A voice over microphone can make a big difference in your voice-acting work, narrations, vocals, and other tasks. A decent mic will guarantee that your projects have clear, crisp audio, whereas a bad mic could produce low-quality, muddled, amateurish audio that won't sound correct no matter how much editing you do. In this article, we will cover the following parts.
- When to use it?
- Which type of microphone should you choose?
- If you want to pick the one that works the best, what specs should you look for?
- How to improve the voice over recording technique?
- What other equipment is needed for professional voice-over works?
3 scenarios when using microphone for voice over plays a big role
Voice-overs are excellent additions to your video for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that they may fill in crucial narrative gaps and assist in resolving frequent production-related concerns. Here are three situations where effective voice-overs are beneficial:
1. The original audio is terrible.
No matter how carefully you keep an eye on your equipment while on a shoot, a problem might happen at any time. Also, the problem can not become apparent for several minutes or even hours.
Imagine you're watching your traveling vlog footage and find too late that all of the footage from a certain day had audio edited out. The next best thing is to record a voice-over because it is not possible to pick up a script and re-record what you said precisely as you said it.
You may save the necessary film and use the voice-over to inform your audience about your experience rather than discarding all of the other material (and, you can even talk about the technical issues you encountered if you want).
2. There isn't enough continuity between shots.
Additionally, voice over microphone can be utilized to fill in the gaps between various shots. Perhaps you failed to include a crucial information that you should have when recording. Perhaps the footage switches between locations more abruptly than you want.
In any case, adding a voice-over is an excellent method to explain what's going on screen and to offer any additional ideas that occurred to you during editing.
3.There is a lot of awkward silence.
A few seconds of unpleasant quiet or "dead air" is a big deal in broadcast journalism. For YouTubers and filmmakers, it's fortunately not nearly as bad, especially when silence is utilized as a narrative device. Still, if silence persists for too long, it may be uncomfortable.
Use voice over microphone for YouTube videos, look for possibilities to add a voice-over while you compile the film for your next video. And at these times, when a voice-over wouldn't be appropriate for a variety of reasons, authorized music might fill the void.
What microphone to use for voice over: Condenser or dynamic?
Dynamic and condenser microphones are the two most popular types. They both convert sound into electrical impulses, but their are different in working principles.
Dynamic
Dynamic mics are the norm. They come in sizes ranging from studio mic size to that in your smartphone. This kind is all-purpose and has a wide range of uses.
Pros:
- Smooths out voice flaws
- Robust and enduring
- Requires no phantom power
- Works in loud environments and offers voice isolation
Cons:
- Less sensitive
- Narrower dynamic range
- Proximity effect(when you speak closely to the mic, low-frequency will boost)
Best for: Long narratives and audiobooks, untreated home studios, outdoor recording, streaming, broadcasts, and live events.
Condenser
It is also common to use condenser microphone for voice over. It is intended primarily for studio use and are better suited for voice over recording. A larger diaphragm and more sensitivity aid in producing a rich-sounding natural voice.
Pros:
- Natural frequency response
- Wider dynamic range
- Greater sensitivity
Cons:
- Additional careful acoustic treatment for your room
- Background noise will need extra caution on your part
- Fragile, susceptible to harm from dust and dampness
Best for: Voice overs, audiobooks, podcasts, and other uses in professional soundproof studios or closets.
How to choose the best microphone for voice over?
There are numerous varieties of voice over microphone available, and not every one of them is exactly the same. Whatever option you select, keep the following things in mind:
- Low Self-Noise: In a soundproof space, a mic with a low self-noise rating helps reduce background noise.
- Sensitivity: Select a sensitive mic that helps to highlight the distinctive details of your recorded voice if you have a soundproof recording space. Select a low-sensitivity one that muffles sound waves to assist reduce background noise if your recording environment is not soundproof.
- Flat frequency response: You want to pick a microphone that faithfully reproduces your voice while still making you sound like yourself. This is possible with a microphone with a flat frequency response. A microphone's frequency response, or how effectively it reproduces the sound it is taking up as measured in Hertz, should always be considered (Hz). Normal adult voice frequencies range from 110 to 210 Hz. A microphone for voice over recording should have a frequency response range that covers the normal range of human voices, which is around 80 Hz to 15,000 Hz.
- Polar response: The microphone you select is heavily influenced by the recording setting. Choose one that is appropriate for your home studio and has a constant pattern of at least 0-degrees on-axis and 90-degrees to the side.
- Proximity effect: Consider the sound you want to attain and be recognized for. The proximity effect can make you sound more professional, but it can also change the tone of your voice if you move throughout the recording. Try out a mic with a proximity effect to see if you like it.
Table: SYNCO voice over microphone recommendations
SYNCO has launched several models of shotgun microphone for voice over. Below is a list of their specs.
|
Product |
D1 |
D2 |
D30 |
|
Type |
Condenser |
Condenser |
Condenser |
|
Signal/Noise |
78dB（1KHz at 1Pa） |
80dB (1KHz at 1Pa) |
82dB（1KHz at 1Pa） |
|
Sensitivity |
-34dB/-32dB±2dB（1dB=1V/Pa at 1kHz） |
-32dB±3dB (1dB=1V/Pa at 1KHz) |
-24dB±2dB (1dB=1V/Pa at 1KHz) |
|
Frequency response |
40Hz to 20KHz |
20Hz to 20KHz |
20Hz to 20KHz |
|
Polar pattern |
Hyper Cardioid |
Hyper Cardioid |
Super Cardioid |
Go and buy SYNCO microphone for voice over at a 35% discount
How to improve microphone technique for voice over?
Microphone placement. Put the voice over microphone six to twelve inches away from your mouth. Stepping too near to the microphone can produce a muddy or boomy sound, while standing too far away risks taking up too much ambient sound, which can make your recording seem foggy or distant.
Acoustic treatment. The environment in which you record also has a significant impact on the sound quality of your vocal recordings. Smaller rooms and walls with reflecting surfaces can generate undesired reverberation, which reduces the quality of your voice. You may reduce this by treating your room with acoustic foam panels, which absorb sound rather than reflecting it back into the area. Hanging soft tapestries or empty egg cartons can also assist absorb reverberant sound if you're on a tight budget.
Other must-haves to use with studio voice over microphone
To ensure professional voice over microphone setup, you need the following equipment:
- Headphones: You'll need a good pair of headphones to monitor audio tracks when recording voice overs. It's critical to utilize headphones when monitoring since you don't want your mic picking up sound from the speakers. Otherwise, it will have an unpleasant feedback effect.
- Microphone stands: Use a mic stand that fits your setup and desired position to prevent shakiness and sound disturbances. Selecting a desk stand or a studio arm makes sense if you'll be sitting down while recording voice overs. A desk stand is a more compact, desktop substitute for a typical microphone stand. A studio arm can be mounted to a table using a fixed holder or a moveable clamp.
- Pop filters: Pop filters essentially help your speech flow. Avoiding plosives and sibilants is crucial when employing sensitive microphones since these noises might be picked up by the device. A pop filter, a little screen with a clamp that attaches to a microphone stand, is the ideal tool for the job.
- Shock mount: A shock mount is a device to prevent the mic from picking up rumbling sounds from the tabletop or floor. It is attached to the end of a microphone stand and holds the mic.
- Audio interface: It is equipment that connects to computers through USB or other interfaces (USB-C, FireWire). Do you need to use voice over microphone for computer? It is a good solution.
- Acoustic panels: Foam panels are also particularly intended to reduce ambient noise in the space. They are typically positioned in key areas throughout the studio. Acoustic panels vary in size and construction, with some including bass traps and adhesives. They are appropriate for recording studios, voice booths, control rooms, and other locations. In fact, they'll perform well wherever to assist reduce echoes within the space.