VO mic

Audio

VO mic

Posted by Brett Sneed on October 30, 2007 at 9:35 pm

Hi,

With a $100 buget, can someone recommend a voice over mic to go direct into a digital audio recorder (if it matters, a Marantz PMD660) via XLR input? Phantom power is available via the PMD660.

It will primarily be used for corporate video VO work, generally by a loud male “sports reporter / over-the-top DJ” type of voice.

I know this low-money mic without a preamp is not a recipe for success, but it is what I have to work with… can anyone offer up the best “lesser of evils” choice?

Brett
http://www.wisdumb.com/blog

Ty Ford replied 18 years, 6 months ago 4 Members · 5 Replies
5 Replies

Bouncing Account needs new email address
October 31, 2007 at 12:30 pm

This is not a joke.
I own many expensive studio condenser microphones.

But here is a link to a Mic that simply will work perfectly for basic VO work (and yes, it can make an “adequate” voice sound good and a “good” voice sound GREAT.)

It is not a Neumann, but its not a Radio Shack ball-mic either.

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/s=mics/search/detail/base_pid/273156/

The price varies between is $49.99 (yes, that’s 1 cent under $50)
up to $69.99, depending on what kind of sale is happening at the moment..
(It’s $49.99 at the time of this posting.)

I’m not kidding, this is a terrific mic. It requires Phantom Power to run (the standard is 48 volts, but I have easily run this mic on 12v -20v Phantom power from a battery-powered mixer.)

This mic also sounds quite good on string instruments and woodwinds.
It is very sensitive and can be over-powered by percussion and some brass instruments.
There is another version (for about $100 more) that has a 10db attenuator for use under LOUD conditions.

Info on this mic has been posted on the COW many times and it gets surprised and grateful responses from those who buy it. There are hundreds (thousands?) of these mics in studios around the world.
Ty Ford
October 31, 2007 at 3:45 pm

If you can find one, an MCA SP-1.

Regards,

Ty Ford

Ty Ford’s “Audio Bootcamp Field Guide” was written for video people who want better audio. More at: https://home.comcast.net/~tyreeford/AudioBootcamp.html
or https://www.tyford.com
Allen Zagel
October 31, 2007 at 4:20 pm

I use a AT 2020 that was recommended to me some years ago, I think at this forum. It’s in the $90 price range and I’ve been happy with it.

Allen
Brett Sneed
October 31, 2007 at 7:18 pm

Thanks everyone.
Ty Ford
November 1, 2007 at 4:08 pm

If you want to see and hear the AT2020. Go to my articles archive and look in the Video folder for AT2020.mp4

Regards,

Ty Ford

Ty Ford’s “Audio Bootcamp Field Guide” was written for video people who want better audio. More at: https://home.comcast.net/~tyreeford/AudioBootcamp.html
or https://www.tyford.com

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