When it comes to the quality of your voice acting job, vocals, narrations, and other tasks, the greatest voice over mics can mean the world. The best microphones for voice acting and recording vocals will guarantee that your projects have clear, crisp audio, but a subpar microphone could result in low-quality, muddled, amateurish audio that won’t sound correct no matter how much editing you do.
It’s more crucial than ever that you get professional-grade gear when purchasing the appropriate equipment for your home voiceover studio. Studios and casting offices are increasingly asking VO talent to record live sessions at their own studios and self-tapes. Voice actors must sort through the countless equipment options available—including interfaces, preamps, acoustic treatments, XLR cables, DAWs, and pop filters, to mention a few—in order to select the equipment that best suits their needs and will produce clean, professional sound.
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Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone for Broadcast, Podcast & Recording
- ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING - Studio Recording, Home Recording,...
- STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING - The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat,...
- PODCAST & BROADCAST - Found In The Top Podcasting Studios Around The World,...
Podcasters and talk radio broadcasters should consider the Shure SM7B. It is unlikely to be used for voice over because it won’t record voice over with great fidelity. On our list of microphones in this article, only this one dynamic microphone is present. That’s because dynamic microphones require a lot more vocal input before activating, as Randy explains in the video up above. Voice actors require a condenser mic because it records more detail and gives them more control during post-production because it is more sensitive.
A dynamic microphone for dictation with a flat wide-range frequency response, the SM7B is ideal for recording both music and voice. It is therefore a suitable microphone for recording vocals, narration, voiceovers, podcasts, and pretty much anything else you can think of. The electromagnetic buzz created by neon lights, computer displays, and other devices is perfectly shielded by the SM7B. Even for close-up narrations, the inbuilt pop filter renders any further plosive sound protection obsolete, successfully removing most flaws.
Additionally, it contains a switchable frequency filter that will energise your speech in the mix by boosting consonants. The frequency response resembles that of the Shure SM58, the most famous on-stage microphone, when the filter is activated. It makes sense that popular podcasters like Joe Rogan, Marc Maron, Tim Ferriss, Russell Brand, and others like the Shure SM7B as their go-to microphone.
For voiceover artists and vocal performers who want to capture a detailed sound while using dynamic microphones, the Shure SM7B is an excellent choice. This microphone is a superb all-around device that produces a traditional sound that can be heard throughout the world in professional broadcast settings. I would recommend it to everyone in the voiceover industry, even beginners. It works well as a vocal microphone in music as well. This is the Best Voice Over Microphone in 2023.
Neumann U87 Ai Set Z | Multi Pattern Condenser Microphone Set
- Variable large diaphragm microphone
- Classic sound, instantly recognizable yet versatile
- Balanced frequency response
The Neumann U87 model is praised highly by experts. Three directional patterns are supported by this incredibly expensive microphone: all-directional, cardioid, and figure-8. Fans of Neumann, though, have a more cheap option. The Neumann TLM103, a less expensive choice, also produces excellent recordings. It satisfies the demands of broadcasters and owners of home studios. Users claim that this mic is incredibly sensitive and renders emotions and subtleties very effectively.
The microphone I advise professional voiceover artists who are having trouble finding the appropriate fit the most is the Neumann U87. This mic has everything you need to bring out the finest in any vocal performance, and studio professionals may use the U87 as a room mic to greatly improve quality and clarity. The U87 is more expensive than average, but when you need the highest performance, it’s worth it. This is the Best Voice Over Microphones in 2023.
Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary Condenser Microphone
- Large diaphragm cardioid microphone
- Extremely low noise: 7 dB-A. Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938): 48 V ± 4 V
- Straightforward handling for homerecording and professional studios
The TLM 103 is a large diaphragm microphone for pro and semi-pro use and is a top pick in the music industry. I’ve used a few voice over microphones, but this one is the best! The TLM 103 combines excellent noise reduction with loud sound pressure levels by utilising the traditional transformerless circuit used in many Neumann models. It is a widely applicable large-diaphragm cardioid with simple handling and extremely low self-noise. Additionally effective against plosives and pop noises is the TLM. These features make the microphone appropriate for a variety of uses, from studio recording to professional broadcasting and home recording.
The Neumann TLM 103’s capsule is an exact replica of the Neumann U87, but at a far lower price. Without the need for a sizable budget, this offers the TLM 103 a classic sound that is well-known in the broadcast and voiceover sectors.
Professional voiceover actors who want the Neumann sound in a contemporary mic or who don’t want to spend a lot on a Neumann U87 should choose the Neumann TLM 103, in my opinion. This microphone is a wonderful option for people who enjoy recording in their homes studios and are looking for a less expensive substitute for more expensive broadcast microphones.
Logitech for Creators Blue Snowball iCE USB Microphone
- Custom condenser capsule: Powered by Blue’s custom condenser capsule,...
- Cardioid pickup pattern: Captures your voice with clear, focused sound for...
- Stylish retro design: Record or stream in style with a classic recording...
A reliable condenser mic, the Blue Snowball produces crisp sound in a range of everyday applications. The Snowball sets a high bar that’s challenging to surpass, whether you require clearer audio quality for your video conversations or want to improve the sound quality of your podcasts and YouTube clips. It’s a quick and simple process to set up a USB microphone. To begin working, simply plug the gadget into your Mac or Windows computer. No software is necessary. For your convenience, this model comes with an adjustable stand as well.
With its three available polar patterns, the Snowball iCE may be utilised efficiently for both directed and omnidirectional recording.
This mic is among the easiest to set up, in my opinion. I just plugged it in and let the drivers install on my PC. I was then ready to start recording into my studio software.
The Blue Snowball iCE is a wonderful option for folks just starting out in the voiceover business because it offers a little bit of everything for the budget-conscious voiceover artist. This mic’s distinctive design makes it a fantastic option for on-camera display when making YouTube videos. I would suggest the Blue Snowball iCE to home recording aficionados who need to quickly record voice over demos, despite the device’s rather constrained capabilities.
Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- High quality studio microphone with the convenience of USB connectivity
- Pop shield, Tripod desk stand, ring mount, storage pouch and 6m (20’) USB...
- 3.5 millimeter stereo headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring
Rode is renowned for its premium XLR microphones. Additionally, this Australian business has built a strong reputation by producing high-quality goods quickly. However, by adding USB into its architecture, this microphone represents a change in direction for them. With these high-quality plug-and-play microphones, they definitely want to appeal to a different user base. It couldn’t be simpler, and it runs without the aid of additional drivers.
Rode is renowned for producing robust, long-lasting microphones. This is no different, except it has a few plastic components that would require greater care in handling. However, Rode does not have a history of producing delicate microphones, so this is unlikely to be an issue. Due to the NT-high USB’s sensitivity, it will capture a good amount of the sound that surrounds it. Placement may therefore be a little more important than when utilising more affordable microphones. But all high-quality condensers have this issue, and to be honest, the more costly they are, the worse it gets. However, the results are excellent and far superior to anything a cheap microphone could ever hope to accomplish.
You must be careful where you use this DSLR microphone because it is not “a mic for all seasons” and you want to get the most out of it. Background and/or ambient noise must not be present. Realistically speaking, you’ll get better results in a studio or indoor environment. You’re going to get some fantastic quality out of this mic when using it indoors.
It will generate recordings with excellent clarity and is reminiscent of the studio-grade Rode mics. It operates at a 16-bit/48kHz rate. A built-in headphone amplifier makes it possible to listen to the recording and the performance. You can choose to listen via the mix or at the source.
For your convenience, Rode has added a few helpful additions. A carrying pouch, a tripod stand, a high-quality pop filter, which is a great bonus, and a USB cable with a 20-foot length are all included. It is highly suggested for usage with indoor voice-overs and is an excellent mic if used in the right setting.