM103, but the cost is high.  I bought an RE20 3 weeks ago (which I'm selling) and it might be fine for radio, but nothing else.  I have a Studio Projects B1 that is fantastic for the price.

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Two microphones are my mainstay.  Harlan Hogan's Signature Microphone, the VO-1A is the one in my booth, and my travel mic is the Sonnheiser 416.  Since I do primarily commercial work, both mics suit my needs very well.

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I have tried many mics expensive one cheap ones and the best to suit my voice and customers seems to be the Rode NT1.
This is not to say that I may need something different if my client base changes.
Basically for newbies starting out...the most expensive and "industry standards" are not necessarily the best ones for your voice!

Answer 2

Been using a Sterling Audio ST-59 and very pleased with it. I demo'd several mics in the $250-$400 price range at Guitar Center and this one just sounded better than the others for my voice.

I highly recommend trying to demo several mics at once like I did, with the same script...it really gives you a better sense of which mic is best for you.

Answer 3

The best microphone is the one that flatters your voice the most and is within your price range. Two caveats:

1. Even a high-end mic can make you sound terrible in an unprofessional recording environment.

2. Owning a Steinway does not make you a concert pianist.

I rely on the MXL VO: 1-A  (Harlan Hogan) studio condenser microphone.

Comments

iF YOU CAN AFFORD IT... and I bet you can get a rate, visit your local big recording studio and ask they do a mic shootout on your voice.  Then you'll know which is the best for you.  After all, it's a career-long question which should be answered up front.  That said, there are two main ways to go - dynamic or condenser.  Some cheaper condensers have a hyped upper end... the "t"s and "s"s will be pronounced.  Both types, in cardioid pattern, are likely to have proximity effect, which means the closer you get the bassier it gets.  (Not the  ElectroVoice RE-20, btw.)  I've been through the AKG 414, the Sennheiser 421, the Audio Technica 4033, RCA 77DX, and have settled on the Mojave MA-200... BUT I work it 16 to 18 inches away.  YMMV.  The Sennheiser 416 is popular in Hollywood (very directional).  Neuman mics are also standards.

Answer 4

I don't know what it is about Shure, but I love their mics! I agree with Rick, though, demo out a lot of mics before deciding to buy.

Answer 5

I am a big fan of Audio Technica, I have a 4033a, 8035 shotgun, and the 4047SV, which is my everyday mic.  Good, clean, and accurate.  I am a low tenor, and it seems to be a good fit.

Answer 6

I LOVE my AKG C414!  I've tried so many, for fun...including a Neumann.  Still love the warmth, clarity, and quiet of my AKG.

Answer 7

One of the great unchallenged myths in VO work is the "test 500 mics and see which one is best for your voice". One GOOD mic does tend to fit all with VERY few exceptions.  As a working VO pro when you go to a recording studio you will be unceremoniously plonked into a vo booth in front of a mic and expected to get on with it.

At your home studio you need to get your room sounding right FIRST and then buy the best mic you simply CAN'T afford.

Answer 8

I use a Sennheiser 416 also, and I'm looking at getting a Harlan Hogan VO-1A to have as a backup.  I also have a EV RE20 that I hate the sound of.

Comments

I recently had a chance to review (but not keep, sadly) the Sennheiser MKH 416.  It is awesome!  When I can afford to spend a grand on a mic, that will be the one (well, the first one;)).

Ken

Answer 9

My primary mic is the Rode NT2-A - by far my favorite.  But I have also recently used the AudioTechnica AT2035.  But as someone mentioned, the mic is not the whole story.  The interface counts too.  but perhaps the biggest ingredient after that is the process of recording, editing and finalizing the audio for the client.