What is the best microphone for voice over?
Many of you have contacted me about 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 is still important because it needs to capture the details of the voice as best as possible — 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 models of microphones, all different from each other — but most importantly 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 mics, “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, video tutorial commentary context…
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 mic 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 particularly think of using the “figure 8” mode for interviews).
► See the current price on: Amazon Thomann
2. Shure SM7B
Brand: Shure
Directivity: cardioid
Recommended use: radio/broadcast, voice over
With the Shure SM7B, we immediately move up a level 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. Especially since 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.
On the other hand, 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 that the Shure SM7B has two built-in filter settings that allow you to cut the low end of the frequency spectrum to limit unwanted rumble in the bass, as well as to boost the mids if needed.
► See the current price on: Amazon Thomann Woodbrass
3. Electro-Voice RE20
Brand: Electro-Voice
Directivity: 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, making it less sensitive to potential variations in the position of the sound source.
Practical, therefore, for use as a voice-over microphone.
► See the current price of the RE20 on: Amazon Thomann Woodbrass
4. Sennheiser MKH 416
Brand: Sennheiser
Directivity: supercardioid/lobe
Recommended use: voice-over, indoor or outdoor reporting
It is 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 more dedicated to capturing sounds outdoors.
Indeed, this 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 remains 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 acquire 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
Polar Pattern: 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 just a little lower) but still want to enjoy Neumann’s sound quality.
Particularly suitable for 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 slightly reduce the bass during mixing.
However, it is a bit flatter in terms of frequency response than some other microphones dedicated to voice-over, 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
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Recommended Use: voice-over, classic studio use (especially on acoustic instruments and voice)
The EHR-M from Ehrlund is a bit of a UFO among microphones.
Manufactured in Sweden, it stands out primarily due to its innovative triangular capsule, where all other brands rely on circular capsules.
Don’t 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 soft, silky manner.
A high-end microphone that adapts very well to voice-over recordings — and will give a rather unique touch to your studio due to its design.
► See the current price of the EHR-M on: the official Ehrlund France store
7. Neumann U87
Brand: Neumann
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure-8
Recommended Use: voice-over, classic studio use (all instruments)
Finally, to conclude this list of the best voice-over microphones, here is undoubtedly the most well-known of them all: the Neumann U87.
It is a great 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 if you look at vintage models), but the quality is there: the Neumann U87 proves to be a flattering microphone 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 entire 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, don’t 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.