MISCONCEPTIONS

Microphone Choice

All too often, I'm asked the same question, "What microphone should I get?" Equally as often, I read advice from "so called" experts who recommend a certain microphone.

Grrrrrrr that's frustrating!

FOLKS, THERE ARE DIFFERENT MODELS, TYPES, SIZES, and PRICES FOR A REASON! CONSIDER THIS BEFORE PURCHASING A MIC:

• What kind of voice over do you record?
• Some types, like telephony need mics that produce a clean, clear, bright output.
• Yet promos need a big, full, sometimes fat sound.
• Do it all? Get a mic that works across the board.
• How are the acoustics of your recording booth?
• A reverberant room needs a directional mic.
• A dry room may sound better with an "open" mic.
• How sound-proofed is your recording booth?
• It's not? Consider a directional mic – maybe even a super or hyper cardiod.
• It is? An "open" mic may sound best.
• What about you?
• Have a big, full voice? Get a mic that captures that low-end. Maybe a tube.
• Have a thin voice? Don't get a tube.
• Lastly, the question you can NOT answer until you experiment: How does the mic react to your voice?
• Every mic reacts differently to different voices… so try a few. And listen carefully.
• Not sure what to listen for? Ask someone who engineers the kind of voice over that you narrate.

Overall, do NOT choose a microphone because it's a good price, because someone suggests it, or because it looks cool. Want to make more money at voice over? Then get a mic that makes you sound the best! We're glad to help you determine which mic it is.