- How to decide on the appropriate microphone for recording voice overs
- Choosing different important sound recording gear together with audio interfaces
- Tips about recording skilled high quality voice over
Newest Replace: December 2022
I wanted a brand new microphone to file a voice over for a current undertaking and set about looking for out what the perfect microphone to get can be.
With the explosion of podcast and on-line video creation there’s an unlimited vary of choices to select from, with an excellent greater vary of costs.
Though you is likely to be tempted to easily purchase the latest and most cost-effective USB podcasting microphone you will discover on Amazon, fortunately, there are a number of tried and examined microphones which have reliably stood the take a look at of time in music, radio and movie manufacturing that may be trusted to ship skilled high quality outcomes at an reasonably priced worth.
So to slender the search I requested for suggestions on the perfect microphones for recording voice overs (and podcasts or tutorials) from a number of skilled composer, musician and post-production audio buddies.
This text is the results of their knowledge and recommendations!
What’s forward:
- How to decide on the appropriate microphone
- USB Microphones for Recording Voice Over
- XLR Microphones for Recording Voice Over
- Which is the Finest Growth Arm for Voice Overs?
- The Voice Over Microphone I Selected To Purchase
- Fast Voice Over Recording Suggestions
- Why I take advantage of Riverside for video name and podcast recording
- How Not To Run a Voice Over Recording Session
TLDR: Fast Hyperlinks!
On the finish of all my analysis I selected the extremely really useful Rode NT1-A Microphone and the Scarlett 2i2 (third Gen) pre-amp and have been very proud of them ever since!
I initially wrote this publish in 2013, in order of 2022, and a few additional analysis, I’ve up to date my microphone arrange with a Shure MV7 and Rode PSA1 increase arm.
For recording podcasts and video calls I can’t advocate utilizing Riverside.fm extra extremely. It’s simple to make use of and delivers nice outcomes, as the entire information are recorded domestically – so there’s no web drop out or streaming compression and you may save 20% with code: jonnyelwyn
You may learn extra about why I believe Riverside.fm is the easiest way to file distant interviews right here.
In any other case, in the event you’re in a rush and don’t have time to learn all of my cautious analysis?
Listed here are some fast hyperlinks to all of the merchandise talked about on this publish, organised by approximate worth:
Gadgets in daring I personally personal.
How to decide on the appropriate microphone
Personally, I’m not organising a studio stage sales space. I simply want a superb microphone I can belief to file voice overs in a means my purchasers can be happy with.
One other very important standards for me is to have the ability to rapidly join all of it as much as my laptop computer so I can file their expertise, wherever they might be.
Portability, high quality and worth are all necessary components for the ceaselessly travelling editor!
Dynamic Microphones vs Giant Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
There are 4 primary sorts of microphones however the ones on this publish fall into these two classes: Dynamic Microphones and Giant Diaphragm Condenser microphones.
For instance, the Shure SM57 is a dynamic microphone while the Rode NT1A is a big diaphragm condenser microphone.
How do they work and what’s the distinction?
Dynamic – “Utilizing a movable induction coil suspended within the area of a magnet, dynamic mics work like a speaker in reverse.“
LDCM – “Condenser mics work through the use of a capacitor (or condenser) to transform acoustic vibrations into {an electrical} present. Which means they want an influence supply like 48V phantom energy to function.“
LDCM are specific good for recording vocals, which is why you’ll most frequently see them in any podcast or YouTuber video.
However as we’ll see (and listen to) dynamic microphones can even sound nice on vocals too.
If you would like much more particulars on the variations between these microphones and the opposite two teams, click on right here.
USB VS XLR
In selecting a microphone there are basically two methods to go:
- A USB microphone that connects straight into your pc.
- An XLR microphone right into a pre-amp that connects through USB into your pc.
XLR microphones are usually higher high quality however this 2-part arrange will price a bit extra money and take about 10 seconds longer to arrange.
I went with a XLR/pre-amp arrange as a result of it affords me nice flexibility sooner or later and entry to the next high quality microphone. The Scarlett 2i2 (third Gen) additionally permits me to attach my Yamaha HS7 XLR-based skilled studio displays to my desktop arrange.
Ought to I pay extra?
In researching which voice over microphone to get, I got here throughout voice over artist Trevor Jones web site, the place he linked to this 17 microphone blindfold shoot out which helps you to obtain the mp3’s from every microphone and see in the event you can inform the distinction between a $79 and $3,695 price ticket.
The tremendous costly microphone? That’s the Neumann U87 by the way in which.
Trevor’s conclusion: Upon getting a mic at a sure stage, it takes some huge cash to make a small distinction.
The shocking hit of the shootout, and a mic additionally really useful to me by a composer buddy was the Shure SM57. As foolish as it might sound, from a seems standpoint I didn’t suppose the SM57 would lower it in entrance of my purchasers so I went with one thing extra beefy wanting.
Because it seems Trevor additionally recommends the identical microphone that I in the end went with.
That mentioned, my composer buddy really useful having a couple of mic in my arsenal and mentioned the SM57 can be a fantastic again as much as have.
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USB Microphones for Recording Voice Over
For those who don’t wish to splash some huge cash on a microphone and simply need one thing that can get the job accomplished, a USB microphone will try this and do it nicely.
In contrast to XLR microphones they’re not pretty much as good however they’re nonetheless fairly darn good.
The 2 commonest USB mic suggestions are nonetheless Blue’s extremely reasonably priced Snowball and the dearer Yeti collection of microphones. These appear to be the staple USB mic selections.
However they do have a bit extra of a cool look and personally, I want the look of one thing a bit extra ‘technical’.
Additionally these had been really useful for extra of a podcast goal.
Pat Flynn allows you to hearken to a number of USB microphones on this podcasting tutorial (above) and that’s most likely the easiest way of selecting which one sounds good to you.
Shure MV7 USB & XLR Microphone
Launched in 2020, the Shure MV7 microphone presents each a USB and XLR connection to provide the better of each worlds, and is the youthful sibling to the traditional Shure SM7B.
The MV7 prices about half the value and, in line with one consumer I do know, is about 90% pretty much as good.
For those who’re utilizing it to file over the very lengthy USB cable it comes with, you’ll additionally have to obtain the Shure Motiv desktop app, which provides you entry to all of the options and performance and firmware updates accessible.
You may even use the MV7 to file onto your telephone. You’ll want a Lightning to micro-USB cable to do that with an iPhone although, however that is additionally as a result of it doesn’t require any phantom energy.
The Shure Plus Motiv iOS app solely information to WAV information, as both 44.1kHz/16 bit or 48kHz/24 bit.
When you’ve completed recording, the WAV file can then be saved to one among 4 compressed codecs:
- ALAC – Apple Lossless Audio Codec
- AAC 96kbs – Superior Audio Coding
- AAC 128kbs – Superior Audio Coding
- AAC 256kbs – Superior Audio Coding
In Tom Buck’s in-depth evaluate you will get a stable understanding of what makes this microphone particular, very totally different to the SM7B and who is likely to be excited by it.
Listed here are some chosen chapter markers from Tom’s 30 minute evaluate:
- 10:30 – Simultaneous XLR/USB Recording
- 11:46 – Software program (ShurePlus Motiv)
- 12:53 – USB Settings & Sound High quality
- 25:03 – MV7 vs. SM7B & PodMic XLR
- 26:45 – MV7 vs. SM58 & SM57 XLR
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XLR Microphones for Recording Voice Over
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Voice over professionals like Hal Douglas within the Comic trailer on the very high of this publish can be utilizing the perfect microphones that cash should buy.
However what if you would like one thing a lower above a USB microphone that doesn’t take you in a price ticket with three zeros connected?
Listed here are a fistful of suggestions organised by worth:
The Audio Technica AT2020 and AT4040 had been additionally really useful to me by a composer I work with so much. One thing just like the AT4040 is sort of a bit extra money than I needed to spend, however most likely represents a superb funding for an precise voice over artist. However the AT4040 remains to be about 4 x the price of the AT2020!
The place because the AT2020 is below £100/$100 additionally comes as a slight dearer USB model too.
Additionally the MXL 770 got here up as one of the vital common on Amazon – I’m at all times to see what individuals are truly shopping for vs what they’re recommending, and for individuals to trouble with an Amazon evaluate they should be impressed.
One other video from Tom Buck, this time evaluating three totally different $100 microphones; the Shure SM58 and SM57 and the Rode Podmic.
Tom compares the Rode Podmic to a variety of totally different microphones throughout all of his movies, together with the Audio Technica AT2040, so it’s nicely value contemplating.
And for $100 all three of those appear to be an actual cut price for the prime quality sound.
Which is the Finest Growth Arm for Voice Overs?
A increase arm is a superb choice when including a voice over microphone to your edit suite arrange, particularly in the event you plan on utilizing it pretty ceaselessly.
On this glorious comparability video Tom Buck shares his hand’s on experiences with three totally different common increase arms:
I’m about to put in one among these in my very own edit suite, and I’m most likely going to go for the Blue Compass, partly for seems and partly as a result of it gained’t spring up when there isn’t any microphone connected, which the PSA1 seems prefer it does.
That mentioned, the Compass appears to be rather more tough to precisely place though there appears to be fairly a little bit of debate about this within the feedback to Tom’s video!
There’s additionally the opportunity of springing for the newer PSA1+ over the PSA1. Tom has one other detailed comparability video of them each right here.
So for me it’s nonetheless a alternative between the Rode PSA1 and the Blue Compass!
Selections, choices!
The Growth Arm I Selected To Purchase
UPDATE – In the long run I went for Tom’s really useful Rode PSA1 as a result of it stays the place you set it and appears like so much much less hassle than the Compass. I’ll simply have to ensure I don’t pinch my fingers in it’s scissor grip!
This tip from the ‘Provoked Prawn’ YouTube channel will present you learn how to cease your Rode PSA1 increase arm from arising or not holding its place.
The Voice Over Microphone I Selected To Purchase
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In the long run I selected this multi functional NT1-A recording package deal from Rode which comes with a shock mount, XLR cable and pop defend (I additionally picked up a gentle weight mic stand too).
As it isn’t a USB microphone I additionally purchased this (now third Gen) USB powered Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 pre-amp, which helps you to set your ranges, monitor your audio and enter varied different audio gadgets into your laptop computer, all through USB.
You can even use the road out connections on the again to join your Studio Displays to your pc and, crucially, it additionally supplies phantom energy to the NT1-A.
Examine the most recent worth on Amazon World Shops
It was extremely easy to place collectively in a few minutes, together with a fast driver obtain from the Focusrite web site. I did a few fast exams utilizing the voice over instrument proper inside Adobe Premiere Professional and DaVinci Resolve and it sounded nice.
As a result of you will get so near the mic and have such nice management, comparatively quiet background sound (e.g. planes) is basically unnoticeable and the Scarlett’s controls make it very straight ahead to get an honest stage.
Though you clearly you need as quiet a recording atmosphere as doable, thats not typically the state of affairs I get to work with.
As soon as out of the containers it additionally all matches properly into my modifying rucksack, together with my trusty BeyerDynamic DT770 headphones.
For a full spec of the NT1-A and the Scarlett 2i2 (third Gen) take a look at the Rode and Focusrite websites.
Purchase the Rode NT1-A on Amazon World Shops
Purchase the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (third Gen) USB Pre-amp on Amazon World Shops
Replace – Black NT1 Microphone
I initially wrote this publish in 2013 and a yr later Rode introduced out a model new model of the Rode NT1 (changing the outdated NT1 and NT1-A) which has been utterly re-designed from the bottom up and now showing in jet black. The critiques appear to be very beneficial for the value with Music Radar giving it 4 1/2 stars saying
The NT1 vocal sound is crisp and detailed with loads of heat low-end physique, nothing lacking or exaggerated within the midrange and an ethereal readability within the high finish, plus the included double-meshed pop defend does a fantastic job and conveniently sits unobtrusively precisely the place you want it.
If you wish to have a pay attention to only what the 2014 NT1 feels like, watch the video beneath from Chad Johnson, in which you’ll hear dialogue recorded by his pre-amp, a whole music observe recording and rather more.
For much more critiques head over to the official Rode NT1 website and scroll to the underside of the web page for a big choice.
Though I can be sticking with my present set-up it feels like the brand new Rode NT1 is even higher than the NT1-A and as soon as once more, nicely definitely worth the worth.
You may’t appear to purchase it as a whole boxed package deal from Rode in the identical means as you could possibly with the NT1-A above, however Austin Bazaar on Amazon.com are at the moment providing it as a bundle with a mic stand and cable.
Purchase the Rode NT1 on Amazon World Shops
Fast Voice Over Recording Suggestions
Initially your model new microphone is definitely fairly delicate so don’t go throwing it round or leaving it out to get clogged up with mud.
For those who do have it arrange on a stand on a regular basis one thing just like the NT1-A comes with a helpful draw string cowl to maintain mud off, however you could possibly simply use a sock I suppose!
As a result of each microphone has a special response sample, the way you place and place the microphone could make an enormous distinction to the standard of the sound.
Twisting the microphone as you file a take a look at will allow you to hear how the entrance and aspect (of a NT1-A the again is ‘useless’) will sound. I as soon as made the error of forgetting this and recorded terrible sound from the ‘again’ of the microphone. Fortunately, the NT1-A has a gold dot on the entrance.
Additionally in the event you’re after a narration sound, any tender furnishings you possibly can place between the voice and the partitions will assist stop harsh reverberations hitting the mic.
Extra Tips about Recording Skilled High quality Voice Over Narration
Premiumbeat.com shares some glorious recommendations on recording skilled high quality voice over narration on this new article.
Bear in mind to face at all times — NEVER SIT.
This opens up the diaphragm and permits the voice to achieve its full potential. Ideally, place your physique at a slight angle to the mic…
The publish additionally suggests some additional microphone choices together with the Sennheiser MKE 600 shotgun mic. Probably the most precious a part of the publish although are the guidelines and methods that you simply wouldn’t have considered, with out first gaining years of expertise.
Issues like consuming apple slices to assist with the ‘smoothness’ of your voice or consuming sizzling tea to cut back hoarseness.
In addition to extra apparent suggestions equivalent to utilizing an iPad as a substitute of paper for the script in order to keep away from any extraneous rustling sounds.
It’s a fantastic publish and a fast learn so test it out in full right here.
Why I take advantage of Riverside.fm for video name and podcast recording
As an editor I’m nonetheless confronted with modifying a variety of video content material that’s been badly recorded over Zoom. Through the pandemic I wrote an in depth publish all about higher methods to do that, which I not too long ago up to date with a much better means – Riverside.fm.
Listed here are 5 the explanation why I like utilizing Riverside:
#1 – Native Recording – The entire individuals audio and video feeds are recorded domestically to their machines which implies they’re not affected by web drop out or compression. They’re pristine high quality and (if their digicam helps it) accessible in as much as UHD decision.
#2 – Browser-based – As a result of all of your participant/consumer wants is a Chrome browser and your Studio hyperlink, there aren’t any technological hurdles to recover from. It’s fool-proof.
#3 – Particular person Feeds – Enable for seamless modifying between individuals as a result of everybody generates their very own remoted audio and video. If anybody shares their display this too is captured individually and in HD.
#4 – Cloud Powered – However it’s a must to do no work in any respect to get all these information as they’re mechanically uploaded to your dashboard, and even when the consumer closes the window, a easy click on of a reminder hyperlink units the method going once more. Riverside additionally information an streaming-based again up file too, simply in case.
#5 – Easy Workflow – As soon as all of the information are uploaded Riverside mechanically syncs them for you and can even arrange your Adobe Premiere Professional timeline for you.
You can even generate and obtain full transcripts, mixed multi-speaker clips and rather more.
Having tried and examined a variety of the opposite choices, Riverside.fm is the easiest way I do know of to file a distant video interview or podcast episode.
Test it out for your self with their 2 hour free account and save 20% with coupon code: jonnyelwyn.
How Not To Run a Voice Over Recording Session
Written and Directed by Tim Mason from Hog Butcher, this comedy brief movie ‘No Different Means To Say It‘ “pulls the curtain again on the glamorous world of promoting… [to expose] the gritty actuality of promoting.“
