VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

[iannyc]

Hey gang, Im thinking of trading in my tlm103 for a sennheiser416 because my studio sound isnt air tight and I think the shotgun mic will be more forgiving of my imperfect noise floor. Thoughts??

Thanks!!

-Ian

[Philip Banks]

It will do what you need it to do. MKH50 is a much better mic, has a filter and a 10db pad but costs more than the 416. Most VOs choose the 416 based on Peer pressure, economic pressure and because it looks cooler.

[iannyc]

It looks like it costs about the same, no? About $1200?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/79497-REG/Sennheiser_MKH50_P48_MKH_50_Microphone.html

[Eddie Eagle]

If price is an issue you might consider the MKH415
It's the precursor to the 416 and less expensive.
The T model can be found with an inline transformer for around 300-500
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sennheiser-MKH415-TU-Condenser-microphone-/262699736927?hash=item3d2a1fdf5f:g:ESQAAOSwSHZWdHkJ

Here's a 416 for 579 on ebay,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sennheiser-MKH-416-P48-Short-Shotgun-Interference-Tube-Microphone/272511665208?

[Lance Blair]

There are also great noise removal tools out there. Some are pricey but worth it.

A cheap solution is this Waves NS1. It's now $59.

http://www.waves.com/plugins/ns1-noise-suppressor#ns1-noise-suppressor-overview-and-demo

I wouldn't use on something for broadcast, but for corporate or e-learning it's great in a pinch. Just don't set it above 5 (out of 100) or it sounds heavily processed.
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[Philip Banks]

[Rob Ellis]

Despite it's extreme directional quality, IME the 416 is not completely immune to outside noise.

It might be somewhat better at rejecting noises of certain frequencies and from certain directions, but it's still not a foolproof solution.

I would suggest purchasing one from a vendor with a good return policy, then try it out in your space.

[Philip Banks]

Voice Over priorities.

You.
Room.
Mic

In that order.

[sdaeley17]

The 416 is a great mic, but it doesn't work for everybody, and it's got a learning curve. It took me a year to be satisfied with mine!

I've never used one, but voice actors I've spoken to who have the 416 and a 103 say the 103 "mostly stays in the box." because it's too sensitive or the studio asks for a 416. It's one of the few things that keeps me from trying the Neumann myself.

Rob and Philip offer sage advice: Rent to try, or Improve your room.

Good luck in solving your sound issues!
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"There's Magic all around us; you just have to see it. And the most wonderful Magic of all, is just bein' alive." -Uncle Montork, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

[Eddie Eagle]

[Eddie Eagle]

[Jason Huggins]

Agreed! The 416 is not immune to room noise but because it is so directional it will sound much different if you point it in different directions. It took me a while to figure out where it would work best in my booth. It sounded boxy in certain areas and much cleaner in others.

Personally, I would say that if the 103 works well on your voice then improve your room and save some money (or spend more depending on what you need to do). If the issue is a leaf blower or something, a 416 isn't going to make it go away.

I have found that the 416 does help with low end rumble (at least in my booth) better than a LDC mic. If you have a hipass filter it would do the same thing though.

I bought a backup 416 used for like $450...you just have to look around for them.

[ricevoice]