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Best Mics for V.O.

I liked the Avantone, but not the first MXL..it had a hollow sound to me..

I' still think the best mic under $500 is the Rode NTK
 
Avantone CM-12 is another Chinese made product with a rather solid design..but the one time I used one I hated it. "Dull" doesn't describe it..but remember I like a mic with character..might be because my ears are going, but not likely. I enjoy and love to work with a mic that has a little "bite and balls" I am a fan of the Sennheiser 416, and lately the Brauner Phantom..but not being able to get more than two we moved to try a new AKG C414 LTD (same as the C414 XLII) and man it is sweet with a good preamp..might get two more and divest our Brauners..but it will kill me.

NOW..here's an interesting mic..These people actually process thier compnenets by FREEZING them. A little pricy as far as a VO mic, but might be worth a triple look..Check it out:

http://www.proaudiosolutions.com/product-p/big-mic.htm

Frozen mic that produces a "warm" sound..go figure
 
I dig the older RODE NT2 condenser, which is no longer made. New it retailed for about $450, with shock and flight case.

On eBay you can get one for $200-$250. Maybe less.

I actually prefer it over my TLM103.


The RODE NTK is a great value (under $500) tube mic.
 
Professionally my studio is set up with two Neumanns, but in my home studio I use an Audio Technica AT4040 which I think has alot of the characteristics of the Neumanns. I think they're about $1000 new.

BTW if you want a mic that sounds good on-air too, it has to be the Shure SM7, very warm and smooth

IMO stay away from AKG and the cheaper Audio Technica stuff
 
studio project c1 flat out the best mic for the money under $1000

and its only $250...

have used them for a few years. they are open and clean.
 
Finally ready to upgrade the home studio, looking for a new mic. I've heard a lot of good things about the TLM-103 and the Sennheiser 416MKH, though I'm leaning towards the latter because I've also heard that the TLM-103 might not suit a mid-rangey voice (like mine) as well as the Senn. I'll be running whatever I get thru my dbx 286A. Anyone have any thoughts?
 
I'd look at pairing either mic with a more transparent preamp as an option or alternative. There are times when that classic DBX sound gets in the way. In the $500 range the Grace 101 is supposed to be a good choice for a clean sound. $1000+, well there are plenty discussed on this board and others.
 
bobbybooey said:
Finally ready to upgrade the home studio, looking for a new mic. I've heard a lot of good things about the TLM-103 and the Sennheiser 416MKH, though I'm leaning towards the latter because I've also heard that the TLM-103 might not suit a mid-rangey voice (like mine) as well as the Senn. I'll be running whatever I get thru my dbx 286A. Anyone have any thoughts?
Click to expand...

I have both. I prefer the 416. In fact, looking to sell my TLM 103 :0)
 
fresnel said:
studio project c1 flat out the best mic for the money under $1000

and its only $250...

have used them for a few years. they are open and clean.
Click to expand...


The Studio Projects C1 really is an outstanding value. It deserves a look from everyone. I've spoken before about shooting out the C1 against the TLM 103. The 'meat' of the mics sound almost identical. Very, very close. Below 80Hz, the Neumann has a denser, richer sound and above 8kHz the Neumann has a silkier sound. The high end of the C1 still sounds Chinese, but the overall sound has a remarkably German characteristic. The C1 is one of those mics that may not be the best choice for every voice, but IMO, it will never be the 'wrong' choice.

For my own voice, I prefer the Audio-Technica AT4040. Another great value that will work on almost any voice. If I were recording multiple voices, however, I think I would stick to the C1. The AT4040 sells for $300.

Another sweetheart is the Audio-Technica AT4047. As the model number suggests, it sounds like the offspring that would result if an AT4040 mated with a U47. It's more AT than anything, but there are definite U47 overtones and influences. It's a very, very good sounding mic and sells for $550.

Emmett
 
i agree on the 4047.

I have one...it's sweet. Although, I think it has a little electrical glitch...seems to pop a bit...little electrical clicks.

Anyway, that's inherent to MY mic, not the whole line. I used to use the 4033 all the time. They're great.

Another surprisingly good mic, for little money, is the Shure KSM series.

Very nice mics...very inexpensive.

I've got the 416, I HAD the TLM 103 ( sold mine, I just didn't like it on my voice ), and I also have a couple of other shotguns...

The Rode NTG-2, which isn't too bad for an inexpensive shotgun. It's not EXACTLY the same sound...the output is definitely lower...but, if you give it enough gain, it's not a bad replacement mic...and for less than $300, it's worth a look.

Also just recently picked up an Earthworks "High Definition" Hypercardiod mic...

It's...interesting. It's got a very present sound to it, but for such a TINY pickup, it tends to over-emphasize the lows.

I haven't figured out if I like it yet or not.

As the song goes...

"Only time will tell..."

Mike Bratton
Voice Guy
 
The guy who did my imaging had a Rode and I wasn't fond of the sound. I picked up a Heil PR-30 and besides being pretty reasonable it sure sounds great. I retired my Shure SM-7 that I had before it.
 
Really... did a new mic make your imaging guy sound better? I've always found that good copy makes a voice guy sound better. Just my opinion. ;D
 
Lloyd Palmer said:
Really... did a new mic make your imaging guy sound better? I've always found that good copy makes a voice guy sound better. Just my opinion. ;D
Click to expand...

Giving his crappy copy and a good mic made all the difference in the world! :D
 
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