voice-over mic help

jt

So my company wants to record a series of voice overs to a video that I am busy doing.
We recorded a test with a mac book straight from garage band.

They seemed somewhat happy with the results but I didnt... (they didn't use headphones, only laptop speakers) and so I would think that using a better microphone might lead to better results*.

I do not think they would want to spend more than a 1000 so thats my question. Preferably a USB mic for voice over work under a 1000 but of course if spending 50 percent more leads to something like 60 percent better results then thats fine, suggestions please and tips welcomed.

*with regard to the result, I also noticed a bit of echo in the voice over due to us recording in a board room. Would it be worth more to try get a small isolation booth thingamajig and stick with the on-board mic?

thanks

AlanRatcliffe

Best way to get the corporate types to pony up is let them hear the result on a decent system in comparison to a competitors vid on the same system ? From everything you've said, I'm pretty sure it's not going to be pretty. Get a few rough quotes from small studios to compare it to as well and point out that investing in some decent gear will be far far cheaper in the long run and pay for itself within one or two videos.

The Samson C01U should retail about R1500, which should mean about R1,100 street price. Yeah, you could go less ...but I wouldn't. Then add mic stand and shockmount. Ideally you should add a Reflexion filter, which will double the cost because yes, the acoustic space is hugely important to a voiceover recording. Having said that if they are not to worried about the results, arranging some free-standing office screens in a diamond shape around the mic will give decent (but not great) results. If you have the spare screens on hand, it's a no-brainer.

DrGonzo

If you can stretch - Invest in a Reflection Filter... if you cant afford the SE one, there are some cheaper alternatives that would help for sure.

As Alan said, maybe you can convince the company to spend a little more in the interest of "Effectively Conveying their Message!"

jt

Alan, you say the samson c01u but i have found some other mics that seem suitable too, what you guys think...

Blue Microphone snowball
Review:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/usb-microphones/blue-snowball-usb-microphone

Samson Meteor USB Mic //looks most promising to me
Review:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/usb-microphones/samson-meteor-usb-mic?pfm=sp

MXL 990 USB Powered Condenser Microphone
Review:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/usb-microphones/mxl-990-usb-powered-condenser-microphone?pfm=sp

Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Mic
Review:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/usb-microphones/samson-go-mic-portable-usb-condenser-mic?pfm=sp

either than that.. I will pass the info and suggestions on

thanks a butt-load (126 gallons ???)

AlanRatcliffe

USB mics are not really my field of expertise to be honest. I default to SM7 or RE20 for voiceover applications (I love dynamics for voiceover). But then you'd need a decent interface too... Oh... and a trusty old U87 works well for anything - just way beyond most home or project studio price brackets. ?

I've heard good things about the MXL 990 you mentioned and the Blue Yeti seems to be a very popular choice among podcasters (although I have a sneaking suspicion that might be as much about the looks as anything).

sharonzaz

I actually found that the mic on the average iPhone is fantastic.
However, a dry, reflection less area, or at least as dry as possible
Is a must.

In a panic, a producer to a theatre production remembered
They haven't recorded the introduction to the show.
We found a nice dry spot and used my iPhone, the result? Fantastic!

My guess is the MacBooks mic is similar.

Greg

Check out the Avantone Mics. They're Chinese made and you can pick up a valve condenser or a ribbon mic for like 1.5-3k!

Mo-Facta

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: USB mics are not really my field of expertise to be honest. I default to SM7 or RE20 for voiceover applications (I love dynamics for voiceover). But then you'd need a decent interface too... Oh... and a trusty old U87 works well for anything - just way beyond most home or project studio price brackets. ?

I've heard good things about the MXL 990 you mentioned and the Blue Yeti seems to be a very popular choice among podcasters (although I have a sneaking suspicion that might be as much about the looks as anything).

Yup, I totally agree, the SM7 is the best dynamic mic ever made, IMO. Thriller is a testament to that. I have one and last night I used it on kick drum at a live gig with fantastic results (no EQ) and for voice overs and pop rock vocals it sounds better than a Neumann tlm103 to my ears. Amazing mic and not expensive either. The Re20 is also great but has virtually no proximity effect which can make it sound a bit flat at times. But great on everything as well!

Cheers ?

Mo-Facta

Oh, and please don't get a USB mic. Most of them are horrendous. Seriously. Bedlam.

Cheers. ?