The Best Mic for Voice Over
Table of Contents
Your Ultimate Guide to the Top Mic for Voice-Over
Recording voice-over or doing voice acting is a career that requires a lot of discipline, dedication, and practice. Recording professionals and voice actors know how important it is to select the proper recording gear — interfaces, preamps, acoustic treatments, pop filters, and most importantly, a microphone. Without a proper microphone, your own voice won’t be crisp or clear enough and will make your work sound poor.
Getting the best mic for doing VOs will ensure that you’ll have clean and balanced audio with pro-grade quality. However, people often wrongly assume that microphones for voice-over recording are expensive. That is not necessarily true. There are numerous decent microphone options in the market that you can purchase without breaking the bank.
In this article, we’ll be ranking the best mics for doing VOs. These mics were picked based on several factors such as sound quality, durability, features, budget, and more. Whether you’re a professional voice actor who needs to update your gear or someone who is just starting in VO recording, this guide can hopefully help you choose the right mic that suits you.
What Is the Best Mic for Recording Voice Over?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best Studio Quality |  Best Premium |
Blue Yeti ProBlue Yeti Pro is the top choice among voice-over professionals and recording studios. It easily captures clear and crisp VO and instrumentals. | Røde NT1ARøde NT1A is preferred by recording studios due to its sensitivity to capture ambient sounds yet still filter out background noises. It produces a clear sound quality that's highly regarded by sound engineers. | Neumann TLM 103Featuring a classy metal build, Neumann TLM 103 is the ultimate premium mic thanks to its capability to decrease self-noise, increase the sound pressure level handling, and aid in feedback suppression. |
Sound Quality:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Features:⭐⭐⭐⭐
| Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Design:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Features:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
| Sound Quality:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Features:⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
Let’s Go Over Each Mic for Voice-Over
#1: Blue Yeti Pro
If you’re planning on getting a voice-over microphone that consistently delivers quality recordings, picking up the Blue Yeti Pro will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever have.
With a beautiful build, this affordable VO mic offers both USB and XLR connectivity, as well as multiple pickup pattern options, making it highly flexible and versatile.
From acoustic guitar and bass to speech and vocals, the Yeti Pro is a favorite option for many content creators worldwide. Thanks to its tiny stature, this mic can be used not only in your home studio but also in your mobile workstation, or even when you’re on the road.
Moreover, its multiple recording modes can be adjusted according to your preference.
The Yeti Pro also offers a built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring, volume control, and microphone gain control. With these features and options, it’s not a wonder that the Yeti Pro is highly regarded as the best mic for recording VO personalities.
Furthermore, it’s a little more affordable than most voiceover microphones. If you really want a spectacular mic that’s a bang for your buck, then consider this one.
Pros and Cons of the Blue Yeti Pro
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ USB or XLR recording capability ✔ Easy to use ✔ Zero-latency monitoring ✔ Comes with a mic stand | ✖️ Can take a bit to initially configure its digital and analog modes |
#2: Røde NT1A
The Rode NT1A is a condenser microphone that’s a popular choice among working voice actors and studio engineers from all walks of life. This utilizes a cardioid polar pattern, capturing sound only from the front. It’s capable of delivering warm audio with impressive dynamics.
The NT1A provides clean and balanced audio, making it incredibly flattering for any type of audio source. It also has a very low self-noise and blocks off-axis sound quite easily. When used in a vocal booth, this mic delivered clarity that sparkled.
Inside, the NT1A has a JFET impedance cover that ensures the conversion of sound waves into studio-quality recordings. It requires the use of audio interfaces or phantom power as this mic is equipped with an XLR input.
While this mic for VO will surely capture ambient sounds, fret not for it comes with its own filter that reduces noises in your recording. This cardioid large diaphragm condenser microphone also comes with an isolation mount, cable, and dust cover in the package.
Pros and Cons of the Rode NT1A
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Has low self-noise ✔ Lets voice actors provide clean and balance actual audio ✔ Excellent build quality ✔ Comes with its own pop filter and shock mount | ✖️ Pricey |
#3: Neumann TLM 103
If you’re looking to level up your VO game with a premium microphone, look no further because the Neumann TLM 103 might be the perfect one for you. The TLM 103 is a microphone that delivers superb sound quality for a VO artist. It’s also considered the standard for recording solo vocals in the studio.
Unlike most recording music and gear used in the studio, the TLM 103 has a large diaphragm yet a small stature. However, don’t let its small footprint deter you as this microphone is packed with premium features.
Its internal circuitry decreases self-noise, significantly increases the sound pressure level handling, and aids in feedback suppression. Additionally, Neumann made certain that the TLM 103 is truly premium as it has a rugged casing made of metal with a nickel finish for its external build.
Most people who used the TLM 103 said this allowed them to sound natural and clean. This cardioid condenser microphone also works efficiently against plosives and pop noises, removing harsh overtones or buzzing.
The TLM 103 is a good choice for home studio recording artists, especially those who are looking for an alternative to broadcast or studio mics.
Pros and Cons of the Neumann TLM 103
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Extremely low self-noise ✔ Has a wide frequency range ✔ Premium internal and external build quality | ✖️ Expensive |
#4: Harlan Hogan VO
The Harlan Hogan VO is one of the best mics for doing VOs and even novice audio producers. This exceptionally pricey mic supports both USB and XLR connections.
You can plug the Harlan Hogan VO into your audio interface unit at home or use it as a standalone USB microphone on the road. Thanks to its dual connectivity, the Harlan Hogan VO is very convenient to have.
Designed by VO legend Harlan Hogan and manufactured by Marshall Electronics, this condenser mic places emphasis, quality, and attention to detail on the frequency response of the human voice.
The mic delivers a deep, rich bass sound without sounding muddy and also provides a silky-smooth top end without sounding harsh.
Thanks to its quality and consistency, the Harlan Hogan VO is an excellent mic for any voice-over artist of any experience level. Additionally, the Harlan Hogan VO comes with a hard case, a shock mount, an XLR cable, a quick clip mount, as well as two replacement mount bands.
Pros and Cons Harlan Hogan VO
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ XLR and USB microphone ✔ Includes accessories in the package ✔ Great for VO actors of any level | ✖️ Can be very sensitive ✖️ Can be a bass-y mic for those who have deep voice |
#5: Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ is one of the most popular USB microphones out there. This convenient condenser mic doesn’t need any kind of pre-amp, allowing you to plug in and start recording from your computer right away.
This high-quality microphone is an upgrade of the AT2020USB, hence the ‘+’ (plus) in its name.
Different from a lot of USB-type mics in the market, the AT2020USB+ comes with a self-monitoring feature. You can just plug your headphones in the mic’s included headphone jack and hear yourself while you’re recording your VO performances.
It includes a built-in amplifier, allowing you to use it directly within any recording software and without having to do much post-production gain adjustment. This feature also allows you to record a variety of dynamic vocal performances without losing quality or picking up digital signal noise.
Aside from VOs, the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ is also great to use for streaming, video calls, and for beginner singers who want a solid microphone for vocals.
Pros and Cons of the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ USB connection ✔ Direct monitoring headphone jack ✔ Cardioid condenser microphone | ✖️ Has no shock mount or pop filter included |
#6: Shure SM7B
Large diaphragm condenser microphones are often the first choice for a voice-over artist but there are also dynamic mics that can deliver too. Many working voice actors mention this one excellent dynamic mic, and it’s the Shure SM7B.
This spectacular mic is highly popular and is considered one of the top vocal microphones in the world. Aside from being utilized in a vocal studio setting, this dynamic cardioid mic is also used in radio stations, home setups, and even in loud voiceover performance pieces.
Its actual audio delivers a rich yet neutral low-end sound, making every recording sound smoother, pleasant, and true-to-life — sometimes, even better.
The package includes a pop filter that protects against plosives and electromagnetic hums, effectively eliminating noise for narrations. Best of all, this dynamic studio recording mic has a price tag that won’t break the bank, making it an attractive option for artists and performers who need a dynamic solution while still capturing detailed sounds.
Pros and Cons of the Shure SM7B
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ All-around microphone ✔ Includes a pop filter ✔ Cardioid polar pattern | ✖️ Can be pricey |
#7. LEWITT Pure Tube
If you want something premium as the last mic you’ll ever buy for your VO work, let it be the LEWITT Pure Tube. Designed for studio application, the LEWITT Pure Tube offers exceptional quality and performance with its single-stage tube amplification system that delivers a warm, natural tone.
The Pure Tube has an ultra-low noise floor, allowing it to capture even the faintest details without picking up any ambient noise. The fixed cardioid pattern also further refines the mic’s ability to isolate the primary source.
Design-wise, the Pure Tube has a hand-selected tube that forms the basis of the single-stage circuit. It also includes a high-quality magnetic pop shield that attaches easily to the mic, minimizing plosives during vocal performances. The isolation mount also reduces unwanted vibration and handling noise.
These features combined with a zinc die-cast body, a 7-pin XLR cable, and a custom power supply unit, the LEWITT Pure Tube is a solid investment for anyone seeking high-quality audio.
Pros and Cons of the LEWITT Pure Tube
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Delivers a premium sound ✔ Minimal proximity effect ✔ Has a hand-selected tube and magnetic pop shield ✔ Premium design and components | ✖️ Expensive |
Two Main Types of Microphones for Voice Overs
There are two main types of microphones: dynamic and condenser. Both types can be used to record voiceovers. While they can be used for VO recording, these two types have their unique strengths and differences. Let’s take a look at these different microphones.
Condenser Mics
Condenser mics are specifically designed for studio use. Voiceover and recording industries consider condenser mics as the standard due to their high-quality sound and ability to deliver lively middle and upper frequencies.
A condenser has a thin diaphragm, allowing it to react quickly to very faint sound waves. This high sensitivity makes a condenser mic excellent for dutifully recording detailed sound.
Dynamic Mics
Most microphones fall into this type. A dynamic microphone is often used for a variety of applications, such as broadcasts, live performances, interviews, outdoor recordings, and the like.
Dynamic microphones are less sensitive than condenser mics, making them ideal to use in noisy environments as they can isolate your voice and won’t pick up any background noise. Most dynamic mics produce a warm sound.
What Type of Mic Is Best for Voice-over?
When it comes to selecting the ideal microphone for voiceover work, condenser microphones often steal the spotlight. Renowned for their sensitivity and ability to capture nuanced vocal tones, condenser mics are favored for their crisp and detailed sound reproduction. They excel at capturing the subtle nuances and nuances in voice that make performances truly captivating. Plus, their wide frequency response ensures that every breath, whisper, and inflection is faithfully captured, enhancing the richness of your recordings.
How To Choose The Best Microphone for Voice Overs
Recording VOs is a serious career and passion for many individuals. However, without a good microphone, the audio quality of your VO may sound horrible. To ensure that you acquire the best mic for VO recording, here are some characteristics that you should consider in choosing the right microphone.
Frequency Response and Sound Quality
The frequency response determines the range of sound that the microphone can capture. It also decides the microphone’s overall sound quality. A microphone with a large diaphragm can pick up lower frequencies such as a deep human voice, while small diaphragm condensers are designed to pick up higher frequencies such as a female voice.
A microphone that has a frequency response range from 85 Hz to 255 Hz is optimized for the human vocal range, making it ideal for doing VO work.
Polar Pattern
Also known as a pickup pattern, this determines the “active” area of the microphone. Simply put, it is the direction or angle at which a microphone is sensitive to sound. The best voiceover microphones typically have a cardioid polar pattern as they record in one order and the side sounds but not the back sounds.
Other microphone polar patterns that are used for more specific cases include subcardioid, omnidirectional, bi-directional, and shotgun.
Connection Type
This is the most important factor when purchasing a decent microphone. XLR connectivity is the more traditional option but with the rise of online content creation over the years, USB connectivity has become incredibly popular.
USB Mic
If you’re on a budget and want a cheaper mic that connects directly to your device and is pretty much plug-and-play, then a USB microphone is the one for you. Most USB mics are condensers. There are a lot of good-sounding mics that use a USB connection. Moreover, they’re also compact and have a built-in audio interface already. Aside from recording VO performances, USB mics tend to be the best for non-commercial applications, lectures, podcasts, and the like.
XLR Mic
A microphone with an XLR connection is a little more complex to use than a USB microphone. XLR mics are versatile and are more professional but they require additional gear, such as an audio interface and an XLR cable, to work.
They are available at a vast range of prices, from affordable to premium, and they have more upgrade options than mics that utilize a USB connection. They’re best used for home and most professional studios, outdoor recording using a camera or portable recorders, and on-stage use or handheld mic.
What Is the Best Mic Pattern for Voice-over?
Voiceover microphones with a cardioid pattern are typically the best choice. Why? Because they focus on capturing sound coming from the front while minimizing noise from the sides and rear. This directional pickup pattern ensures that your voice takes center stage while reducing the chances of picking up unwanted background noise or room reverberations. With a cardioid mic, you can confidently deliver clear and professional-sounding VO without distractions.
Which Mic Is Best for Your Voice?
The best mic for you largely depends on your vocal characteristics, recording space, and personal preferences. Pay attention to what working voice actors mention when it comes to what they look for in a microphone and what they use.
While some voices may thrive with the natural warmth of a tube condenser microphone, others may shine with the transparency of a solid-state condenser. It’s essential to experiment with different mics to find the one that complements your unique vocal qualities and brings out the best in your performances.
You would not want a mic that has an overly bright sounding mic if you have a thin and reedy voice, or a mic that will make you sound overly boomy if a deep-voiced talent will use a bass-y mic.
FR matters too. For talents recording at home, flat response curves are the best ones. This allows the voice actor provide clean and balanced audio to the engineer who will be using it in the final product.
The perfect mic is the one that won’t make you sound horrible but instead be at your best. You don’t have to put all your money into one mic as it’s not likely to be the last mic you’ll ever buy. Instead, get something decent that will work for you at the moment, whether you have a thin and reedy voice or you’re a deep-voiced talent, and upgrade to something else if it makes sense for you to do so.
Don’t forget about other factors too such as having a decent space to record in. Let’s say you have a great mic that checks all your needs: you don’t sound overly boomy, it has balanced flat response curves, and you didn’t go over your budget with it. However, you have a poorly treated room to record in. Even if you have a superb mic, recording in a poorly treated room will let your mic dutifully record every sound and detail, resulting in a dreadful performance.
Make sure that your space is suitable for any talent recording, whether it’s yourself or other people. Having a great room plus a good mic will turn any dreadful performance into a delightful one instead.
What Is the Industry Standard Voice-over Mic?
In professional VO work, the Neumann U87 stands tall as the industry standard microphone. Renowned for its impeccable sound, versatility, and reliability, the U87 has been a staple in recording studios for decades. Its transparent sound signature, coupled with its ability to capture vocals with unparalleled clarity, makes it the top choice for discerning VO artists and audio engineers alike. While the U87 comes with a premium price tag, its exceptional performance and enduring legacy make it a worthy investment for serious VO professionals.
What Do Youtubers Use for Voice Over?
YouTube and other video players can change the audio to some degree. For VOs, narrations, and other types of content, having a mic that will allow your natural voice to shrine through video players can be very helpful.
For a video mic, many YouTubers use the Blue Yeti X which has a four-capsule array, background noise eliminator, output level adjustment, and built-in headphone jack. The Blue Yeti X can be used with the Blue VO!CE audio software that’s easier to use compared to programs like Adobe Audition. Some YouTubers also favor the Shure SM58 mounted on a boom arm, while others like to use the Rode NT1-A.
Some use the Rode PodMic as their video mic. It can be an overly bright-sounding mic for those who have a thin voice, however.
Final Note
There you have it, a guide to the best VO microphones in the industry. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, these good-sounding mics can aid in leveling up any VO project that you have.
When choosing a mic, jot down the list of essential features that need to meet your specific tasks. The most optimal mic for you is the one that can make your unique voice sound good.
Editor’s Choice
Blue Yeti Pro
If you’re looking for the best voiceover mic, the Blue Yeti Pro has you covered. If you’re on a budget but don’t want to risk having a dreadful performance, then this one is a new microphone that you can spend all your money on.
The Yeti Pro has risen in the ranks of the best USB microphones in the market thanks to its great sound quality and ease of use. This microphone is highly flexible and versatile as it’s equipped not only with USB but XLR connectivity as well.
What makes the Blue Yeti Pro an extremely popular choice for VO recording is its multi-pattern selection. Additionally, the Yeti Pro also has a tri-capsule array, allowing you to record in any type of situation.
With a price that won’t completely break the bank, the Blue Yeti Pro is a solid condenser mic that’s packed with features, making it an excellent choice for VO actors, professional or otherwise.
