Today we’re taking a look at the best voiceover mic and introducing you to the wonderful world of voiceover audio.
Creating voice-overs is instrumental to the quality of a video. If you’re a vlogger, YouTuber, or make videos of any kind, you can tell the difference between a professional and amateurish video just by the quality of the narration.
Simply put, bad audio quality voiceovers drive viewers away with their hands on their ears screaming but a well-done voice-over keeps them coming.
Recording a voiceover is a matter of mastering a few things. One of them is how you speak into a microphone. Another is to pick suitable audio recording software.
However, these things amount to nothing if you don’t have the right recording microphone.
That’s why today we compiled a guide on voice-over microphones, their types, and what you need to look out for when you buy one. Additionally, we’re going to list some of our favorite microphones we think you should look into for great performance.
Best Voiceover Mic
Let’s start our list off with a tried-and-true classic of audio recording, the Blue Yeti mic!
1. Blue Yeti USB Condenser Mic
This is our pick for the best USB condenser microphone on the market, at least for this price range. The Blue Yeti USB condenser mic, not only offers amazing recording quality, but it also has multiple pattern selections which give it a versatile use.
The Blue Yeti, despite what images its name may conjure in your mind, is a top-notch USB microphone. It’s an especially good fit for home studios.
So, if you get some echo-absorbing material for your recording and are looking to upgrade your equipment, check this one out.
You can alter between four recording modes. Regardless of what you choose, you’re guaranteed to have great-sounding recordings. As we’ve come to expect from Blue, the build quality is immaculate for a condenser.
This microphone is flexible and can be used to record voiceovers, podcasts, and any general voice recording you need to do.
The option to alternate 4 polar patterns in the mic’s settings, is a good opportunity to experiment until you find which setting best suits your voice.
The Blue Yeti is also compact which makes it easy to carry around. It’s perfect if you’re using it for a youtube video or a podcast. The ability to plug it in and use it right away makes it accessible to beginners.
Overall, it gets our highest recommendation for its great performance and amazingly low price.
2. Audio-Technica ATR2100
Stepping away from condenser microphones, let’s talk about some of the best dynamic microphones out there. Our first choice is the Audio Technica’s ATR2100. A great entry point dynamic microphone for voice-over artists looking to get their first mic.
The ATR2100, unlike some other mics on the list, is a handheld. It digitally outputs using a USB port to connect to any computer and record on the fly.
There is also an ΧLR output that you can use if you’re recording in a more professional environment. So versatility is a selling point here.
The frequencies produced by the ATR2100 are best-suited for voice-over recording and even vocals for music. Thanks to its versatile outputs, the mic is perfect for use in indoor environments and it does well in the outdoors.
On top of the outputs, you’ll also have a headphone jack. This is a great feature to proof check the quality, clarity, and any issues that could arise during a performance which will save you time.
The ATR2100 is equipped with what’s called a cardioid pattern. What it does is push away any unwanted noise or sounds that could jumble your recording.
Just because the mic is handheld doesn’t mean you have to carry it to use it. There’s a nice stand that comes in the package in order to use in stationary mode.
Overall, the Audio Technica ATR2100 is an impressive microphone for recording indoors or outdoors thanks to its cardioid pattern feature.
It gives great value for its price. The clarity of the recording on this thing and the high quality make it a perfect choice for pretty much everyone.
BEST VOICEOVER MIC
What Are Voiceover Mics?
Voiceover microphones are a type of microphone that is used for recording speech that overlays upon an audio track of a film or video.
They are very popular among podcasters, voice actors, and singers because they allow the user to move around freely while still capturing the sound being produced without picking up unwanted noise from their surroundings.
They’re a device that is used to amplify the voice of the speaker and typically connected to a power source and have an input jack for plugging in an audio recorder or sound system.
The design of these devices varies depending on the size, brand, and cost of the mic.
3. Shure SM57
If you do a lot of voice-over work and need to carry a mic that’s durable, we think you should look into the Shure SM57. It’s an undisputed champion in this regard. It is as durable as a terminator.
This mic can take plenty of abuse. This is something Shure was very proud of and showed extensively in their marketing.
Their ads showed the SM57 taking more abuse than Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. Getting run over by a bus, dropped from a chopper. Yet still, the mic continues to work.
Much like the previous mic on this list, the Shure SM57 has a cardioid pattern mic. Therefore, it does an immaculate job pushing away unwanted sounds and capturing only your voice.
This makes the SM57 an excellent mic for voiceover artists without a professional recording environment.
Overall, the SM57 is a very durable mic with an outstanding cardioid performance that makes it a perfect companion on the road for voiceover artists on the move. Just plug this baby anywhere and you’re good to go.
4. Rode NT5 Matched Pair
Rode has a reputation for making great mics at affordable prices. The best offering they have for small diaphragm mics, in my opinion, is the Rode NT5 matched pair.
Why get one mic when you can have two quality mics. In terms of performance, this one is a winner.
It’s able to capture complex sounds incredibly well and without any distortion. Similarly, it’s a great choice if you want to record string instruments.
It gives a bright and crisp sound that’s not usually found in this price range. These mics are preferred by people who want to mic stereo sound.
They are nicely designed as well, giving off a professional look and feel. The sleek metal design is a favorite of mine. Rode priced these babies very reasonably and it’s a sweet deal if you ask me.
Overall, if you’re looking for reasonably priced small diaphragm mics with great performance these are for you.
BEST VOICEOVER MIC
Advantages of Using Voiceover Mics
• Makes the reproduction of recorded speech or other sounds more natural, clear and audible.
• Absorbs sound, preventing echo and reducing reverberation.
• Improves speech intelligibility in noisy environments for live feeds as well as podcasts/broadcasts.
• Keeps you from degrading your vocal chords when speaking for hours on end.
• Great for recording podcasts, audiobooks, and interviews, as well as voiceovers in video games.
• Clear sound to make your audio more professional sounding.
5. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio is a different package than what you’d get with most purchases. Yes, we said package because not only do you get a mic but it’s corresponding gear as well. It’s a great choice if you’re starting to get into voice-over recording and need gear at an affordable price.
The package you’ll get includes the Scarlett 2i2 audio interface which is a very popular audio interface with audiophiles who started with it due to its affordable price.
The interface converts audio at 192 kHz and 24-bit. It allows you to plug in 2 microphones which is great for podcasters or if you’re doing a voice-over with someone else.
Also included in the package, is a monitor and headphone knob. It seems that the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio is the gift that keeps on giving. But how about the microphone itself?
Well, thankfully the microphone is pretty good and it’ll do a nice job recording clear audio. Just don’t expect the performance of some of the higher-end condensers.
This is not to say that the mic is poor. On the contrary, we’re so confident in the CM25 mic that we can safely say it’s good enough for professional use.
Finally, we’d like to mention the HP60 closed-back headphones that you’ll get on top of everything. These are great noise cancellation headphones. These prevent your audio recording from mixing up with outside noise.
All in all, the Scarlett 2i2 Studio is an impressive package that includes everything a voice-over recording artist will need to start. And the nice part of it all is how affordable the whole thing. This comes highly recommended by us.
What You Should Consider Before Buying
As with any purchase you make, there are a number of considerations you should ponder before putting down money for a voiceover mic.
Microphone Types
Generally speaking, we have two microphone types. They differ both in construction and their stipulation when it comes to recording conditions. The two types are:
1. Condenser Microphones
Condenser microphones are built for accurate voice work in professional studios or at home if you have built-in echo-absorbing walls.
These mics demand their own separate power supply which can’t be found on a computer. Instead, these can be found on mixing panels.
In terms of pricing, condenser mics are more expensive than the second type, dynamic microphones.
This is because of their high quality, as they can pick up any noise you accidentally make while you record. Therefore, you need to teach yourself how to record with these mics using the utmost care.
Condenser mics are also somewhat fragile. Their quality tends to dwindle over time if you aren’t making sure they’re clean of saliva.
Even room humidity can cause damage to these mics. Of course, if you abuse these mics, they’re as good as gone.
2. Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones are more durable and less sensitive which makes them easier to use. You won’t need a professional or even a home studio.
You can record your voice-over in any room. That said, it’s probably still a good idea to have echo-absorbing boards on your wall.
Dynamic mics are smaller in size compared to their condenser counterparts and can work without any additional power source.
You’re likely to find this type of mic in stores rather than condensers. Even your smartphone and headphones use dynamic mics.
So from learning the distinction between the two types of mics, you probably already have a good idea of which mic you want depending on your recording space, what equipment you have, and your budget.
Therefore, we can now jump into some of our best recommendations for both mic types.
Best Voiceover Mic – Wrap Up
With that, we reach the conclusion of our guide on voiceover mic. Remember that the cornerstone of good voice recording is a good quality mic.
The price is irrelevant if the mic’s requirement for optimal performance isn’t met. Therefore, you need to pick the right mic type for your conditions.
That’s why we think that dynamic mics are more likely to be the choice of most people.
That’s not all, make sure to record in the right environment, use the proper software and hardware in conjunction with your mic and you’ll have nothing but top-quality results.
We hope you’ve found this article on the best voiceover mic helpful. Did we miss out your favorite voiceover mic? Let us know in the comments below.
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Great list of voiceover mics. I am going to highly recommend this site!
Thanks. It means a lot!
Clearly written by someone with a very rudimentary knowledge of microphones. Also, the ATR2100 hasn’t been produced in about four years….
Hi Dave,
Appreciate the feedback.
We have a tiny team and over 1,900 articles on the site. We do endeavor to keep things updated, but it’s not always possible at such scale.
If you want to write any updates, we’d be happy to add to the page (with full credit given, of course).
Cheers,
Matt