Determine Which Microphone is Right
for Your VO Business
Your microphone has one of your studio's most important roles: It is the connection between you and what your clients hear. So don't just buy a mic that looks cool, is less expensive, or that has a nicer looking carrying case. RATHER BUY ONE THAT MATCHES YOUR REQUIREMENTS.
Simply use the selection filters to narrow down more than 4-dozen voice-over appropriate mics, to find the right one for you. See the "?" help icons for details.
Edge Studio encourages you to purchase microphones and home studio equipment from Sweetwater Sound. They listen, provide guidance, and do NOT pressure you to buy. And for over 30 years, they've helped voice-artists build quality studios that create professional recordings. Mention this webpage and get 10% off most microphones! Call David Mikautadze at Sweetwater at 800-222-4700 ext 1291. Microphones react differently to different voices. So Sweetwater can send you a few mics to try out - just keep the one that works for your voice!
AKG C 214
The AKG C 214 is the younger brother of AKG's legendary C 414 condenser - the mic you've heard on thousands of hit records, on stage with countless artists, and on air from leading broadcast facilities all over the world. The affordable C 214 actually uses the same capsule as the C 414. It has a highly-detailed, up-front sound. This is one roadworthy mic, too - the C 214 features a modern scratch-resistant finish, dent-resistant metal grille, and a metal carrying case
AKG C414 XLS
From the leading broadcast facilities world-wide AKG C 414 multi-pattern condenser microphone needs little introduction. Engineered for highest linearity and neutral sound. The C 414 XLS offers nine pickup patterns which enable you to choose the perfect setting for every application. In addition to the five patterns traditionally offered by the C 414 (omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, and figure eight), you also get four intermediate settings that let you dial in the best pattern to suite your environment. It also features an astoundingly low noise floor.
AKG C451B
AKG's C 451 was one of the all-time great studio condenser microphones. The new C 451 B is incredibly precise and accurate. It is almost totally insensitive to handling noise and is very directional making it a good choice for a noisy space.
AKG Perception 120
Great general-purpose microphone that also excels as a broadcast quality mic. Perfect as a travel mic because its rugged body is dent-resistant with a stainless steel grille screen. Roadworthy construction.
AKG Perception 420
The AKG Perception 420 large diaphragm condenser microphone gives you high sensitivity and multiple pickup patterns. This mic is ruggedly constructed and includes a spider-style shockmount and aluminum carrying case. The Perception 420 delivers a warm transparent sound quality.
Alesis USB Podcasting Mic
The Alesis USB Mic Podcasting Kit gives you a simple, affordable, and effective way to make professional-sounding podcasts. It allows even the most inexperienced users to quickly record audio into the computer and have their podcast, whether music or interviews, heard on the Internet. This mic is a great value.
Audio-Technica AT2020
The AT2020 gives you incredible sound quality at a low price. It will capture subtleties and nuances of vocals in great detail. It provides extended frequency response and superior transient response, well suited for all types of voice over projects especially where clarity is of high importance.
Audio-Technica AT2020 USB mic
The AT2020 USB brings the sound, quality, and affordability of the AT2020 to the desktop for direct-to-computer simplicity. This black beauty is perfect for any recording situation where ease of use is a must, but quality is essential. The AT2020 USB provides reliable and accurate pickup. Has low self noise.
Audio-Technica AT2050
The AT2050 includes three switchable pickup patterns (cardioid, omni, and figure-eight) great for both stationary and animated recording situations. It also boosts a 80Hz highpass filter which will reject low frequencies such as rumble.
Smooth, natural sound and low noise.
Rugged construction.
Audio-Technica AT4033
A strong up-front presence characterizes the sonic signature of this versatile pro-audio classic! The AT4033 features a transformerless circuitry that virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion. Fantastic mic for VO projects.
Audio-Technica AT4047
This is one of Audio-Technica's best mics. Designed to deliver the sonic characteristics similar to old F.E.T. studio microphones. It will capture lots of details. The AT4047 has exceptionally low self-noise and wide dynamic range making it a great choice for broadcast applications.
Avantone CV-12 Tube Mic
Avantone's CV-12 brings classic tube mic sound to professional and project studios everywhere at a fantastic price. The CV-12 has nine polar patterns to handle a variety of recording needs. When used on nuanced, delicate sound sources, the versatile CV-12 mic is able to produce professional results with a warm, pleasing sonic character - just what you'd expect from a vintage tube mic.
Blue Microphones Baby Bottle
This mic is exceptionally transparent and true sounding. Its hand-crafted and tested to have minimal coloration. In addition, the Baby Bottle has extremely low self-noise specs, coupled with an exceptionally high output level. It has an up-front sound and is very intimate.
Blue Microphones Dragonfly
The Dragonfly is one of Blue's most affordable mics. It provides a sweet sound like that of the vintage Neumann and AKG mics heard on thousands of recordings. It puts its own distinctive signature on the sound. The ability to position the capsule at so many angles relative to a sound source opens up a world of sonic opportunity for the VO artist.
Blue Microphones Snowball USB Mic
This is a great audition-on-a-budget or work-on-the-go mic. Just plug this amazing condenser mic right into your computer and you're ready to record right in to your favorite program! The Snowball lets you choose between Cardioid or omnidirectional pickup patterns.
Blue Microphones The Bottle Tube Mic
The Blue Bottle microphone is likely to be the most versatile mic on the market. Its capsule can be changed with up to one of 8 other capsules (sold separately) on the fly allowing for quick change sonic possibilities. The VO artist can quickly find the most suitable capsule for the current project.
Blue Microphones Yeti USB Mic
With Blue Microphones Yeti you can record in stereo or choose among three different patterns, so you can optimize the Yeti for recording vocals. It's the perfect setup for recording vocals, podcasts, interviews, etc. It has a built-in headphone jack with its own volume control. There's also a master volume control, a mute button, a mic gain control button, and a polar pattern selector with a bidirectional mode that lets you capture from the front and the back at the same time. This is great when you want to record a face to face interview.
Electro Voice RE20
The broadcast standard for decades. The RE20 is the broadcast studio voice-over mic used by pros for years. The RE20 is smooth across a wide spectrum of frequencies, and because it's a Continuously Variable-D mic, it's virtually free of bass-boosting "proximity effect" when used close. A massive steel housing and effective hum-bucking coil assure the RE20's resistance to magnetically induced hum and noise. This means the RE20 can be used successfully in situations where other microphones would experience unacceptable levels of hum and buzz. By exploiting the strength of its steel housing and employing a mechanical nesting concept, EV designers have created an exceptionally rugged microphone with superior handling noise rejection ideally suited for professional uses.
Harlan Hogan VO: 1-A
This studio-quality condenser Microphone is designed exclusively for voice overs artists. This is roadworthy mic that comes in a foam-lined travel case. The VO: 1-A will faithfully capture deep tones without sounding too heavy and has a silky smooth top end that is never harsh.
Heil Sound PR 30
The Heil PR 30 is a completely new approach to dynamic microphone technology. Its designed for a wide range of professional applications including commercial broadcast. It has a smooth, wide frequency range and sounds like a ribbon but can withstand high amounts of SPL.
Heil Sound PR 40
One of the most natural mics for talk show hosts, voice over applications. The PR 40 has unbelievable rear rejection that can avoid capturing unwanted noise. Four rear ports provide excellent rear rejection and minimum proximity effect.
M-Audio Nova
The Nova cardioid redefines the entry-level price point for quality studio condenser microphones. Recordings with the Nova are true to the source, and the mic has low noise, distortion and coloration. It is a great value for the entry level VO artist.
Manley Reference Tube Mic
Warm and clear the Manley Reference mic's proximity effect offers good immunity from pops and sibilance problems. This mic produces a robust and powerful sound.
Miktek CV4 Tube Mic
The CV4 from Miktek manages to give you two things every studio engineer wants — amazing tube warmth plus extreme versatility. The versatility comes from the CV4's nine pickup patterns, easily selectable to tailor your sound to any source. You'll love the CV4 on the usual suspects, including vocalists. The heart of the Miktek CV4's sound comes from its AMI BT4 transformer and original NOS Telefunken EF800 tube — offering up a classic sound you'd expect from some of the earliest vintage tube microphones. All in all, the CV4 manages to gives you that artist-pleasing, producer-pleasing "big sound." The bottom end is warm, tight, and big, complete with present and even mids.
Mojave Audio MA-200 Tube Mic
David Royer is known worldwide for his modern ribbon microphone designs. Years before Royer Labs opened, David designed and built custom vacuum tube condenser microphones for Los Angeles engineers and recording studios. His early mics were used on many hit recordings. It's a modern condenser mic with classic characteristics. The large-diaphragm MA-200 gives warm, full-bodied reproductions of vocals and instruments without the shrillness and high-frequency grunge so often encountered with modern condenser microphones. The MA-200 is great on lead and background vocals and voice over.
Mojave Audio MA-201
The MA-201 fet is a FET-based counterpart to its tube-powered brother, the MA-200. It's a more affordable alternative that still manages to capture warm, full-bodied sound when used on a variety of sound sources. From vocals to voiceover work to more raucous sources the MA-201 easily handles it all.
Neumann BCM 705
Designed also to be a great broadcast mic. Has superior resistance to plosives but not at the expense of good, clear high-frequency response. The integrated pop screen further reduce breathe noise and sibilance. The capsule's mechanical suspension reduce the mic's sensitivity to stand movement or handling shocks. The microphone in its mount is elastically suspended and compatible via standard broadcast-segment microphone arms.
Neumann TLM 102
Don't let its size fool you! Inside the TLM 102 sits a large-diaphragm, cardioid capsule that Neumann developed specifically for their next generation of microphones intended for a broad range of applications. The TLM 102 is built around low-noise circuitry and captures sound sources without adding extensive color. Has a slight boost in the upper frequencies that bolster the presence of the voice. This characteristic adds a quality often called "sweetness" to vocals that makes them jump out in the mix. The extra smoothness tends to enhance vocals by smoothing out a highly audible frequency range and adds some extra dimension to spoken recordings.
Neumann TLM 103
The U 87's baby brother the TLM 103 is an extremely quiet mic that has a smooth and silky sound making it a great choice for narration.
Neumann U 87
The Neumann U 87 is probably the most widely used studio microphone in the world. Its three polar patterns make it a great choice for VO artists who do a wide variety of projects. It produces a big, full sound. Great for both stationary and animated VO work.
Rode Broadcaster
Rode Broadcaster is a large diaphragm condenser mic that is mounted to a clip so it can be boomed in to a broadcast person with ease. The really unique thing about it is the LED "on-air" indicator on top that lights up when the mic is hot. Features ultra low noise, voice tailored low cut filter, internal pop filter and internally shock-mounted capsule.
Rode NT1-A
The Rode NT1A has ultra-low self noise which means you can record quiet passages without worry of competing with the noise the mic is generating. The low self noise ensures that even the faintest whisper will be captured with exceptional detail.
Great for audio books and where detail to articulation is required.
Rode NT1000
The NT1000 is an ultra-low noise mic with a big sound. Ideal for broadcast projects. It sounds great with no EQ required and cuts right through a mix.
Rode NT2-A
The NT2-A is a studio microphone with variable pick-up pattern, variable high pass filter and variable pad. These features provide greater creative control and versatility. Three 3-position switches located on the mic body provide the freedom to step from Figure 8, Cardioid or Omni polar pick-up patterns; from a flat response to either 80 Hz or 40 Hz high-pass filter and a Pad adjustment of 0 dB, -5 dB or -10 dB attenuation. Evokes the silky smooth character of the legendary microphones of the 50's and 60's.
Rode NT2000
Rode's NT2000 boasts fully variable control - a totally variable polar pattern, a totally variable high-pass filter, and a totally variable pad, all located on the mic's body! In this way, Rode has given you the ability to totally customize your sound from take to take, session to session. The frequency and transient response of this new transducer has been voiced to complement today's modern recording techniques, and yet still evoke the silky smooth character of the legendary mics of the 50s and 60s.
Rode NTG-1
Shotgun mic For film, Video, and trailer VO projects. It has been specifically designed for professional applications within the film, video, television, voice-over and ENG (Electronic News Gathering) industries.
Also an ideal choice for environments with unwanted noise.
Rode NTG-2
The NTG-2 also sounds absolutely great, thanks to its wide frequency range and tight supercardioid pickup pattern. Want tough? It'll take what you can dish out and keep sounding fantastic, in any environment. Want flexibility? This mic can be phantom powered or you can run it off of a battery. The NTG-2 comes complete with a mount and a handy windshield. Broadcast sound quality.
Rode NTK Tube Mic
The RODE NTK sits squarely in the "far more than you expect for the money" category. Combining rich, natural sound characteristics with a touch of vintage vibe, the NTK brings you the best of the classic and modern sonic worlds. The mic's gentle presence boost makes everything sound good, especially vocals, and the tone really opens up as you hit the capsule with more level.
Rode Podcaster USB Mic
As its name suggests, the RODE Podcaster microphone was specifically designed for computer recording applications where wide frequency response and low distortion are demanded. Quality USB mic based on Broadcaster design, tailored-for-voice frequency response with high-pass filter. The Podcaster offers the clarity of RODE's tailored-for-voice frequency response, an "ON" LED, a direct headphone amp, and of course very low self noise.
Rode PROCASTER
A Quality Recording and Broadcast Mic. As its name suggests, the RODE Procaster microphone was specifically designed for recording and broadcast applications where wide frequency response and low distortion are demanded. The RODE Procaster is based on their popular Broadcaster microphone.
Samson C01
The sturdy CO1 large diaphragm condenser microphone is probably one of the best values you'll find in a recording microphone. This is a great all-around studio recording mic, ideal for capturing vocals. The overall sound is accurate, detailed and smooth with warm bass and extended top end.
Samson C01U USB Mic
The Samson C01U is based on the popular C01 and is a podcaster's dream come true. With a simple USB connection straight into a computer, the C01U brings studio-quality sound to your podcasts. Extremely detailed sound reproduction ideal for vocal recordings.
Samson CL7
Never before has a studio mic this good been available at this price. The CL7 has a true capacitor condenser mic element. Capacitor-based elements are warmer, brighter and bigger sounding than electret-based elements. The CL7 faithfully reproduces a variety of sound sources including vocals. Smooth and transparent sound reproduction.
Samson CO3
An incredibly flexible and great-sounding studio condenser microphone! Perfect for stationary recordings or put it in Omni mode and get animated if the project requires it.
Samson G-Track USB Mic
Samson's G-Track is the world's first USB condenser microphone with a built-in audio interface and mixer, allowing simultaneous input of vocals along with another source while also monitoring through an on board headphone output. Ideal for the traveling or the home project studio. Like all large-diaphragm condenser mics it is ideal for any sort of vocal work.
Sennheiser MD 421 II
One of Sennheiser's most popular microphones! The MD 421 II's full-bodied cardioid pattern and five-position bass control means you can use the MD 421 II in close-miking situations and still get clean, clear response with no unnatural bass boost. It's great choice for broadcast and VO work. Excellent feedback rejection and sound qualities enable it to cope with the most diverse recording conditions and broadcasting applications.
Sennheiser MD 441U
Great for broadcast applications. The MD 441U is a dynamic mic of exceptional quality and versatility that incorporates the best qualities of both dynamic and condenser mic technologies, the MD-441U is acknowledged as one of the most accurate and versatile dynamic mics available. It has a nearly textbook perfect supercardioid polar pattern, a five-position bass contour switch, a critically dampened internal shock suspension, and a humbucking coil.
Sennheiser MKH-416
The Sennheiser MKH-416 microphone is a shotgun mic often used on film/TV sets. It's also often used on movie trailers or anytime cutting thru a mix is required. It has a very tight and focused sound. It also can be used in a noisy space because it only picks up sound from what it is pointing at and rejects all other potential sound sources.
Shure KSM32
The Shure KSM32 offers a natural, clear and transparent sound making it ideal for any time clarity is of utmost importance. Great choice for On Hold phone system recordings. Its bass frequency roll-off will remove unwanted low frequencies making it a good choice if the recording space has hum or rumble.
Shure PG27
The PG27 is built to withstand the high volume making it a great choice for VO work that requires lots of energy. The flat response of the PG27 offers a natural response great for projects where the voice is isolated.
Shure SM27
Shure's SM27 brings the rugged reliability of the SM series to the world of large-diaphragm condensers yet is delicate enough to effectively capture vocals. Its large Mylar diaphragm reacts quickly to transients and three separate mash layers reduce wind and breath noise, making the SM27 a great fit VO projects.
Essentially a flat mic until the crucial "airy" frequencies, where the SM27 exhibits a bump resulting increased clarity.
Shure SM7B
Amazing Vocal Mic for both Broadcast and Recording! Whether you work with vocals in the broadcast environment or strive to get great-sounding takes from singers in the studio, you can't go wrong if you use Shure's amazing SM7B. This compact mic is equally at home in the radio studio and in the recording room. You'll appreciate its flat, wide-range frequency response, which is perfect for close-miked spoken or sung vocals. Improved rejection of electromagnetic hum, optimized for shielding against broadband interference. Internal "air suspension" shock isolation virtually eliminates mechanical noise transmission. Effective pop filter eliminates need for any add-on protection against explosive breath sounds.
Sony C-800G Tube Mic
This is one of the best microphones money can buy. Used on countless recordings including voice overs. A preamplifier is required. This mic is best used in an environment that has been designed for recording and is quiet. The sound of this mic is robust and clear. Perfect for any VO work.
Studio Projects B1
The B1 condenser mic is an excellent recording mic, great for production, broadcast, and voice over work. This is an excellent choice for audio books or other narrations where the voice is isolated due to it's extreme low noise. It offers a natural transparent sound with a thick bodied low end.
Studio Projects B3
The B3 shares the features of the B1 but offer's three recording pattern positions cardiod, omni, and a true figure eight, making it a good choice for both stationary and in-motion recording sessions.
Great for production, broadcast, and voice over work.
Studio Projects C1
The C1 performs and sounds like mics that cost a few times its price! It is ideal for broadcast applications and has extremely low noise. A quality vocal mic suitable for production, broadcast, and voice-over work.
Studio Projects CS1
The Studio Projects CS1 features four selectable pads, four high-pass filters, and four low-pass filters for added control in various recording applications. Its a very versatile mic. The CS1 delivers a clear, full response. Works great as an announcer's mic for broadcasting/dubbing. The various high-pass and low-pass filters provide the ability to really hone in on the voice and reject frequencies above and below it. Ideal for locations where there is unwanted low/high frequency noise or if there is to much sibilance.
Studio Projects CS5
The Studio Projects CS5 condenser microphone gives you the accuracy and richness of a large-diaphragm mic, plus multiple pickup patterns, four high-pass filters, and four low-pass filters offer a wide array of applications. Its extremely low self-noise allows you to record with great accuracy and detail. Works great as an announcer's mic for broadcasting/dubbing.
Studio Projects T3 Tube Mic
The T3 is Studio Project's high-end vacuum tube microphone, featuring a special hand selected vacuum tube and the finest components to deliver the warm, transparent sound listeners love. It's a great all-purpose recording mic, offering phenomenal performance for broadcast work and especially vocals. The T3 offers completely variable polar patterns for the most flexibility and creativity when recording.
