Studio Standards: The Best Voiceover and Speech Microphones

Studio Requirements: The Greatest Microphones for Voiceovers and Speech  ·

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On this version of our Studio Requirements sequence, we try the most well-liked microphones for voiceover and speech purposes. Whilst you can file speech with practically any microphone, some have change into true classics in broadcasting and recording studios the world over.

There are numerous completely different microphones that you can use to file speech and voiceovers. In actual fact, it will most likely be simpler to checklist microphones which might be poorly suited to the duty – as a result of most do a reasonably respectable job. However there are some classics that work notably effectively and have established themselves as true studio requirements.

Electro-Voice RE-20

Electro-Voice RE-20

Among the best-known and most recognizable voiceover and speech microphones is the Electro-Voice RE-20a dynamic moving-coil microphone. It’s an end-fire design, though there are some pictures and movies the place it may be seen addressed from the aspect like a typical large-diaphragm condenser microphone. One of many highlights of the RE-20 is the variable distance precept. The proximity impact that happens with directional mics, which causes a bass enhance when the space between the sound supply and the microphone is brief, is distracting when a change of distance leads to an inconsistent sound. Because of a classy acoustic system, the EV RE-20 is kind of forgiving on this regard. For a dynamic microphone, it additionally affords respectable noise figures and excessive reliability.

• Sonic traits of the EV RE-20: not too bass-heavy, very detailed for a dynamic microphone, pure

Shure SM7B and different Unidyne III mics

Shure SM7B

Just like the RE-20, the Shure SM7B is without doubt one of the most ubiquitous microphones for broadcasting and voiceover purposes. It comes with a sensible yoke for mounting it on a microphone arm resembling those generally utilized in radio studios. Moreover, it affords varied choices for shaping the sound. A high-pass filter means that you can management bass-heavy indicators, and there’s a switchable presence enhance. The switches on the again of the microphone could be coated with a plate, which permits broadcasting engineers to stop on-air expertise from tampering with the sound.

The not too long ago launched Shure SM7dB is an identical to the SM7B in virtually all elements, however affords the extra comfort of a built-in preamp. Because of this you should utilize the SM7dB weaker microphone preamps and cheap audio interfaces with out the necessity for an in-line booster like a Cloudlifter.

Enjoyable Truth: The Shure SM7B makes use of the Unidyne III capsulewhich additionally seems within the Shure SM58, Shure SM57, and even the 55 sequence (“Elvis mics”). Not surprisingly, then, all of these microphones additionally make respectable voiceover mics. There’s a motive why the well-known Presidential Pair consists of two Shure SM57s.

• Sonic traits of the Shure SM7B: upfront, assertive

Coles 4104

Coles 4104

The Coles 4104 is a little bit of an oddball. This hand-held British reporter mic with a BBC heritage has a molded piece above the capsule that the person presses between their higher lip and nostril, so as to preserve a constant distance and angle. Whereas this inevitably causes an infinite proximity impact, it additionally makes the Coles 4104 an important selection for noisy or windy environments. Excellent for reporters and content material creators within the area, resembling within the announcer’s sales space and even outdoor. And a really trendy one in addition!

• Sonic traits of the Coles 4104: comfortable, heat, intimate, “dusty”.

Neumann U 87

Neumann U87

To many, the Neumann U 87 is the speech microphone par excellence. Numerous radio broadcasts, radio dramas, audiobooks, and movie voiceovers had been recorded with this well-known large-diaphragm condenser. Though condenser microphones usually present far more element than dynamic microphones as a consequence of their very gentle diaphragms, the large-diaphragm variants are normally a bit extra subdued within the highs in comparison with their small-diaphragm counterparts. And the prevalence of dynamic microphones for voiceover work is proof that ultra-detailed highs aren’t all the time what’s finest for recording speech. Many understand the decreased sharpness of the U 87 and its copycats as nice.

• Sonic traits of the Neumann U 87: extremely detailed, impartial

Schoeps Colette CMC64 and different small diaphragm condenser microphones

Schoeps Colette CMC64

That stated, small-diaphragm condenser microphones are after all additionally appropriate for voiceover and speech work. The Schoeps Colette and CCM sequence come to thoughts, as they’re quite common in TV broadcasting and high-quality conferencing techniques. Whereas Schoeps is maybe finest identified for its omnidirectional mics, these directional microphones are among the many most neutral-sounding choices accessible to sound engineers on this area.

• Sonic traits of the Schoeps Colette CMC64: extraordinarily impartial with a excessive stage of element.

Extra about voiceover microphones and studio gear

Word: This text initially appeared in German on bonedo.de.

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