Choosing the Perfect Mic: Top 10 Best Voice Over Microphones in 2024

Recording voice overs is an art that requires the best equipment. As a voiceover artist, you will not only require good software for editing but will also need the proper hardware for recording. The first need for any voiceover artist is a good microphone. A microphone is the best friend of any artist who wishes to record their audio.

Microphones allow an artist to record nothing but their voice without feedback or external noises. Knowing the nuances of recording will only be helpful if you have the right mic to support you. In 2023, there are many microphone options in the market, but not all are fit for recording voice overs. Here is all the information you need to find the perfect mic for your voiceover venture.

What To Consider Before Choosing The Perfect Mic?

It would be best to consider multiple factors before deciding on the perfect mic for recording voice overs. Here are some of them:

• Budget: Budget is significant because it narrows down your options. Before you go searching for the right mic, consider that just because something is expensive does not mean that it is excellent quality. And vice versa. It will allow you to have an open mind about the less expensive options and what they can do for you. 
• Mic Type: The first thing you should consider in the specifications of the mic is whether it is condenser or dynamic. Both types have their distinguished uses. For instance, if you are recording from a room that is not soundproofed or has some background noise, a dynamic-type mic is your best bet. It is also suitable for longer audio or outdoor recordings. On the other hand, condenser-type mics are best for recording voice overs in a studio or for a high-quality product. 
• Hands-free: Consider that when you buy a mic, you will also have to invest in a mic stand or mount. A handheld mic is not a good option for voice overs as it can impact the audio. For instance, if you are holding a mic, it is possible for the voice to sound uneven during recording, depending on the position of the mic. For crisper audio, consider recording with a mount so that you can control your voice modulation.
• Polar Patterns: The polar pattern of a mic is simply the audio pickup direction it is capable of. While many mics only provide cardioid (or uni) direction, others allow switching to omnidirectional and bidirectional. The unidirectional polar pattern is favorable for a solo artist speaking for one end. When set to omnidirectional, a mic will pick up sounds equally from all directions. A figure-8 or bidirectional setting creates a polar pattern that picks up sounds from opposite ends. It is directly related to the number of people joining in on the voiceover.
• Connectivity: All the mics will have connectivity listed when you read the specifications. The most common connector is the USB. The reason why it is popular is that you can effortlessly connect the microphone to the port of your computer system or laptop to get started. It is especially helpful with outdoor recordings. XLR is the second connectivity option that is used in studio recordings. You will need an adapter for a mic with XLR connectivity. While beginners might not consider it, XLR is excellent for creating crisper audio and better post-production results.

Top 10 Best Voiceover Microphones in 2023

Now that you know how to pick the perfect voiceover mic for recording, you can easily compare the options from our list. The best picks for voice microphones in 2023 are as follows:

Audio-Technica AT2020 USB+

As the name suggests, the connectivity of the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB+ is its biggest plus. The USB connector type gives the user freedom to connect to any device and record virtually anywhere without any hassle. The cardioid directional type allows this mic to be a good pick for voice overs. The AT2020 also includes an amplifier. The most significant benefit of this mic is the reduction of post-production edit time. 

What We Like:

• Self-monitoring feature
• Cardioid directional type
• Condenser mic type

Blue Yeti

Blue Yeti is a popular pick in the latest voiceover microphone list 2023. It is the prime pick for beginners because of its price and ease of setup. You can go with the cardioid feature if you are a solo artist. For recordings with multi-directional audio, the mic allows a switch to omnidirectional as well. The microphone allows the artist to edit and refine the audio with volume adjustments. Blue Yeti is a good option if you want more control over your voiceover during recording.

What We Like:

• Easy switch between cardioid and omnidirectional
• Headphone jack
• Condenser mic type

Blue Snowball iCE

Blue Snowball iCE is a mic that is very easy to set up. All you have to do is plug it in, and you will be ready to record anywhere. The connectivity remains the same with different devices, which is helpful for beginners. Another perk for users is that it can switch between omnidirectional and cardioid. It allows you to record solo or in collaboration with someone without needing to invest in another mic.

What We Like:

• USB connector port
• Budget buy
• Easy switch in direction

Rode NT1A

Rode NT1A is a good choice for mid-budget buyers as it includes features from some of the most expensive options in the market. You will get your money’s worth with this pick, as it also comes with a hands-free mount. It can pick the modulation in voice and allows you to record crisp voice overs with no need for a redo. Since this is a cardioid-type mic, it is ideally suited for solo voiceover artists. 

What We Like:

• It comes with a mount
• Pop filter
• Condenser mic type

Sennheiser MKH 416

If you are a beginner at recording voice overs, you can try out Sennheiser MKH 416. It comes with a condenser-type mic and can give you a studio-quality recording. The mic allows the user to work effortlessly, even in a room that is not entirely soundproof. If you want to switch mics because of high feedback, then choosing the MKH 416 is a sensible choice. 

What We Like:

• Small diaphragm condenser
• Low self-noise
• Condenser mic

Shure SM7B

Shure SM7B is a good choice if you want to do voice overs with little to no post-production editing with respect to audio quality. It captures audio over a wide frequency, which makes it a  good choice for recording voice overs. There is little to no chance of interference from other electronic devices. Since it is a dynamic mic type, it suits any beginner artist recording from a room with background noises or feedback.

What We Like:

• Pop filters 
• Dynamic mic type
• You can switch the frequency

Heil PR-40

Heil PR-40 is a  good choice if you want high-quality sound for your voiceover and narration with easy post-production editing. The reason why the audio quality is parallel to the more costly microphones is because of its comprehensive frequency recording. The frequency range allows the mic to pick up your voice at different levels, which captures modulation well.

What We Like:

• Cardioid type
• Better Frequency 
• Dynamic mic type

Neumann TLM 103

A list of the best voiceover microphones would only be complete with the high-quality recording of the Neumann TLM 103. It allows the user to control the recording through intuitive controls. Other significant features include effective feedback reduction and pop filters. It is suitable for any voiceover artist with its cardioid directional type for clear audio.

What We Like:

• Noise reduction
• Pop filter
• Condenser mic type

Electro Voice RE-20

If you have a mid or high-budget, you can splurge on the Electro Voice RE20, which provides clear audio quality. If you are working in an environment with a lot of background noise, this mic will filter the feedback for you. The pop filter works to remove minor flaws in your audio as you record. The internal features of this mic significantly reduce your post-production edit time.

What We Like:

• Pop filter
• Low-end response
• Cardioid directional mic

Neumann U87 

The Neumann U87 is worth including in this list, even if it is only for some budgets. The voice recording industry extensively uses the mic for its sound quality and features. The mic allows the user to shift between figure-8, omnidirectional, and cardioid, which is helpful for solo and group recordings. It is suitable not only for voice overs but also for other vocal activities.

What We Like:

• Condenser mic type
• Studio quality recording
• Three polar patterns

The Takeaway

Now that you have seen our top picks, it is time for you to choose the best mic for you. Depending on the budget and the tech features, you have multiple options. While all mics promise crystal-clear audio quality, it is better to consider the environment you will be recording from. Each artist has different needs, which is why making a knowledgeable comparison is essential.

We recommend weighing the benefits and cons of each buy so that you select the right mic on the first go. As a beginner, you should go with a mic that eases you into the recording process without compromising the quality of your audio. Also, consider the compatibility of your device with the mic so that you can start working right away without the need for additional equipment.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

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