mic for throaty,gravel voice at DVinfo.net

Bryan Beasleigh · August 18th, 2003, 11:37 PM

What mic would give the most detail to a breathy, gravel voice. the man has emphasyma and is on oxygen. Most of the narration will be in his voice.

Gints Klimanis · August 18th, 2003, 11:58 PM

Condenser mics have a good high frequency response. You can also try to statically boost high frequencies with an equalizer, parametric or high shelf. A compressor may help keep the breathiness at a consistent level by boosting any low-level breathy signals. If you're into synthesizing upper harmonics, try a distortion unit or Aphex Aural Exciter. They may add an artificially rough quality to the voice, but often, this sounds cool.

Jacques Mersereau · August 19th, 2003, 07:43 AM

Hi Bryan,

there is really no way to know what mic will work best on any given individual
until you actually try it out.

From my experience, there is nothing like having a nice mic box with lots
of choices and the time to choose.

The best mic for the money imo is the Neumann TLM103. A high quality
large capsule condenser that is the quietest microphone Neumann makes.
Very good for voice over work and acoustic instruments.
No bells or whistles, but you can get a TLM103 for as little as $600 on Ebay.
You can't really go wrong with the TLM103.

I am not sure if you really want all the hissing and breath sucking to come out
crystal clear. A better choice for this narrator might be a dynamic like
the Sennheiser 441. Hypercardioid pickup pattern with bass roll off for voice.
A nice smooth sound. Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac's favorite mic.

You could also hook up a lav mic and see what that sounds like.

Bryan Beasleigh · August 19th, 2003, 08:20 AM

No i don't want the labored breathing to come out on top, it would sound far too much like Darth Vader. I had just thought that a harsh mic on a harsh voice might not seem good.

Was this Stevie's choice before or after she had the surgury?

August 18th, 2003, 11:37 PM	#1
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	mic for throaty,gravel voice What mic would give the most detail to a breathy, gravel voice. the man has emphasyma and is on oxygen. Most of the narration will be in his voice.

August 19th, 2003, 07:43 AM	#3
Jacques Mersereau Trustee Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,334	Hi Bryan, there is really no way to know what mic will work best on any given individual until you actually try it out. From my experience, there is nothing like having a nice mic box with lots of choices and the time to choose. The best mic for the money imo is the Neumann TLM103. A high quality large capsule condenser that is the quietest microphone Neumann makes. Very good for voice over work and acoustic instruments. No bells or whistles, but you can get a TLM103 for as little as $600 on Ebay. You can't really go wrong with the TLM103. I am not sure if you really want all the hissing and breath sucking to come out crystal clear. A better choice for this narrator might be a dynamic like the Sennheiser 441. Hypercardioid pickup pattern with bass roll off for voice. A nice smooth sound. Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac's favorite mic. You could also hook up a lav mic and see what that sounds like. __________________ Jacques Mersereau University of Michigan-Video Studio Manager

August 18th, 2003, 11:58 PM	#2
Gints Klimanis Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 2,222	Condenser mics have a good high frequency response. You can also try to statically boost high frequencies with an equalizer, parametric or high shelf. A compressor may help keep the breathiness at a consistent level by boosting any low-level breathy signals. If you're into synthesizing upper harmonics, try a distortion unit or Aphex Aural Exciter. They may add an artificially rough quality to the voice, but often, this sounds cool.

August 19th, 2003, 08:20 AM	#4
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	No i don't want the labored breathing to come out on top, it would sound far too much like Darth Vader. I had just thought that a harsh mic on a harsh voice might not seem good. Was this Stevie's choice before or after she had the surgury?