Recording Studios and Voice Over artists know the importance of a good audio microphone and how an essential ingredient it is in every recording. If you are just starting your career as a voice over artist, it can sometime be difficult to know which microphone to buy. With all the different types of mics our there, such as dynamic mics, condenser mics, solid state or tube mics, and many others, how do you know which one to pick?
The good news is you don’t have to be an audio engineer or an expert in acoustic theory to be able to find the right microphone that will work best with your voice.
Rode NT1-A
Rode NT1-A is a condenser microphone that has a cardioid polar pattern. This cardioid microphone is a type of mic where the sound is captured from the front. If you take a pen and draw an area that’s being captured, it would be in the form of heart.
The microphone has a large diaphragm which is preferable if you want to record high-quality voice overs. There are two ways any mic can be connected to a computer – USB and XLR. This one has an XLR input meaning that it requires the power a simple USB cable is not able to provide. In essence, this once again means that the mic is designed for high-quality recording. The evident disadvantage is that you can’t connect it directly to your device whatever it is. An additional sound card is required.
If you live in a noisy area or near a busy street, this mic will surely pick up any external noise (if you work from a room that’s not being treated acoustically). However, here’s good news – this mic comes with a special filter that reduces ambient reflections in your recording making it more clear and less in need of editing. How wonderful?
What the package also includes is a cable, a dust cover, and DVD (yeah, they still exist). By the way, DVD is very useful – lessons kept there explain clearly how to make truly great recordings. All in all, Rode NT1-A is everything a voice-over talent or an audio lecturer may desire! And, what is important, its price does not bite. It is probably the most popular choice among content creators, so don’t omit this option!
Nuemann TLM 103
If you want to step up your game, and want to invest a bit in an excellent mic, this premium quality (but a bit more expensive microphone) is the Nuemann TLM 103. This mic has become pretty much the standard in home recording as well as high end studios. The mic is created for professional and semi-professional usage. It comes in two colors – golden or so-called satin nickel and black – matte black. The large-diaphragm makes up for a clear and accurate recording. Special polar pattern, which is, in essence, a cardioid pattern, is done in such a way that low noise stays out of the recording.
The mic comes together with a shock mount to hold it and a premium wooden box to keep it. Nuemann TLM 103 is really one of the top microphones in the market. If you want something truly amazing, definitely check it out!
Audio-Technica AT4040 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
The Audio-Technica AT4040 is the elder brother of AT2020. It is a condenser microphone like many in its family. It also adds some more characteristics that make him unique.
This mic looks extremely stylish, it is also very much affordable. The technical precision allows recording a wide range of sounds without low-frequency distortions. The large modern diaphragm is made for recording in the smoothest and the most natural way possible, so high-quality is guaranteed. If you live in a noisy area, try to stay away from this microphone as it is very sensitive and picks up the slightest sounds.
The mic requires additional equipment. It comes with a padded case, an antidust velvet case, a shock mount. To learn more, check Amazon or an official website. In sum, this is an amazing microphone either for home recording and for studio recording. If you want your mic to be visually appealing, just look at this fine model!
Blue Microphones Yeti Pro XLR and USB Condenser Microphone
The Blue Yeti Pro is the most advanced and versatile multi-directional USB microphone currently available. Combines three custom condenser capsules and four different polar pattern settings.
Blue Yeti uses a high-quality analog-to-digital converter in order to best “digitize” the analog signal and transfer it directly to your computer. You also get a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring and volume control, pattern selection, and microphone gain control.
A beautiful textured black and silver metallic cover the case, and a shiny massive grille with the Blue logo at the top creates a unique expressive image.
Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone. It is a fantastic microphone for both voice over artists, singers, and people who are looking to make great e-learning videos. Dynamic mics are more preferable because they make your voice smoother and more pleasant.
Shure SM7B is a very popular model. It costs less than some condenser mics, but it is able to reproduce speech or music just like them. Natural and precise sounds are guaranteed.
The mic uses a cardioid polar pattern – the most popular one. The package includes three items besides the mic itself – foam filter, close-talk filter, and locking yoke mount. So, one more professional microphone to take a look at.
There you have it!
Our recommended list of microphones to get your voice over career started. Make sure you read more articles from our blog to learn about the various parts of the audio industry. We are also happy to help you select the right microphone! Just drop us a message in the comments or email us to get you on the right track (see what we did there?).
