Good Entry Level Mic?

[Limelight]

Hey all.

So basically I do video production work, even have my own small company, and I've done voice overs for several of the shows I've produced, plus I've been an actor and singer so I've thought along time about getting into VO work. Finally went to a seminar last weekend and I've decided I'm gonna make a go of it.

So I'm researching what equipment I want to get to start out with and my biggest question is on the mic. After some research I've come up with the Samson CO1U. It's a usb mic which I like and I here it produces pretty good quality and isn't that terribly expensive.

Does anyone here have one and if so what do you think about it?

Anybody got any other suggestions on a good mic to start out with?

I'm on a budget, but I'm willing to drop up to $200 (though I'd prefer less) on a mic to dedicate to this pursuit.

Looking forward to the feedback.

Peace

[Mike Sommer]

If you're looking to do actual production work, I can not recommend any USB mic.
If you want a USB mic to work out on to see if this is the biz you want to be in -then anything you want.

You can also search this board for any of the many provocative and informative discussions on transducers -that's microphones to you and me.

[Jordan]

Here's wholly unqualified suggestion based on little research and even less VO experience - MXL 990 (Marshall). It's a not-quite-large condenser mic that can be had for under $70. It needs phantom power, so count either a power box or a USB interface (the way I went, about $150). Several users here have them; some seasoned pros poo-poo it as "thin," others find it fine.

I had an issue with either my new m-audio box or my new mic, so to test the mic I had a friend at the local cable station check out my 990 on his camera, which had phantom power. Now, he's no studio specialist, but he is one of the production techs (and primary cameraman) for the station and he was very surprised at how good it sounded - and didn't believe me when I told him I'd just bought it for $70.

One issue with USB mics is that you can't monitor them well - there's always a delay as the sound ges to the computer and back. Since I sing (for fun) on the side, I wanted a mic which I could monitor with zero delay for recording multi-track a capella pieces. A "real" mic and interface will allow that.

[Jacoby]

It can't be stressed enough: invest in your goals.
That said, my standard entry-level recommendation for a VO mic is only 100 bucks: the MXL V76G... That even leaves money for a good entry-level preamp like the ART Tube MP USB, and that way you have your USB solution :-)

[chucktaylor]

I have both the MXL 990 and the Behringer B-1 which is another good entry level mic for $100 or less. I produce a weekly radio show using the Behringer for myself and the MXL for my guests and the sound I get is better than some radio stations that I've worked for.

[shenecke]

Rode NT-1A. Resonably priced, super low noise. Talk to Jodie Krangle on this board. I think she uses one!

[Limelight]

Thanks for the feedback. After some independent research and price hunting I went with the Samson
"G-Track" usb mic. Getting some good quality with it so far.

[jsgilbert]

There are 2 things that bother me about this. SO, I will ask you a some questions. WHat kind of cameras do you use? Or are you an editor? You say video production work, so it's hard to tell exactly what that might mean. ROutinely I work for video folks who will think nothing of spending $500 on an effect or $12,000 for a camera and will spend time long into the evening to get a transition just right. But when it comes to the audio - wham, bam, thank you maam.

If your commitment to your clients is to give them the best quality work possible, then the other question you might want to ask yourself is Why you are doing the voiceover? As someone who also produces, I often have opportunity to hire myself. I have to weigh many factors before making a determination that given all circumstances my performing the v.o. is the best "choice" for the project and my client. And I wil never, never, never go into a production assuming that I can lower the production fees by installing myself as the talent. UNfortunately I see this happening all the time. I am certain we have all experienced watching a good video with poor narration or other audio, in which case the video becomes a poor video. Egos aside, cheap microphones and performing the voiceover because you can, are not part of a professional approach. Perhaps you may feel that becuase every 12 year old with a $300 camera is calling themselves a videographer that turnabout is fairplay.

Now, on the other hand if the caliber of your voiceover work is such that you routinely book this type of work when auditioning against voiceover professionals, then my hat's off to you, but I still would question entry level microphone.

[Limelight]

Not to be rude, but I asked advice about a microphone, not your opinion on my business practices.

Thanks

[Emorgan_Voiceovers]

Originally Posted by Limelight

Not to be rude, but I asked advice about a microphone, not your opinion on my business practices.

Thanks

You should read it again. I don't need to defend J.S. but he brings up a valid point on how to best serve your clients through not only the video, but the voice over. If indeed you are providing a quality voice over, and no one said you aren't, then you should do the best you can to get as good of a mic as possible. I am not by any means degrading you because you want to spend $200 or less, I am only saying that you will struggle to find a mic of fantastic quality in that price range. With that said, it leads back to what J.S. said, if you can't deliver that caliber, maybe it is time to borrow some money and buy a higher quality mic, or hire someone for the voice over that can deliver the quality you and your client deserve.