Within any form of media, whether that be video or strictly audio, the quality of sound always plays a major role in audience reception and much more. Needless to say, the same goes for voice over and narration. For those seeking a career in voice over, you need to ensure you’re achieving the best sound both in your demo and the work you do. However, without a good microphone, your demo may not get you very far, regardless of your talent in front of the mic. With this, every aspiring voice over talent should own a stellar microphone. Sure, you could make use of a quality recording studio, but costs will add up when you’ve moved passed the initial demo and on to any potential work.
Why Your Microphone Matters
Like we said, quality audio is a key aspect of any production. This holds truer when it comes to voice over, as that selected voice helps carry the message (in terms of narration) and can also define a character. Regardless of the use, voice over recordings obviously need quality sound, and as an aspiring voice over talent, you need to invest in a professional microphone so you can achieve such sound. In short, a good voice over talent needs a good mic. Let’s take a look at some of the best microphones for voice over.
The 11 Best Microphones for Voice Over Talent
As you search for your microphone, you should consider the two most common types for voice over work: dynamic and condenser. Dynamic mics provide warm recording, whereas condenser mics offer a more clear sound. Either way, our list of the top microphones below will help you in your search. Without further ado, here is a list of what are considered the best microphones for voice over talent:
Blue Yeti USB ($129): Another low-priced, yet quality mic is the Yeti by Blue microphones. With user-friendly features, like mute and mic gain, the mic can be easily controlled. Simple and quality, this is a great mic for starters.
Audio-Technica AT2020 ($150): A great starting mic, the AT2020 offers great recordings for the low price. The condenser mic’s cardioid pattern makes it ideal for recording voice over and even offers monitoring when recording.
Rode NT1-A ($230): This cardioid condenser mic costs about $230, making it a great beginner microphone. With great dynamic range, the mic provides quality recordings and is widely used within narration.
Blue Bluebird ($300): Another great mic by Blue, the Bluebird cardioid condenser mic provides bright recordings with crisp sound. With a retro look and great versatility, the Bluebird provides quality sound for the fairly low cost.
SE Electronics sE2200a II C ($300): As we’re working our way higher in price, the quality obviously gets better. The sE2200a cardioid microphone boasts both quality and clear recordings. Simply put, it’s quite the mic for its price.
Sennheiser MD 421 II ($380): Offering excellent sound and originally designed for voice recording, the MD 421 II is a great mic for aspiring talent, at just under $400. A dynamic mic, it features feedback rejection and serves a variety of purposes.
CAD Audio Equitek E100S ($500): Offering a vintage, yet smooth tone, the E100S is widely used within voice recording for its supercardioid condenser. Versatile and high-performing, it’s simply a great mic.
Rode NTK ($530): Offering ultra-low noise and wide dynamic range, the Rode NTK tube condenser mic boasts incredible recordings and is ideal for vocal recordings. Many deem it worth far more than the money, as it provides great tone for the price.
AKG C414 ($899): Considering the price, the AKG has been widely used within studios for years. With the option of cardioid, this mic provides excellent recordings and clear sound, making it a great microphone for voice over talent.
Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 ($1000): As its price may suggest, this mic means business. A shotgun tube microphone, it boasts excellent directivity and feedback rejection, clearly making it a perfect mic for recording voice over. Its compact design is just an added bonus to its quality.
Neumann U 87 Ai ($3200): We couldn’t make this list without at least one high-priced, professional mic. While all of the above are great mics, you’re stepping into a new world with this one. Offering three directional patterns, including omnidirectional and cardioid, the microphone is one of the most widely used within recording studios everywhere. Incredible sound and impeccable quality, this mic boasts it all.
Don’t Forget the CMD Studio!
As you can see, you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a microphone for voice over. Though it’ll heavily depend on what you want to spend and your experience, any of these mics are great for the aspiring voice over talent. And, if you’re really serious, you can opt for one of the higher-end models at the end of the list.
Of course, if you ever need more help in your endeavors as a voice over talent, be sure to explore the CMD website, not to mention our studio! Whether you’d like some studio time, or need help mixing and recording, we can help. Give us a call at 212.213.9420 today or contact us here.
