New studio mic at DVinfo.net

Mitch Hunt · November 27th, 2009, 02:25 PM

I currently have the Audio-Technica AT2020USB and the Rode NTG-3 microphones. I would like to upgrade from the AT2020USB to a more professional and better sounding mic to be used for studio voice overs mainly. The NTG-3 could be used I suppose. But shotgun mics aren't the best for studio recording, correct? I would like to spend around $300.

Here's the mic I'm looking at for $290.95: Audio-Technica AT4033/CL - Studio Microphone.

If you can think of a better mic for the job or have any advice please let me know.

Steve House · November 27th, 2009, 06:16 PM

Also take a look at the Rode Procaster and NT1a mics.

Jack Walker · November 27th, 2009, 07:12 PM

Another option is a Heil dynamic mic. Look at the PR35 and PR40:
PR Series Microphones | Heil Sound

Here is the homepage:
Heil Sound | Professional Microphones for Broadcast, Recording and Live Sound

These are great mics for broadcast and voiceover and worth trying. A dynamic mic can give better results in a less than perfect studio. Condenser mics will pic up all noise and need an excellent recording environment/studio for voiceovers.

Mitch Hunt · November 28th, 2009, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve House

Also take a look at the Rode Procaster and NT1a mics.

In your opinion which one is better for voice overs? The Procaster sounds perfect, but then again I read a review for the Procaster that said that it is NOT best suited for voice overs and recommended the NT1a. What do you guys think?

Steve House · November 28th, 2009, 05:48 AM

I own the NT1a and like its sound. I haven't used the Procaster but I like Rode products in gernal and I'm certain it will performs as advertised. In my radio daze the station used Electrovoice RE-20's and I always liked the sound on my airchecks. Different mics work well with different voices so your mileage may vary.

David W. Jones · November 28th, 2009, 07:11 AM

Mitch, The microphone is only one component of the voice over.
If it were me, I would use that $300 budget on something that would make a bigger difference in your sound than a new mic... ROOM ACOUSTICS!
Yes room treatment is not as flashy as a new mic, but $300 worth of properly treated room will go much farther than $300 worth of new Mic.
Remember, no matter which microphone you stick in front of your mouth, whether a $159 or a $3k microphone, it is still going to be in your room which has it's own acoustic signature. True different type microphones will reveal more or less room, large diaphragm condenser vs Dynamic for example. But they will still pickup the room signature.

I know you were looking for a microphone recommendation so here ya go...
I would keep using what you have for now, and not worry about what some review said about your microphone!

Get your room sounding good, and any microphone can sound good in it.

My response is based on 30 years of professional voice work.
All the Best!

Dave

Renton Maclachlan · November 28th, 2009, 02:30 PM

How do we find out about 'room acoustics'?

I record in a room about 3.9m x 4.6m, which has big double doors opening into an adjacent room when filming. The room has outside walls of 1.6m and 1.9m high and has quite a complicated roof - too difficult to describe without a plan. The roof slopes at 30 and 37 degrees off outside walls meeting a hip from one corner. It has carpet on the floor.

Jack Walker · November 28th, 2009, 02:41 PM

Or even the Heil PR 20 UT for $99:
PR 20UT | Heil Sound

Mitch Hunt · November 28th, 2009, 04:20 PM

Thanks for your replies!

Now one more question. I have the CEntrance MicPort Pro USB preamp. Would there be any advantages in getting the Procaster and using the external preamp or getting the Podcaster which plugs directly into the computer using USB?

Has anyone here used the Procaster? If so, how do you like it? How is the audio quality for voice overs?

David, yes we are also working on the acoustics of recording room.

November 27th, 2009, 02:25 PM	#1
Mitch Hunt Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Broken Bow, NE Posts: 145	New studio mic I currently have the Audio-Technica AT2020USB and the Rode NTG-3 microphones. I would like to upgrade from the AT2020USB to a more professional and better sounding mic to be used for studio voice overs mainly. The NTG-3 could be used I suppose. But shotgun mics aren't the best for studio recording, correct? I would like to spend around $300. Here's the mic I'm looking at for $290.95: Audio-Technica AT4033/CL - Studio Microphone. If you can think of a better mic for the job or have any advice please let me know.

November 27th, 2009, 06:16 PM	#2
Steve House Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,742	Also take a look at the Rode Procaster and NT1a mics. __________________ Good news, Cousins! This week's chocolate ration is 15 grams!

November 28th, 2009, 05:48 AM	#5
Steve House Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,742	I own the NT1a and like its sound. I haven't used the Procaster but I like Rode products in gernal and I'm certain it will performs as advertised. In my radio daze the station used Electrovoice RE-20's and I always liked the sound on my airchecks. Different mics work well with different voices so your mileage may vary. __________________ Good news, Cousins! This week's chocolate ration is 15 grams!

November 27th, 2009, 07:12 PM	#3
Jack Walker Trustee Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Burbank Posts: 1,811	Another option is a Heil dynamic mic. Look at the PR35 and PR40: PR Series Microphones \| Heil Sound Here is the homepage: Heil Sound \| Professional Microphones for Broadcast, Recording and Live Sound These are great mics for broadcast and voiceover and worth trying. A dynamic mic can give better results in a less than perfect studio. Condenser mics will pic up all noise and need an excellent recording environment/studio for voiceovers.

November 28th, 2009, 07:11 AM	#6
David W. Jones Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Little Rock Posts: 1,383	Mitch, The microphone is only one component of the voice over. If it were me, I would use that $300 budget on something that would make a bigger difference in your sound than a new mic... ROOM ACOUSTICS! Yes room treatment is not as flashy as a new mic, but $300 worth of properly treated room will go much farther than $300 worth of new Mic. Remember, no matter which microphone you stick in front of your mouth, whether a $159 or a $3k microphone, it is still going to be in your room which has it's own acoustic signature. True different type microphones will reveal more or less room, large diaphragm condenser vs Dynamic for example. But they will still pickup the room signature. I know you were looking for a microphone recommendation so here ya go... I would keep using what you have for now, and not worry about what some review said about your microphone! Get your room sounding good, and any microphone can sound good in it. My response is based on 30 years of professional voice work. All the Best! Dave

November 28th, 2009, 02:30 PM	#7
Renton Maclachlan Trustee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 1,180	How do we find out about 'room acoustics'? I record in a room about 3.9m x 4.6m, which has big double doors opening into an adjacent room when filming. The room has outside walls of 1.6m and 1.9m high and has quite a complicated roof - too difficult to describe without a plan. The roof slopes at 30 and 37 degrees off outside walls meeting a hip from one corner. It has carpet on the floor.

November 28th, 2009, 02:41 PM	#8
Jack Walker Trustee Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Burbank Posts: 1,811	Or even the Heil PR 20 UT for $99: PR 20UT \| Heil Sound

November 28th, 2009, 04:20 PM	#9
Mitch Hunt Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Broken Bow, NE Posts: 145	Thanks for your replies! Now one more question. I have the CEntrance MicPort Pro USB preamp. Would there be any advantages in getting the Procaster and using the external preamp or getting the Podcaster which plugs directly into the computer using USB? Has anyone here used the Procaster? If so, how do you like it? How is the audio quality for voice overs? David, yes we are also working on the acoustics of recording room.