When you think about starting voiceover, one of the first things that probably comes to mind (after the art of talking) is a voiceover microphone. That obviously makes sense! Because a microphone is the main component we use to capture sound.
These days, the trend with voiceover is towards home studios. You can make a LOT of money sitting by yourself at home talking into a microphone. But that then begs the question, what equipment do I need to get started? The microphone is the first part kit to consider.
I’ve been doing the voiceover thing for a while now. Inevitably, whenever anyone starts to ask me about voiceover, one of the first questions they ask is: What microphone should I buy? The market is flooded with options so it can be daunting finding your first voiceover mic. To complicate the matter, everyone has an opinion on which one is best.
My personal opinion is that there is no single ‘best’ microphone. What will sound best for you will depend on the type of work you do, your vocal qualities and the space you’re working in. That means there is going to be some trial and error involved.
You can do as much research as you like, but it’s all going to come down to how your voice sounds in your recording space. You could splurge on a top of the line microphone, but if your space isn’t correctly treated, it’s not going to sound great. And on that note, even if you do have a marvellously treated space, the most expensive microphone STILL might not sound the best for your voice.
If there’s one thing you take away from this article it’s this: The amount you spend on a microphone does NOT positively correlate to the quality of sound you end up with. The only time you’ll likely notice a huge improvement in your sound quality is when you go from a <$200 mic to something over $300. But as soon as you switch from a $800 mic to a $3000 mic, the improvement will be far less noticable (I know, I’ve done it).
With all that being said, I’m going to summarise a list of the most frequently used voiceover mics. This will be a fantastic starting point to help you narrow down your options and hopefully kickstart your voiceover journey!
Different types of voiceover microphones
Every voiceover microphones is built slightly differently and will pick up sound frequencies in different ways. It’s important to know what types of microphones you’ll come across when you’re on the hunt for a voiceover microphone.
This is a list of the different types of microphones available:
- Liquid microphones
- Carbon microphones
- Fiber Optic microphones
- Dynamic microphones
- Moving Coil microphones
- Ribbon microphones
- Electret microphones
- Laser microphones
- Microelectromechanical systems
- Crystal microphones
- Cardioid microphones
The fabulous news is that you really only need to know about two types of those mics if you’re looking to record vocals: dynamic mics and condenser mics.
Condenser microphones
Condenser microphones are generally the go-to for recording voiceover.
Condenser mics are very sensitive to sound, perfect for capturing the human voice. They are known for being able to accurately reproduce sound waves.
The diaphragm in a condenser microphone has much less mass than that of a dynamic microphone do you’ll get a more detailed sound. It is the diaphragm that moves back and forth when the sound waves hit it, converting the analog sound into a digital current. If the diaphragm is lighter in weight, it can move around easier, so will be able to capture quieter sounds that have less aggressive sound waves.
The down side about condenser microphones is that they tend to be more expensive than dynamic microphones and less durable. As they have such a fragile diaphragm, they are prone to breaking if you’re rough with them. This shouldn’t be a problem if you work from a home studio, but if you travel around a lot you may want to be careful.
Generally condenser microphones are the way to go if you want to record voice overs and get into voice acting.
Dynamic microphones
There are two types of dynamic microphones: moving coil and ribbon.
Moving coil microphones are the most commonly used dynamic mics. These are heavy duty as the diaphragm of the mic is made of a metal coil and a strong polyester film.
As a result they are less sensitive to sound overall. They are great at dealing with louder sounds due to their sturdy construction but struggle to pick up detail and quieter sounds.
Dynamic mics are often used for live events (handheld mics) or by reporters, situations where you don’t necessarily need to capture all the nuances of the voice.
Ribbon microphones on the other hand are extremely fragile. Instead of a membrane and coil, these have a narrow strip of extremely thin aluminium foil. As the foil is much lighter it is able to follow sound waves more accuragely, but it makes them very easy to break.
Ribbon mics tend to pick up less of the higher frequencies and so they are often used for special applications where extended to pend is not required or wanted. For example, if htey wanted to tame overly bright bass instruments.
Conclusion
Long story short, for beginner voice actors, the safe bet is to find a condenser microphone.
Luckily, majority of the microphones out there these days are condenser mics. So you won’t have trouble finding one when you go to a sound shop or browse online.
What are the best voiceover microphones?
Top Picks
In the rest of this article I’m going to go over some of the popular options you’ll find across the beginner to pro voiceover spectrum. But this is MY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION.
There is no best “budget” microphone for voiceover. If you’re serious about voiceover, then spending money on a budget USB microphone to get you started will mean you’ll have to upgrade very shortly into your journey and then you just end up spending more money overall. USB microphones are NOT used in professional sound studios. They don’t get you the high quality audio that is required for voiceover. That being said I know people who have started in the VO world with a USB mic and have continued to use it through their first year or so of work.
The reason I’m against it, is that all these people who do use the USB mic to start out, inevitably end up having to upgrade very quickly. That means they’re buying 2 microphones in a short amount of time, rather than just buying one good mic that will see them through years and years. I understand that a lot of the time this comes down to finances, and not everyone has the flexibility to outlay a few hundred on a microphone. But the mic I’m going to recommend isn’t agressively more expensive than a lot of the USB mics on this list. I’m definitely not saying to start with a $3000 mic, that’s ludicrous.
My recommendation these days for a beginner is the Rode NT1 5th Generation. I have owned many Rode mics in my time and I love them. The NT1 5th Generation is FABULOUS for beginners because of it’s patented dual USB/XLR operation. So when you’re first starting out you can buy this mic and use it as a USB microphone so you don’t need to spend additional money on the audio interface, and then once you’ve started booking a few jobs you can use that money to buy the audio interface. You won’t have to upgrade your mic for a long time and you’ll have some pretty damn amazing audio.
If you’re further into the game there are four mics that you’ll tend to find that most VO artists use: The Neumann U87 Ai, the Neumann TLM 103, the Neumann TLM 102, and the Sennheiser MKH 416. I have the first and last of these and love them both for different reasons.
Lastly, if you’ve tried everything but can’t secure a super quiet space to record in, a dynamic mic may be your best bet. In which case, I’d opt for the Shure SM7B. But take a look at the options below for yourself to start familiarising yourself with the options.
Best Budget XLR Microphone: Rode NT1 5th gen
USB Mic Options: Apogee MiC Plus (USB), Rode NT-USB, Audio-Technica AT2020 (USB)
Mid Range Options: Aston Origin / Spirit, Sennheiser MK 4 Digital
Best Dynamic Mic for Voice Over: Shure SM7B
Best Budget High End Mic: Neumann TLM 102
Best High End Mic: Neumann U 87 Ai
Most Popular High End Mic: Neumann TLM 103
Best Shotgun Mic for Voice Over: Sennheiser MKH 416
Audio-Technica AT2020 (USB)
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a USB microphone that is popular amongst beginners. It is a cardioid condenser mic and is one of the best microphones for beginners: easy to use, inexpensive and produces rich sound.
Pros
- This is a USB microphone, so no additional gear will need to be acquired to make it work. It’s simply a plug n’ play style solution.
- It’s affordable.
- Comes with a desk stand.
- Decent off axis rejection (won’t pick up much sound from the back).
- Lovely vintage design.
- Very flat frequency response perfect for voice overs.
- Volume control on the microphone.
Cons
- Only allows for 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling of audio. This is fine for auditions but higher end jobs will often require 24-bit, 48 kHz at minimum. Whilst you can compress audio and sample downward when you export audio, it is best not to try and sample upwards (going from 16-bit to 24-bit).
- The stand legs are meant to lock into place but can be a bit fragile.
- Using it with the desk stand may result in desk vibrations being picked up if you knock the desk. It may be better to get a boom arm and shock mount to use with this microphone.
- Has a relatively high self-noise at 20dBA. All electronic devices make some sort of noise. Microphone self noise is the noise that microphones make just by virtue of being an electronic device. You will notice this noise is captured in recordings and a higher self-noise level may mean you need to do more processing to your audio.
- You’re limited to the cardioid polar pattern, however as a VO artist this really isn’t a huge con.
- Doesn’t come with a pop filter, so you may be liable to get stronger plosive sounds in your recordings.
Rode NT-USB
If you’re looking to record podcasts, voice overs, YouTube content or anything in between, the Rode NT-USB is always a popular choice. One of the most popular VO mics for beginners, it’s affordable, offers exceptional performance and is easy to setup and use.
Pros
- Comes with a quality pop filter and a tripod.
- Rode NT USB is affordable.
- Won’t require you to buy any additional gear such as an audio interface.
- Solid and durable build.
- Seems to be less susceptible to vibration noise, even with the stock tripod.
- Very natural sound. Clear and transparent. Perfect for recording vocals.
- Doesn’t require any special drivers to make it work with your computer.
- It’s very simple to use. There is no pad or roll-off switch, and no way to change the polar pattern, so all you have to do is adjust headphone volume and your recording level.
- Flat frequency response with boost in top end for crisp vocals.
Cons
- Only records 16-bit, 48 kHz audio which can become limiting for bigger budget jobs.
- Desk tripod means your recording could be compromised by desk vibration if you accidentally knock it.
- Apparently the stand doesn’t fold and fit into the case with the microphone.
Blue Yeti (USB)
Blue mics have become go-to industry microphones. The Blue Yeti is no exception, being one of Blue’s best selling microphones. With the Yeti, you can produce studio quality recordings every time. A great way to kick start your home studio.
Pros
- USB connection which means you don’t have to buy additional components to make it work.
- Inexpensive USB mic.
- Has a table stand built in.
- Built in gain control and headphone volume dials.
- Being a USB microphone, they are very simple to use.
Cons
- Limited to 16-bit, 48 kHz audio.
- Frequency response isn’t entirely flat so you may notice some colouration of vocals.
- Will need to buy a pop shield separately.
- It is a relatively large microphone.
- Seems to have minor difficulties with plosives and fricatives (p, ph, f, s, sh, z)
- Sensitive to bumps.
- No XLR output.
Rode NT1 5th Generation
No ‘best microphone’ list is complete without a selection of Rode mics. If you’re looking to record your own voice on a budget, look no further than the Rode NT1 5th Generation. A classic large diaphragm condenser mic that produces stunning warm sound and clarity, you’ll be doing your home studio a favour buying yourself a Rode NT1 5th Generation.
Pros
- The Rode NT1 is one of, if not the, quietest mic in the world with a low self noise level of 4 dB.
- Comes in a set with the XLR cable, shock mount and pop filter.
- The Rode NT1 has some pretty impressive specs for something so cheap. It is a best seller for a reason.
- All-metal build.
- It is a highly sensitive microphone which produces bright recordings so is great to make your vocals stand out.
- Rode NT1 is a very popular beginner mic for voice overs.
- Rode mics are known for being great quality.
- Relatively flat frequency response with boost to top end for crispy vocals.
- Can be used as BOTH a USB and XLR microphone.
Cons
- It is relatively heavy because of its metal construction.
- Numerous reviews mentioned sibilance issues meaning that you’ll need a decent pop-filter, and the provided pop filter may not be enough.
Apogee MiC Plus (USB)
The Apogee MiC Plus is a professional studio quality USB mic that you can easily plug into nearly all your devices. From vocals to voice-overs, interviews to instruments and everything in between, you’ll be happy you added this to your kit.
Pros
- Is able to record up to 24-bit / 96kHz audio which is the highest you’ll likely need for VO. This seems to be one of the only USB mics on the list that has these capabilities. That being said, to get better quality sound as you work more, you’ll still likely need to upgrade.
- Headphone output with volume control, and adjustable gain.
- Compatible with mcOS, iOS and Windows 10 and very easy to operate.
- All cables and stand included.
- The grille seems to protect the capsule very well, so the mic is not particularly sensitive to plosives, even without a pop-filter.
- Sturdy build with no cheap plastic parts.
- Flat frequency response.
Cons
- Tripod can be awkward and slightly unstable.
- Cables are short for some applications.
- The mic sounds somewhat less bright and crisp than others. That isn’t to say it’s muddled, but you may need to put a bit of EQ on it to get your vocals to stand out.
- There is no DSP in this mic, so setting a proper gain level is essential. If this is not done, the mic will distort easily. A DSP (digital sound processor) is a system that can convert analog signal to digital data, process the data, and then convert it back to analog without affecting audio quality.
- No included pop-filter or case.
Blue Snowball USB
The Blue Snowball is a versatile and low budget option to can be used as either a cardioid or omnidirectional mic. This one tends to be popular for YouTube, Skype calls, gaming and podcasts, but can also be used for voice overs if you’ve got it on hand.
Pros
- Very cheap.
- Has a pad option for reduced sensitivity when recording very loud sounds.
- Includes a fully adjustable metal mic stand and USB cable.
- Easy to use, simply plug it in and it works.
- Solid build quality.
Cons
- Can only produce 441.kz/16-bit audio. This is not sufficient for most VO jobs.
- They are a touch larger than you might expect them to be.
- Most mics on this list cover the entire human audio spectrum (20Hz to 20kHz) however this mic has a reduced range of 40Hz to 18kHz. For most applications this will still work perfectly well.
Sennheiser MK 4 Digital
The Sennheiser MK 4 Digital is a truly impressive condenser microphone. A USB mic that sounds closer to a pro, XLR-style model. If you want something simple, and have a bit of cash to spend, you can’t go wrong with the MK 4.
Pros
- Professional build.
- Can record directly onto iOS devices with the included cable.
- According to reviews, this mic behaves more like a pro-level condenser mic, rather than a low end USB mic. Most USB mics sound like digital mics, whereas this one is essentially an entry-level XLR condenser (even though in reality it is a USB mic).
- High quality audio. You can record at sample rates up to 96kHz and up to 24 bit audio.
Cons
- More expensive than other USB microphones. This represents the top of the price and quality range for USB microphones.
- Doesn’t come with a stand or pop-shield.
- The XLR version of this microphone is actually cheaper than the USB version.
- There is no gain knob or headphone jack, so you’ll have to set gain in your recording software.
Aston Origin and Spirit
Two of the best mics in my eyes are the Aston Origin and Spirit. The Origin was my first voiceover microphone and it took me from start to 6-figures in 12 months. A high performance condenser microphone, versatile enough to use with instruments and vocals, you’ll love the Origin. The Spirit is just it’s upgraded older sister so both are great options.
Pros
- Both come in a package with a shock mount and pop-shield.
- Both have a very solid, good quality build.
- Both mics have a very flat frequency response.
- Both mics sound great, but the Spirit has more headroom and supposedly has a bigger sound. This is due to some higher end components used in the Spirit.
- Both have pad switches and a low cut filter, although the Spirit has two options on the pad switch (-20, -10) rather than one. As a VO artist you likely won’t need this much anyway.
Cons
- Whilst the Origin is cheaper, both are still relatively expensive mics.
- They are both XLR mics, so you’ll need to purchase your interface and any desk mount or stand separately.
- Both mics have quite a high self noise level. The Origin comes in at 18 dBA, and the Spirit, slightly lower at 14 dBA.
- You don’t really need the additional polar patterns the Spirit has to offer as a VO artist.
Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is the only dynamic mic to make this list and there is a reason for that. It was built to capture smooth, warm vocals that connect the speaker to the listener. A good option for a voiceover microphone, especially if you travel around and need something durable.
Pros
- Dynamic mics are generally sturdier than condensers so you will feel comfortable travelling around with this.
- It is known to have excellent vocal reproduction.
- Uniform frequency response.
- Good off-axis noise rejection so you can reduce background noise.
- You can choose from 3 frequency response patterns.
- The pre-installed pop filter effectively eliminates plosives and fricatives.
- Being a dynamic mic it is less sensitive to loud sounds which will minimise audio clipping and signal distortion.
- A popular dynamic microphone for recording voice.
- Maximum sound pressure level 180 dB.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with any accessories. Will also require an audio interface.
- It’s a pretty heavy microphone (typical of a dynamic microphone).
- It is more expensive than other mics.
- Needs a good interface or preamp to get the best results.
- You won’t get the same level of nuanced detail recording as you would with a condenser mic, but for something as simple as recording a voice, you likely won’t notice it much.
- It is a dynamic mic, which isn’t usally the best for recording voiceover.
Neumann TLM 102
Big sound in an affordable package. Everyone knows Neumann. If you want to be a voice actor or do any sort of audio recording, you should definitely have a Neumann in your kit. The TLM 102 is a great alternative if you don’t want to sell a kidney to buy the U 87. Get silky, elegant sound, at a fraction of Neumanns regular prices.
Pros
- Significantly smaller than the likes of the Neumann U 87 and weighs a lot less.
- Simple and stylish design.
- Low self noise: 12 dBA.
- Sounds well-balanced.
- Neumann are known for having some of the best microphones and best audio quality in the world.
- Very popular among voice actors.
Cons
- To cut costs they’ve removed the pad and filter switches. This doesn’t impact on sound quality.
- Doesn’t come with a proper case, or shock mount.
- This condenser microphone will hurt your wallet (but not as much as other Neumann mics… I’m looking at you U 87!).
Neumann U 87 Ai
The Neumann U 87 Ai is the big daddy of the audio recording world. You’ll barely ever find a studio that doesn’t have one. A true legend, the U 87 will make your voice overs shine.
Pros
- You’d be hard pressed to find a voiceover studio without one of these beasts. The Neumann U 87 is VERY well known. Audio engineers will love you if you have one of these.
- It offers a lot of versatility with three polar patterns. This is a bit of overkill for voiceover alone, and provides more utility to those running a studio who work with voice and music.
- Has a switchable low cut and pad.
- Very clean, undistorted sound.
- The Neumann U 87 doesn’t colour sound like a lot of microphones do.
- It’s very durable.
- Has very low self-noise: 12 dB
- To those in the industry, the sound the Neumann U 87 produces is immediately recognisable.
- The U 87 has a pleasing balanced frequency response.
Cons
- You can get the Neumann U 87 in a kit option which includes the shockmount however you will need to buy a stand, pop shield, and any other accessories you require.
- The U 87 is quite a heavy microphone.
- Neumann U 87 and money are synonymous. You will have a lot less money when you buy it.
- It is a very sensitive mic so you’ll need q uiet space to use it in.
Neumann TLM 103
The Neumann TLM 103 has quickly become one of the biggest successes in Neumann’s history. With pristine, clear sound and an insanely low noise level, any voice actor will love it.
Pros
- It was introduced as a cheaper alternative to the Neumann U 87 for home studio use, so it’s more budget friendly.
- Incredibly low self noise: 7 dB-A. One of the lowest I’ve found.
- Supplied with a wooden case.
- You get that beautiful Neumann sound quality. It tends to sound warm and full rather than thin and clinical.
- Neumann mics are rigorously tested.
- If you pick up a black mic, it is generally cheaper than the Nickel colour.
- A very sensitive, detailed, clean and precise mic.
- Has a richer bass response and crisper high frequencies than the TLM 102.
- Has an output signal that is 6dB louder than the TLM 102, which means you don’t need to drive your preamp as hard in order to get the signal equally as loud.
- This is an incredibly popular voiceover microphone. If you ask any voice actor they will have heard of it.
Cons
- It may be more budget friendly but it’s still expensive!
- It is less flexible than the U 87. For example the TLM 103 only has one fixed polar pattern (which isn’t a huge drawback for VO artists, but can be depending on the work you’re doing).
- A few reviewers have noted that the mesh grille seems a bit fragile and prone to dents. But this should come as no surprise as the grilles are usually sensitive on most microphones.
Sennheiser MKH 416
The Sennheiser MKH 416 is an odd candidate for the list. This is the mic I currently use and it was recommended to me by numerous audio engineers. This is a standard mic in the film industry so studios are constantly requesting it. It produces a bright sound perfect for commercials, corporate work and animation.
Pros
- Relatively low levels of self noise: 13 dB.
- Very light and portable.
- Rugged construction. Very sturdy.
- Very directional due to the interference tubes which is good if you’re in a noisy environment.
- Very flat frequency response with a bump at the top end, for bright vocals (great for commercials and animation).
- It doesn’t colour vocals as much as the Neumanns.
- This is not one of the typical voiceover microphones as it is a shotgun mic. However, it has become very popular recently and most studios now have one.
- Due to it’s directionality, you are able to reduce a lot of background noise.
Cons
- Very directional, which is not great if you are moving around a lot whilst recording.
- I’ve found it very difficult to get a pop shield that is easy to fit in front of the mic. Because the mic is so long, I need a pop filter with a longer arm and they all seem to be a similar length.
- It didn’t come with a nice case like the original Rode NTG-3 that I had originally, which is a shame. The hard case that came with the Rode has been exceptionally useful, especially for travel.
What other equipment do I need to get into voiceover?
The microphone isn’t the only piece of kit you’ll need to get started.
If you buy a USB microphone, you’ll need less equipment overall, but the quality of your recordings won’t be anywhere near as good as those with XLR mics. USB mics plug directly into your computer. As long as you’ve got a computer and a decenty recording environment, you’ll be good to go.
XLR microphones are standard in the audio industry. However, they require a lot more equipment to function. XLR microphones have to be plugged into audio interfaces. This provides the microphone with phantom power to run, and converts the sound to a format the computer can read.
When I originally started, I had a portable recorder from my days doing field sound operation. This was more than sufficient to get me started. If you don’t have anything yet, an audio interface like the Scarlett 2i2 is a good way to go.
You’ll then need cables to connect the mic to the interface and your computer. You use an XLR cable to connect the microphone. The quality of your cables will affect your audio, so make sure to get decent cables. Mogami cables are a good option. Usually you will get a cable with your interface to connect it to your computer.
To listen back to the audio, you’ll need good quality stuido monitors and headphones.
There is a lot more to consider than just a microphone when you want to do voice over work. But getting a good mic is a great place to start.
What other factors will affect my sound quality?
Unsurprisingly it isn’t only your microphone that will determine how good your audio sounds. There are a whole array of factors that, together, will lead to great sound quality.
The first, and possibly most important, is your recording space. If you aren’t working in a properly treated recording environment, you won’t get good sound quality no matter how hard you try. You’ll need to be aware of reflective surfaces and devices in your space that may be creating noise. A good recording environment can go a long way in improving your sound quality even without upgrading your gear.
If your recording environment is flawless and you’re still having issues, it may be something in your signal chain. Every piece of gear you use will impact your audio recording. From your microphone, to your audio interface, to your cables, if one piece of gear is of poor quality, you’ll notice it. That’s not to say you should splurge on the most expensive gear out there, especially not when you’re just getting into voice acting. But you will need to allocate funds to all the components in your signal chain, not only your microphone.
You will also have to consider your recording software. DAWs can sound different from one another due to different default settings and plugins. They all process audio in the same way, but you may find that your prefer one over another.
Another thing to consider is your mic positioning and recording technique. You generally want to position your microphone off axis. If you talk directly into it, you will notice more pops and plosives. A pop shield can help but it would serve you to master your technique to avoid these issues in the first place.
Should I buy a condenser mic or dynamic mic?
If you ask anyone who does voice overs whether to get a condenser microphone or a dynamic microphone, you will be hard pressed to find anyone who doens’t vote for condenser mics.
Condenser microphones are the industry standard for voice acting. They are able to recreate sound accurately and capture all the small detail and nuance of the human voice.
If you are new to the world of recording voiceovers, do yourself a favour and go for a condenser microphone. When you’ve got more experience under your belt you can branch out and try new things.
How do condenser mics work?
A condenser capsule consists of a thin membrane (the mic’s diaphragm) in close proximity to a solid metal back plate.
The diaphragm must be electrically conductive. That is, it must be made from a material that allows the flow of electrical current in one or more directions. Therefore they’re usually made of a metal, such as gold-sputtered mylar.
Most metals are good electrical conductors. Obviously the backplate will be conductive as it is also made from metal, typically solid brass.
Both the diaphragm and the backplace will have a voltage across them. These two plates together are known as the ‘capacitor.’ So how does this lead to the capture of sound?
The diaphragm detects subtle variations in air pressure from the sound waves, causing it to move back and forth relative to the solid metal plate.
As it moves, the distance between the diaphragm and backplate will change. It is this variation of spacing that produces the electrical signal required to capture the sound, a change in the capacitance.
Essentially the electrical signal is rapidly fluctuating to mimic the pattern of the original sound waves. And voilà, you have the beginnings of a recording.
What is the best voiceover mic for me?
There is no single best voiceover mic for anyone. You’ll need to take an inventory of where you are in your career, how much you have to spend, and how each mic responds to your voice.
When buying a microphone it’s a great idea to go to an audio shop and ask to try some of them out. Alternatively if you have a friend with the mic, see if they mind you testing it in your recording space. Ideally, testing a few mics in your own space is the best way to go.