VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Donna · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 9:48 am Post subject: For women only

What is your favorite mic for narration work? I'm in the market for some new gear, and I'm not asking for much - just a mic with no self noise that makes me sound fabby and ignores my occasional vocal percussion. Does it exist?

Guys, it's nice to know what works for you, but goils sound different from boys (most of the time).
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Dayo · Cinquecento Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 544 Location: UK

What kind of budget and what's your room/booth like?
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Donna · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 6:20 am Post subject:

I'd like to keep it under 3K for mic and preamp combined, so that eliminates the U87i, dang it.
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Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

CAD E100s is fabby and cheap and lowest self noise (3.7 dB-A), but has a pretty open grille, so you'd need to work it with a popfilter. I'd recommend TLM 102s for females for narration - I really like what I've heard from women that use them for narration. Self Noise is a very decent (12 dbA) Preamp? The 102 isn't too expensive either, so you can go to town with the preamp. Get an Avalon V5! You'll have a great chain for about $1500!
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Donna · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 7:34 am Post subject:

I do like the sound of the CAD. And the 102 is the mic that has my attention at the moment. Thanks for the input!
Preamp choice is either the Avalon or a Grace m101.
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Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

The Avalon and Grace are good choices, I think I'd probably go with the Avalon for either the E100s or the TLM102.

One plus for the CAD, it that it's a good travel mic...okay, it comes in a big wooden box, but it has a HPF and a -10 dB pad on it, whereas the TLM doesn't. The CAD has a narrower pattern on it too, so it is a bit more forgiving in non-treated rooms.
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graemespicer · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 8:20 am Post subject:

Practically new U87ai mics go for $2000 - $2100 on the used market every day. I bought mine used from a guy in Chicago on the unfortunately and inappropriately named "gearslutz.com" audio recording forum. They have a classifieds ad section that is very well controlled. Feedback ratings on transactions, etc. Of course eBay and Craigslist are both options as well.

Don't buy a Neumann shockmount if you don't have to - go to eBay and buy a Peluso or comparable brand for less than $100.

Then pick up a Grace M101, True Audio P Solo or other nice clean preamp in the $500 - $700 range and voila! - you're well within your budget.
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melissa eX · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 2:22 pm Post subject:

I picked up the tlm102 last week. I don't like it. Makes me sound boomy. Maybe it's placement? I tried it in a number of positions, but it doesn't help. Returning it today. I'm also interested in mic choices.

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 2:09 am Post subject:

MKH416 would be fabby as long as it's in the correct position. 3-4ft away, above head, angled down, pointing at mouth.

Anything else anyone says ...ever about the MKH416 is complete and utter b*ll*cks. You are NOT allowed to disagree with me ...THAT'S THE LAW!

ballenberg · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 4:16 am Post subject:

Really? 3-4 feet???!!!! The law? Well okay--I won't break it. The top recording engineers quoted in this article--well, they might:
http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_recording_voiceover/

Dayo · Cinquecento Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 544 Location: UK

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:05 am Post subject:

Last filum (movie) I watched was 129 mins. How long form is long form? The last pro sound engineer I talked to (BBC Wildlife credits) said that the 416 is no good unless you're about 10ft away from it so I was giving a generous discount.

Two posters above as first offenders will be fined 8 guineas 3 shillings and sixpence EACH.

On a serious note. All my work is done on a U87AI probably about 15 years old, beyond that I really know nothing.

Frank F · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:58 am Post subject:

There are sooooo many mics available for the female voiceover talent that I would hesitate to make a suggestion without really knowing your specific voice qualities and other unique qualities.

Donna, I like your sound as it is and I understand gear-itis.

Consider looking into those microphones which resemble the C-12. Ribbons are not going to do your voice any favors. Large (LDC) and medium (MDC) diaphragm condenser mics will be your best choices.

Especially with the MKH 416 (not your best option), get a GREAT preamp too. Guage Microphones has a cheap U87 clone which is not bad and with the right preamp sound great on a female voice - the best part it is only a bit more than $150.00 USD --- again, a great preamp will make this sound fine. The Guage is really a cheap-o mic which has been slightly optimized and a better selection of condenser element has been chosen for it, however it sounds nice and is a "fair" selection vs, the U87 - and MUCH better than the AI.

When buying a microphone it is really likely you are going to choose a new pre-amp also to match your new toy. If the option is available - either by going to nearby studios or other talent who may have the mic and a matched preamp - try the mic before buying. And try it in your studio if at all possible.

Oh, Mr. (name spoken in silence) the MKH416 is best used for voiceover by placing it in another room with the door between the rooms slightly ajar.

Frank F
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Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 7:11 am Post subject:

Luxury!

MKH416 unplugged. VO dead AND in another state with parents dancing on grave singing extracts from La Boheme ... In Creole

Zach Meissner · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 7:42 am Post subject:

Just for pure interest, I'll throw in the Michael Joly modded mics.

He takes stock microphone bodies and adds new capsules and upgrades the electronics inside for a much better sound.

I have the Oktava MK-319 mod he did and I think it's great.

You can check out his stuff here: http://www.oktavamod.com/

Good luck!