What is the best affordable microphone for voiceovers?

Answer 1

I started out with a simple Snowball mic.  It's got a USB plug and does just fine for around $80 (less if you buy one on eBay).  I wouldn't use it to make demos, but for auditions and most small jobs, it's just fine.  As you gain experience, the most affordable, best mic so far is the Studio Projects C1.  It's a condenser mic with a large diaphragm (meaning it's great for voices).  This mic costs around $295.  If you're sure you want to stick with voice over, then buy it now.  If you're just testing the water, go with the Snowball.

The other key thing to pay attention to is your recording space.  How quiet is it?  Does sound bounce off the walls or floor or objects?  Maybe hang some quilts and see how sound changes.  You can spend big money on a fancy mic, but lose all the advantages by trying to record in an echo chamber!

Comments

I like the Heil PR-30. It is a wide diaphragm mic that sounds like an electrovoice condenser mic but it's dynamic and costs a lot less. It's a great broadcast/studio mic from a company that sells direct. The PR-30 or the PR-40 are like having a Neuman, which I did voicovers with when I produced television for the United Church of Christ's national news magazine show.

Answer 2

I've been using the Logitech Gaming G330 headset.  I think the headset microphone is better to use than a desk mic because there is less risk of having background noise.  You also have the microphone in a location where it is stationary, and so you reduce the risk of having varying volume levels on your audio playback.  The link for the website for the info on this mic is http://www.logitech.com/gaming/headsets/devices/5848
The price is reasonable, too. ($50)

Comments

If your voice over career is only worth a $50 microphone, you should probably stop now.

Answer 3

I got a AKG Perception 220 for just under $200. Its a very nice mic and the quality is amazing. You will, of course need an audio interface. I got the Fast Track pro but I should have gotten an M-Box Mini--for just a bit more; better power for the signal. However, I manage with the FT Pro--once my demo is ready and if (when) I make some money I may upgrade to the MINI. If you are serious about this get a real nice -non-USB mic-and the audio interface. You dont have to spend a ton. But in the end, quality is does cost more. Is it workth it to you...an I am a 40 y.o. newbie to this but I am VERY serious.

Answer 4

I've used two reasonably inexpensive microphones and have landed many jobs with both of them.  

The Audio Technica AT-2020 was my first mic and is a great mic for about $100 US. It is aslo available now in a USB version.  It gets a nice clean sound and if you add a mic processor to your audio chain or do a little post processing you can get a very clean professional sound.

Currently I'm using the Harlan Hogan MXL VO-1A microphone.  It costs a bit more ($279 US) but it gives a slightly beefier more intimate sound.  It was designed with voiceovers in mind and comes with a mic cable, shock mount and carrying case.  Along with the mic I use a dbx 286a mic processor and Focusrite Saphire 6 audio interface in my audio chain which gives me a very nice clean no noise sound.

Answer 5

I used the AKG C4000B for a while (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C4000B). I saw someone recommended the AKG Perception 220 which should also be a good option, yet the C4000B will provide better sonic quality, comparable to microphones in the $1000+ range, like the AKG C414 XLII which is what I upgraded my C4000B with.

Neumann recently introduced the TLM102 (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TLM102/) which should also provide that sonic quality found in expensive mics.

I'd really say that the mic itself won't deliver an impressive sonic quality even if it's an expensive one, unless it's paired with a good mic preamp. I've been very pleased with the Focusrite ISA One (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ISAOne/) which I'd consider middle priced, not entry level and pretty quiet and clean.

Answer 6

There is no such thing as a "best" mic at any price point.  It will depend on your voice, and your recording environment.  For example, if room noise is an issue, a dynamic mic like an $250 EV 320 might be a good choice (personally I did not like my Heil PR30 or PR40).  You'll need a preamp with a lot of gain for a dynamic mic, though. No USB option for dynamic mics.

If you have a recording environment that isn't noisy or echo-y, then a condenser mic is a better choice than a dynamic mic. Some excellent candidates at very good prices include: AT2020 USB is the cheapest good option, $110 AT2035 is quite a bit better - you'll need a premap; you'll also need a preamp for: AKG 220, Marshall MXL V88s or V67G, Harlan Hogan's VO-A1, Studio Projects C1 was a good suggestion.  

More expensive USB mics that I've heard good things about from people I trust include the $220 Shure PG42-USB and the $300 MXL USB 009.  Do NOT get a Blue Snowball though - they really are far inferior to even the AT2020 USB.

Answer 7

While it's true that no one microphone works best for all voices, I have found one I love. It has a no-questions-asked money-back guarantee so, if you don't like it, send it back. It's the Harlan Hogan signature model MXL VO: 1-A.
http://voiceoveressentials.com/content/vo-1a-voiceover-microphone.htm

Answer 8

Michella (voice talent/member) is my studio partner.

My name is William.

Ideally, go somewhere that you can audition several microphones on your voice.
When you listen to decide, do it blindfolded, ie; you don't know which mic you're listening to - pick the top 3 - THEN learn which instrument best suits your voice, and begin deciding by price....



Here's my HOT  tip.

(I just posted this in response to someone's mic quest, but wanted to make sure it got seen by more...)

I just upgraded my whole system here, and found something exceptional as far as a deal on a great mic.


An amazing new large diaphragm condenser from a relatively new company.
Sterling Audio ST77, FET

The retail on this puppy is about $1,000, and most e-tailers sell them for upwards of $399:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Sterling-Audio-ST77-Large-Diaphragm-Studio-Condenser-Mic-103997235-i1170936.gc


BUT, for some reason, Musicans Friend (a very reputable company) has them on sale for $199!!


http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/sterling-audio-st77-large-diaphragm-studio-condenser-mic


I couldn't believe it, so I ordered one.
AMAZING. Built like a tank, great shock mount, wooden case... an and amazingly clear, quiet and accurate instrument!!
(You can read my review at their site).

THEY ONLY HAVE A FEW LEFT - DON'T DELAY IF YOU'RE INTERESTED.
I'm sure their next shipment will be over $400 each.

It's basically one of those more high end mics, priced like the multitude of $200 condensers out there.

Really worth a listen.

If you hate it, you can sell it for about twice that on Ebay - (seriously, check it out).

I've been working in lots of pr recording studios for decades, and I'm sold.


;0)