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MXL 909 VS. Sennheiser MKH 416

J

JAlan84

Guest
I have heard rumors that that MXL 909 is a great substitute for the MKH 416. I have never used a Sennheiser MKH 416 but I undertstand it's the industry standard for voice over work. Is it possible that a $99 (MXL 909) microphone sounds as good as a $1500 (MKH 416) microphone? Has anyone used both? I have been using a Shure sm5b dynamic (AWESOME mic!) for the last few years... but I am working on upgrading my studio. Thanks! Joe
 
The MXL is a large diaphram condenser (probably an electret). The Sennheiser 416 is a small diaphram condenser in a shotgun configuration.
Both do different things. The reason the 416 is popular for voice over work is because it has a tight direction pattern, can take a lot of volume and its frequency response makes many voices cut through better without having to over equalize. It became popular for VO in the 1980's because it was the mic of choice for the legendary Ernie (The Luuuve Boat) Anderson.

I'm not here to bash 99 dollar condenser microphones but at that price you get what you pay for! If using the MXL floats your boat then go for it. It's got a reasonable price of entry and if it doesn't work out you can probably sell it on Craig's List. But it will sound totally different to the Sennheiser.

I'd go with what sounds best to your ear. If it were my money I'd want to also check out other reasonably priced condenser mics from Audio Technica and Shure to name a few. And for shotguns, there are several other Sennheiser, Audio Technica, Shure and Rode models that are worthy of consideration.

And don't forget to make your microphone pre-amp part of your evaluation equation.
 
Great answer 317. I've owned about a thousand dollars worth of $99 mics.
I now use a Neumann TLM-193 and a Senny 416. I can tell you, nothing else sounds like
a 416. Some people don't like them. For TV and Radio VO, I love the 416.

Bill
www.asapaudio.com
 
I fyou are doing or planning to do national VO's (as opposed to imaging and local spots), a Neumann is still pretty much the standard for most production houses. Pricy, though.

I have had a lot of success with my Audio-Technica 4047SV. Had it ten years and it works for my voice. Your milage may vary.

The MXL's by the way, really are not bad mics. Not a Neumann or the like, but a really good quality. The 990's are durable. I have an acquaintance that travels with one and a portable preamp in case she gets a last-minute VO gig. She hasn't gotten any complaints from the production houses, and it saves her Neumann from wear and tear on the road.
 
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