Best microphone?

[lordsmurf]

I need to start making some Youtube videos.

But my audio recording product knowledge predates Youtube.

I'll be shooting the video with a Nikon D810. I'll probably narrate in post, not at shooting time. (It would be nice to have a good on-camera mic, so feel free to suggest combinations of microphones -- one for on-camera, one for at-computer.)

I'm budget minded, but not stupidly cheap. Feel free to recommended multiples (under $100, under $200, etc).

I want something that captures the full tonal range of bass to treble. The sound needs depth, and not be hollow or tinny.

I hate plosives and S hisses, so that needs to be a consideration.

I have a Tapco MX 120, if needed. Honestly, I don't relish putting big mixer on my desk, so avoiding it is ideal. I'd rather just edit in Sound Forge.

I don't want some big unwieldy swing-arm mic stand. Small stands are nice. Probably something I can even hold, narrate while in a recliner, long extension cord to computer.

USB is fine, but not opposed to XLR>USB converter if the mic is worth it.

I looked on Youtube for advice on mics, but it's mostly just people shilling and BS'ing more than giving good advice. I tired of reading fake reviews, clickbait, and random lists.

I know some of you here know about mics. Your advice?

[super8rescue]

don't hand hold a mic while narrating.

You are likely to go off axis of the diaphragm from time to time while speaking and holding, and that will affect the proximity effect of the mic.

There is also the chance you will get handling noise. If you don't want an anglepoise mic stand, then get a banquet stand

I would go dynamic not condenser, a dedicated vocal mic is ideal, with a pop shield.

And yes, old stockings on a bent out coat hanger to remove plosives works really well if you're being cheap and cheerful.

Place it around four inches in front of the mic.

Sibilance is more of a problem with female vocals.

Condenser mics are very sensitive and likely to pick up lots of ambient noise in a typical room where there is no acoustic treatment.

For narration you want to avoid a large diaphragm condenser unless you have really dead room acoustics.

A pop shield will eliminate plosives, but so will good mic technique.

You should speak directly in to the mic at it's diaphragm, to get the best out of the proximity effect a mic generates, to achieve the rich sound you are after.

Always use headphones so you can hear yourself, by doing that you can hear how different distances between your mouth and the mic affect the proximity effect of the mic.

Don't add any EQ during recording, record your voice flat, use the proximity effect to achieve a natural sounding bass, in post, an idea to add some compression 3:1 should do it. A fast attack with a longer sustain and decay, to stop it 'pumping' between words.

I usually normalise my audio before compressing, but you may not like the sound of compression, so experiment.

Mic technique and good audio levels during recording are your best friend.

Watch out for clipping while recording, reclining in a chair will probably mean you won't be able to see your levels if things clip, you should really wear headphones, so a long headphone extension lead as well, with the reclining option.

I can't suggest a specific mic, like you, my recording studio days pre date youtube as well, so newer mics of today are not something I know much about, the way you use a mic will never change however.

I do like the sound of an AKG C3000 for my voice, but that was in the days of acoustically treated voice over rooms in the 80's for radio adverts.

https://www.neumann.com/homestudio/en/what-is-the-proximity-effect

http://blogs.plymouth.ac.uk/telmed/2016/02/26/choosing-the-right-set-up-to-record-spok...n-word-part-1/

[aedipuss]

make sure auto gain can be turned off in the 810. set your levels carefully.

i've used rhode stereo videomic pros on canon dslrs for years and have no complaints. not cheap but work well, recorded audio sounds great, and never let me down.

[TreeTops]

I purchased this one a week ago and it seems to be pretty good. I use it mostly for Zoom meetings but since it's a USB mic, maybe it would work for you.
https://www.amazon.com/Elgato-Wave-Microphone-Podcasting-Capacitive/dp/B088HHWC47/ref=...32486464&psc=1


[Attachment 56452 - Click to enlarge]

[lordsmurf]

I can't suggest a specific mic, like you, my recording studio days pre date youtube as well, so newer mics of today are not something I know much about, the way you use a mic will never change however.

Thanks for the detailed post of tips. I do think mics have changes (for the better) since we learned audio, or last did any audio recording. The last thing I did was look at Rode mics about 10 years ago, and then my health problems derailed things for a decade.

i've used rhode stereo videomic pros on canon dslrs for years and have no complaints. not cheap but work well, recorded audio sounds great, and never let me down.

Which model Rode?

I purchased this one a week ago and it seems to be pretty good. I use it mostly for Zoom meetings but since it's a USB mic, maybe it would work for you.

Perhaps! Thanks for the link and sharing your buy.
- What made you pick it over the others?
- Were there any runners-up you had been looking at?

[aedipuss]

this one, but mine are older and have different suspension system.

http://www.rode.com/microphones/stereovideomicpro

[dellsam34]

LS, Just from watching several youtube channels I'm impressed with the quality of the microphone that Jimmy Dore uses in his show, I can't link it here because it's political but try watch one of his videos and see for yourself, The cleanest sound I've ever heard on a youtube channel.

[Clockwork]

Plenty of Youtubers have use Blue Yeti's with good results.
It's not a "top shelf" solution, but it's usb and fairly inexpensive. The Blue Snowball is even cheaper, while still maintaining reasonable quality.
Build yourself a cheap booth (even a few couch cushions stacked together) and you're good.

[lordsmurf]

Uh oh, I've fallen down a rabbit hole.

I found my way to the $400 Shure SM7B, now working my way backwards. (Not entirely opposed to that price, but maybe for later.)

Now I'm learning about things I forgot, or never knew, likely both, about directionality and mic type. Ugh.

I feel like I just walked into a buffet of cuisine I've never seen, and know nothing about. (I'm sure this is how some folks feel about VCRs, TBCs, and capture cards.)

[super8rescue]

Another alternative is a 'zoom' type recorder. (not to be confused with a 'dictaphone' type device)

I have used one of these and achieved really good results for video narration.

We loan them out to students at uni, and they don't come back broken.

Pro:

you can recline and plug headphones in to it, headphones are a must.

It records in .wav or .mp3 to memory card, simply copy to the pc for editing later

You will have your vu meters right in front of you.

You will have a portable recorder of very decent quality that can go anywhere with you.

No need for mixing desk and associated mic leads etc

You can plug in external mics and provide phantom power if needed.

You can record in any location or room in the house that suits you.


Cons, batteries, but you could have a wall wart, possible noise from handling. (the one I use has a mic stand/tripod type mount, like a camera)


As for choice, well, that is a can of worms indeed, there are so many, reading reviews to work out which is of a suitable quality for your budget/requirements would probably drive you mad. Perhaps another post to ask opinions on the different models.

I can confirm the Zoom brand is pretty decent. They should come with a basic windshield/sock so look out for that option.

Typical example from a quick google

https://www.absolutemusic.co.uk/zoom-h4n-pro-portable-recorder-all-black-finish.html?s...8aAhdWEALw_wcB

Or one by Tascam

https://www.dv247.com/en_GB/GBP/Tascam-DR-40X-Digital-Audio-Recorder/art-REC0014179-00...saAgtnEALw_wcB

[lordsmurf]

Before it's mentioned again, understand that I'm not able to wear headphones.
Want to, but can't.

[super8rescue]

I have no knowledge of your personal situation, so I am sorry you find yourself in a position where you are unable to wear headphones

Do have a look at the idea of a portable recorder rather than a microphone tied to a computer. Much more versatile.

I look forward to reading about what device you end up buying. Good Luck with the tutorials when you get around to making them.

[JPMedia]

I have no knowledge of your personal situation, so I am sorry you find yourself in a position where you are unable to wear headphones

Do have a look at the idea of a portable recorder rather than a microphone tied to a computer. Much more versatile.

I look forward to reading about what device you end up buying. Good Luck with the tutorials when you get around to making them.

In the situation being described by LS a portable field recorder such as the Zoom H4n might be best used in tandem with a separate microphone. Field recorders made my Zoom and Tascam are great because you can record up to 96,000 Hz WAV files from anywhere. These devices also often have XLR + 1/4" combo inputs as well as 3.5mm inputs which allows for a wide variety of microphones to be plugged into the recorders.

+1 to the recommendation for a RØDE VideoMic Pro. I've been using that mic for 8 years and the only time it has ever let me down is during the handful of times when I forgot to turn it on.

[bigass]

I'm so tempted to write a post like this:

There's a recipe for audio: Microphone -> Preamp -> Interface. This is long-established. Don't stray from it.

Most microphones you can buy are cheap Chinese garbage. Anything with a switch in the signal path is an invitation to interference and should be thrown in the garbage.

Some microphones have USB converters built-in. These are designed for amateurs. If you want amateur results, buy one. The experts here know better than that.

You're going to need to do some research and set a budget. If you're looking at under $500, don't expect good results, but you're welcome to try. The folks on this forum have been doing this for years, so ignore their advice at your own peril.

And don't bother recording narration unless you've treated the room. The room is probably a bigger factor than the narrator even is. If you're thinking it's too big a task, just do it -- spend the money, and you'll make a decent return when you sell the house. Don't half-ass this task, as your voice is what will survive when you're gone from this world.

---

IRL:

Odds are you'll be happy enough with a SM58, pop filter, Cloudlifter and ANY USB audio interface with phantom power.

You'd also be happy with a USB-enabled mic made by a known mic manufacturer.

Dynamic mics often have a different sound than condenser mics. One might sound better for your voice than the other.

Unless it needs to be your personal voice on the product, consider spending a few bucks to hire a professional voice-over person who comes with his or her own full studio space and a career's worth of gear-tweaking behind them.

I wish you the best. I'm happy to give non-******* answers to any further questions.

FWIW, I just finished a radio news shift from home, with a lovely old Sennheiser dynamic mic on a cheap Chinese flexi-arm thing, XLR into a Cloudlifter, into a gen-1 Scarlett 4i2 (2i4? I forget), into Adobe Audition. If I had money to blow on more mics, odds are I'd pick up an EV RE20 (because they've always sounded good on me at radio stations) or a SM7B (because I'd like to have one -- I haven't heard myself on one in 25 years, so I don't even know if it's appropriate for my sound).

[lordsmurf]

I'm so tempted to write a post like this:.

Amusing, haha.
Thankfully audio is, and always has been, far easier than video.
Same for photography.
But video = audio + photo*30. It is a PITA, lots of bad products, with only a few recipes for good results.

You'd also be happy with a USB-enabled mic made by a known mic manufacturer.

The more I look at the Elgato (ironic, huh?) the more I'm liking it.

Dynamic mics often have a different sound than condenser mics. One might sound better for your voice than the other.

Noted. I was seeing that insinuated, but nobody ever outright states this. I may have to do what one Youtuber suggest: buy 2-3 mics from Amazon, return the rest.

[johnmeyer]

I put together a very professional "voice over" kit for very little money. I disagree that you can't get good results for well under $500, and I'll show you how I did it.

My kit consists of three parts:

1. A good microphone.
2. A pop guard
3. An announcer's booth

You can often get used mics on eBay for a fraction of the original cost. Microphones, like speakers, continue to work well for decades. I have some 1950s speakers I inherited which still sell used on Audiogon for many thousands of dollars, and which still sound amazing. I purchased an Audio Technica AT822 about twenty years ago. At the time, they were going for over $400:

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at822

I got mine used for about $100. It gets you about 85% of the way to what you'd get with a $5,000 microphone.



There is a current listing on eBay for a brand new (NOS) AT822 for $150:

Audio-Technica-AT822-AT-822-Professional-Condenser-Microphone-Complete-Pkg

I splurged on my pop guard and got a Stedman ($48), but I got a lesser one (a $20 Nady) for my son which would probably work almost as well.



Finally, really good voice-over work is done in an "announcer's booth" which is a small room lined with anechoic (sound deadening) material. However, a grammy award winning musician and audio expert who used to post in the Vegas forums, Douglas Spotted-Eagle, realized you could get almost the same effect by putting sound absorbing material on the inside of a large cardboard box, and then putting your microphone on a stand inside of that sound deadened box, and fastening the pop shield in front of the mic. That is what I use (shown without the microphone).



The results are absolutely amazing. All the room echo is gone and you have a proper voice-over sound.

I don't remember where I got the foam, but it was about $20 and was very similar to this:

https://amazon.com/Foam-Panels-Absorption-Pyramid-Treatment/dp/B07FZHFWXW

If you want to buy one, you can get a pre-fab here:

https://www.voiceoverxtra.com/article.htm?id=ydeh2t9p

Note that the entrepreneur also gives credit to "Spot" (Spotted-Eagle's nickname).

Another option for the microphone is to get a Zoom recorder. The have several models. I cheaped out and got the H2N (about $160 new). The mic is pretty good (not in the same league as the AT822), and it has all sorts of other uses. For instance, when I tape a wedding or dance performance, I connect it to the event soundboard to get a direct feed from the event mics.

[super8rescue]

I tell my students to sit under a duvet with a zoom recorder.

Some of the results have been very worthy of a video sound track voice over.