What is the best microphone for voice over?
Many of you have reached out to me on this topic to ask the question. 🙂
Overall, the equipment for recording voice overs does not differ much from standard studio equipment. However, the choice of microphone remains important as it needs to capture the details of the voice — since everything revolves around it.
If your budget is not very high, I recommend defaulting to a standard singing microphone (except for the SM58/57), which should suffice. At least for the time being.
On the other hand, if you want to invest in a true voice over microphone that has proven itself for this type of use, then you are on the right page!
Indeed, I have listed here 7 microphone models, all different from each other — but above all all suitable for recording voice overs for advertising, documentaries, or films.
Here are my recommendations that I hope will guide you in your choices (but remember that when it comes to microphones, “more expensive” does not necessarily mean “better”).
1. Blue Yeti Pro
Brand: Blue Microphones
Directivity: cardioid, stereo, bidirectional, and omnidirectional
Recommended use: podcasts, YouTube / Twitch, amateur voice over
Let’s start with a microphone that, while not dedicated to truly professional use (despite its name), will still be suitable for recording voice overs in a podcast context, commentary on a video tutorial…
The Yeti Pro is indeed a good quality entry-level microphone that can be connected either via USB directly to the computer (thanks to an integrated A/D converter), or to more professional equipment like a mixing console or an audio interface via XLR connection.
This USB connection is convenient, especially since the microphone is truly “plug and play”: you plug it in, and you can start recording almost instantly.
Positive point: several directivities are integrated into the microphone, allowing for recording in different configurations (I’m thinking particularly of using the “figure 8” mode for interviews).
► See the current price on: Amazon Thomann
2. Shure SM7B
Brand: Shure
Polar Pattern: cardioid
Recommended Use: radio/broadcast, voice-over
With the Shure SM7B, we immediately step up in quality compared to the previous microphone.
A reference microphone in the studio (notably used in its time by Michael Jackson), it is also a model regularly used in radio as it adapts very well to voices, especially in a broadcast context.
Its ability to accurately reproduce a voice makes it a very interesting choice for voice-overs. Moreover, it is a dynamic microphone, which will be a bit less sensitive to the acoustic flaws of the room in which you are recording compared to a condenser microphone.
However, this lack of sensitivity also means that it requires a preamp providing at least +60 dB of gain. If your preamplifier does not meet this requirement, I recommend simply using a Cloudlifter or a FetHead to correct this issue.
It is worth noting: the Shure SM7B has two built-in filter settings that allow you to cut the low end of the frequency spectrum to limit unwanted rumblings in the bass, as well as to boost the mids if needed.
► See the current price at: Amazon Thomann Woodbrass
3. Electro-Voice RE20
Brand: Electro-Voice
Polar Pattern: cardioid
Recommended Use: radio/broadcast, voice-over
The design of the RE20 is a bit surprising, but it is a true reference in radio as well as in the audiovisual field in the broadest sense.
A high-end dynamic microphone, it offers a really interesting alternative to the SM7B presented just before, differing particularly in the highs (a bump in the highs, around 8-10 kHz, makes it a bit brighter than the Shure microphone).
With a somewhat dry sound, the RE20 is also distinguished by the fact that it does not really have a proximity effect, which makes it less sensitive to potential variations in the position of the sound source.
Convenient, therefore, for use as a voice-over microphone.
► See the current price of the RE20 at: Amazon Thomann Woodbrass
4. Sennheiser MKH 416
Brand: Sennheiser
Directivity: supercardioid/lobe
Recommended use: voice-over, indoor or outdoor reporting
It’s impossible to talk about voice-over microphones without mentioning the MKH 416, a true reference in the field.
It is the only “shotgun” microphone in this article, and its shape might suggest that it is actually more dedicated to capturing sounds outdoors.
Indeed, that is one of its uses — but it is primarily a formidable microphone for recording voice-overs.
The sound, excellent, is well balanced and can easily cut through the mix if necessary.
And since it is very directional, it will remain easily usable even if the acoustics of the room are not perfect.
However, be careful to position it correctly: generally, for voice-overs, it is advisable to speak about 2 or 3 centimeters from the end of the microphone.
Finally, if you purchase this model (which I highly recommend), make sure not to get the T-Power version (MKH 416 T) but the Phantom Power version (MKH 416 P48, more common).
► See the current price of the MKH 416 on: Amazon Thomann Woodbrass
5. Neumann TLM 193
Brand: Neumann
Directivity: Cardioid
Recommended use: voice-over, classic studio use (all instruments)
The TLM 193 from Neumann is an interesting option for those who cannot afford a U87 (presented a little further down) but still want to enjoy the quality of Neumann sound.
Particularly suited for anything related to narration/spoken words, the TLM 193 is a versatile microphone that helps to give a certain body to the voice. If it is too pronounced, feel free to attenuate the bass a bit during mixing.
However, it is a bit flatter in terms of frequency response than some other microphones dedicated to voice-overs, which results in slightly less pronounced highs — thus, it will often be a good choice for capturing voices that are a bit too strong, especially in the highs.
► See the current price of the TLM 193 on: Thomann Woodbrass
6. Ehrlund EHR-M
Brand: Ehrlund
Directivity: Cardioid
Recommended use: voice-over, classic studio use (especially on acoustic instruments and vocals)
The EHR-M from Ehrlund is somewhat of an UFO among microphones.
Made in Sweden, it stands out primarily due to its innovative triangular capsule, whereas all other brands rely on circular capsules.
Do not see this as a marketing gimmick: this triangular shape significantly impacts the sound capture properties (frequencies, resonance…) of the microphone, resulting in an extremely detailed sound with highs that are emphasized but in a very smooth, silky manner.
A high-end microphone that adapts very well to voice-over recordings — and which will give a rather unique touch to your studio due to its design.
► See the current price of the EHR-M at: the official Ehrlund France store
7. Neumann U87
Brand: Neumann
Directivity: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure-8
Recommended use: voice-over, classic studio use (all instruments)
Finally, to conclude this list of the best voice-over mics, here is undoubtedly the most well-known of all: the Neumann U87.
It is a major reference for anything related to “voice over” — it is regularly used by Disney for their animated films.
Sure, the price is very high (even more so if you look at vintage models), but the quality is there: the Neumann U87 proves to be a flattering mic for most voices while capturing a maximum of details.
However, avoid using it with a low-end preamp – this type of pairing is generally not very effective.
► See the current price of the U87 at: Thomann Woodbrass
In conclusion
From this list, if I had to recommend only one microphone for someone looking for a truly professional tool at a relatively accessible price, it would be the Sennheiser MKH 416, which has the merit of being a true reference while offering high-quality sound.
Whatever your choice, do not forget to ensure that you have a quality preamp – indeed, it would be a shame to pair a good microphone with poor preamplification.
If you don’t have one yet, head over to my article dedicated to microphone preamps.