Best Microphones for Voice Over 2021 – Review & Buying Guide

With the increasing trend of vlogging and video making, the demand for microphones has soared. However, there are so many options in the market that it becomes overwhelming to choose just one. 

We spent a lot of time putting this list together for you so that you don’t have to do the hard work. Dive into this list of best microphones for voice-over to find the one that meets your video making needs. 

Best Microphones for Voice Over 2021

1. Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

If you’re looking for a microphone that delivers wide-range frequency and a clear, crisp output voice, then this is a good choice. While using with computers or smartphones, microphones experience broadband interference, but this mic is optimized for shielding against this effect. 

Also, it has an air suspension isolation feature that reduces noise transmission. This microphone is especially good for audiobook readers and ASMR artists who need to deliver close-up vocals. Moreover, it comes with Yoke mounting that lets you mount and dismount the microphone easily, providing you easy control over the set-up. The A7WS windscreen can be detached and reduces sounds from the background. 

2. Electro Voice RE-20 Cardioid Microphone

The Electro voice microphone is a professional-quality device that you can use to improve the audio experience for your audience. It has internal pop filters for reducing the effects of proximity and delivering a crisp voice. Also, the internal elements reduce noise induced by vibration. This ensures that your voice is not polluted by background vibration. 

With a frequency response of 45Hz-18kHz, this microphone delivers the performance that you are looking for. The acoustic openings are covered by wind filters and blast filters for an ultimate clear voice. 

3. Rode Procaster Broadcast Dynamic Vocal Microphone

Rode is a leading name in the microphone industry, and the brand is trusted by voice-over artists and vloggers internationally. This mic from the company features a polar pattern and is perfect for every environment. Providing you an ambient voice quality, the microphone has been made for voice-frequency response. 

Just like many other reliable mics, this one has an internal shock mounting for handling noise levels. Besides, the pop filter causes a reduction in plosive noise. Thus, you can use it as a voice over the microphone for YouTube videos as it delivers amazing sound quality, fit for YouTube standards. The package comes with a stand mount and an adaptor so that you can use the microphone wherever you are. 

4. MXL Mics 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

While most artists look for performance, some care for aesthetics too. This voiceover microphone is black and has an attractive finish to add a stylish finish for your voiceover set up. Since it is a multi-purpose mic, you can use it for adding audio to your videos, reading audiobooks for uploading on YouTube, and for any other voice-related needs. 

Along with recording the human voice well, the mic also gives an awesome output for music instruments. The low-frequency roll-off ensures that there is no unwanted noise in the background while you are recording a video. Thanks to the balanced bass response, the mic gives a level of clarity that is hard to achieve with any other microphone at this price range. Even though the manufacturers advertise it for podcasting, you can use it for all sorts of voice-recording needs. 

5. HyperX QuadCast USB Condenser Microphone

This microphone is the best when it comes to recording voice for podcasts and vlogs. Not only does it look amazing, but it also has a matchless performance. There are four polar patterns for you to choose from, with red being the most popular one. On top of that, there is a gain control feature for you to adjust the quality accordingly. 

The anti-vibration shock mount ensures that the background vibrations do not distort the voice output for your videos. Owing to its chat compatibility and multi-device usage, you can use this microphone for running a podcast with your friend. The microphone is compatible with Mac and Windows computers, making it suitable as a voice over the microphone for YouTube videos as most people use mainstream operating systems. 

6. FIFINE Metal Condenser Microphone

Just like its name, this microphone is quite ‘fine’ in the language of today’s youth. The USB output makes digital recordings a breeze using this mic, while its aesthetic is just what you need to bring a pop to your recording studio. The volume control lets you adjust the voice according to your need, and the extended frequency response ensures that you can use the same mic for home studio recording, voice overs, and podcasts. 

Besides, the microphone has a durable build, making it suitable for artists who are always on the go. Since it is compatible with all Windows and Mac, you can use the microphone working on any laptop or PC. 

Due to its superior performance, it blocks out the background noise or any vocals creating distortion. This ensures that no extra noise is present in your audio recording.

Often, you are recording voice for your videos, and the traffic noises create a disturbing background layer. This microphone prevents this from happening, keeping the excess noises out. 

7. Audio-Technica AT2020USB Microphone

Microphones with USB output make it very easy for you to record audios and share them with your followers or subscribers. This microphone has a USB output and a high-quality A/D converter that provides superb audio quality.In addition to that, the mix control lets you blend the signal from the microphone with prerecorded audio. 

If there’s one thing that can significantly ruin the quality of a good video or a vlog, it is distorted audio with low volume.

This microphone provides a solution for this by having an internal headphone amplifier, which keeps clear details in the final audio result.

Also, it has an in-built headphone jack that lets you control the volume and monitor the mic signal. 

Overall, it is the best USB microphone for voice over, if you are a budding podcaster or vlogger who cannot spend a lot of money on their first mic. 

8. Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser

If you want a mic from Audio-Technica, but you do not want to pay the amount of the one mentioned above, you can opt for this model. It does not have the USB output of the model as mentioned earlier, but other than that, it is pretty much the same.

Being the best microphone for a speech at this price range, this mic is ideal for your little home studio. It is suitable for you if you have high sol handling needs and are looking for something reliable.

Because of the presence of a cardioid polar pattern, this microphone does not pick up sound from anywhere around the mic and reduces background noise.

So, you do not have to be too close to it to get the best voice quality. Additionally, the low mass diaphragm is the reason for a better transient response that will add crispness and clarity to your voice. 

Don’t get too worried about the speckles on the mic as this is the product finish and not a manufacturing defect.

9. AmazonBasics Professional USB Condenser Microphone

This voice over microphone amazon is a product that you can trust because it is specifically designed for professionals. 

Equipped with 4 recording patterns, this mic gives you a lot of liberty while recording your voice. In addition to that, it has 3 condenser capsules and a durable finish, allowing you to use it professionally for many years.

Due to its reliable finish, the mic is suitable for travel vloggers or people who travel a lot. It has an OLED screen where you can read the information. 

Along with that, the black color and mesh grill of the mic gives an edgy effect that young content creators would prefer. 

It is compatible with Mac and Windows so you can use it with any computer you have. You can do anything from grain control, volume control, and zero-latency monitoring to pattern selection to get the best results from the microphone.

10. AmazonBasics Microphone for Smartphones

Sometimes, you are not using your computer for recording but doing it on your phone. Smartphones are an easy way for you to record videos, but this does not mean that your audience is going to approve of the terrible voice quality that most phones have. 

This is where the AmazonBasics microphone for smartphones comes in. This is the best dynamic mic for voice over if you are working on your phone. 

The unidirectional polar pattern ensures that you only get a voice from the front. This prevents background or sideways voice from distorting the final audio quality. 

The electret condenser further improves the audio quality while the 360-degrees clip keeps the mic connected to your phone during recording. 

It comes with a 1/4 -20 screw thread in case you want to connect the mic to a tripod. The best thing about this microphone is that it fits into the 3.5mm headphone jack on your phone.

You can simply plug it in and start recording. It is as simple as that. Amazon backs it with a 12-month limited warranty for ultimate customer satisfaction. 

11. VO: 1-A Harlan Hogan Signature Series Microphone

This Harlan microphone provides you studio-quality audio that your listeners or audience will thoroughly enjoy. Most low-end microphones are unable to remove background interruptions and distortion from the voice during recording, but this microphone blocks out any sound that could interrupt your voice.

Also, it has a long 15-foot cable, allowing you to take the mic anywhere for recording. The studio condenser mic has been made for meeting the needs of voice over artists. 

If you travel around for work, you’d be delighted to know that this mic comes with a storage pouch and travel case with foam lining. This ensures that the mic stays safe during flights or other forms of travel. 

Also, when you record with this Harlan microphone, you will get a clearer and warmer voice with no hiss in the background. 

Even though the company does not claim so, most users have said that this mic is somehow better for female voices than males’. So, if you are a female YouTuber, podcaster, or voice over artists, you should consider using this microphone before any other. 

Best of all, the company offers a 30-day full refund policy. They encourage that you should try a microphone before keeping it for long-term use.

So, if you do not like the microphone or you think that it does not do justice to your voice, you can return it and get your money back. 

12. Samson Meteor Mic USB Studio Microphone

In our search for the best microphone for voice recording, we came across this Samson mic that we initially thought would be of no use. But, this was not the case.

Don’t be fooled by the smaller size of the mic as it does great things in the studio. The manufacturers advertise it as the perfect mic for podcasts and voiceovers.

Whether you want to record music or hold calls on Skype, this mic is good for you. Since it is compatible with voice recognition software, you can use it for pretty much everything.

With a condenser diaphragm of 25mm, this microphone gives you the audio quality you desire. Moreover, the 44.1/48kHz resolution, coupled with the cardioid pickup pattern, results in incredible audio quality.

If you have a podcast or a channel on YouTube, you cannot afford to mess up everything because of poor audio. Thanks to the performance of this Samson mic, you’d never have to experience this.

Along with performance, it also does well in terms of build. The mic has a chrome-plated body with a fold-back design for saving space. Depending on how and where you are recording, the legs can be adjusted. 

You do not need to download drivers on your computer for using the mic. Simply take it out of the box and start recording. If you use an iPad, you do not need a powered USB hub. You can plug the mic into your iPad using Apple’s USB connective. How simple is that?

The package comes with a USB cable for connectivity and a carry pouch for travel. 

13. Rode NTG2 Multi-Powered Condenser Shotgun Microphone

If you’re an artist who likes to use a shotgun mic for voice over, then this Rode mic would be excellent for you. You might get confused by the size of the mic, but don’t worry; it is a lightweight mic that has been made for people with superior recording needs.

This mic is ideal for artists who need to record audio for TV or film. Since it is made for bigger platforms, it has superior performance.

It picks up the foreground sound and does not let the background sound interrupt the final result. Also, it comes with a mic clip, zip case for protection, and a windshield.

With a frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz, this mic records every voice clearly and crisply. So, you can use this shotgun mic for voice over for making your next short film or YouTube video. 

Using the WSVM windshield, you can minimize disruption from the wind and plosive noises in the background. 

When shooting a professional video, you do not want to get extra noises like the traffic in the final cut. The high-pass filter on this mic ensures that the noise of fans, traffics, and other irrelevant things are blocked out of your final recording. 

Since you’ll be shooting in different environments, you need a mic that can withstand the conditions. This shotgun mic for voice-over has a durable metal construction that can take the test of time and weather conditions. 

14. Sudotak USB Streaming Podcast PC Microphone

If you’re looking for the best microphone for voice recording as a budding artist, this budget-friendly mic is an ideal choice. It is best to start with more economical mics first and then buy the professional ones. 

Even though it is priced in the lower range, this mic does justice to quality. The sound quality is quite remarkable at 24bit/192khzbit sample rate, so you can expect the sound to be clear. 

Also, the frequency response of 30 Hz to 16khz ensures that you have high-resolution sound without any disturbances.

Since it is small in size and comes with a shock mount, you can place the mic anywhere in your studio. Or, you can simply place it on your work table.

Due to its cardioid pickup patterns, the mic picks up sounds that are directly coming towards it. Thus, it keeps the surrounding sounds out so that they do not end up messing the final result.

As soon as you get the mic, you can put it to good use as you do not need to download a driver for using it. 

The mic comes with a lot of accessories such as the USB cable, pop filter, table clamp, and foam cap. All of these help in minimizing plosive noises while ensuring incredible performance.

All you have to do is plug the USB mic into your PC, and you are good to go. It has high compatibility with major operating systems so you can use it easily.

If you want to use it with your phone, you can buy an adaptor and connect the mic to your phone directly. 

15. Audio-Technica AT4040 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The last product on our list of the best voice over microphone 2021 is the Audio-Technica AT4040, which performs as well as it looks. 

The mic has a large diaphragm that helps in providing natural and smooth sound. When you are recording a podcast or a song, you do not want to sound unnatural or unlike yourself. The mic keeps the integrity of your voice intact.

Secondly, it has a DC bias condenser design, allowing it to pick up all sounds. The 40 series from the company comes from award-winning engineers and has been made for musicians. Every mic in the series is tested for quality and only released after 100% assurance. 

Since this mic captures even the lowest of noises, you need to make sure that you are working in a quiet room. It might end up picking the sound of traffic or your air conditioning.

Other than that, the mic does a pretty good job of recording your voice to ultimate precision. 

In the package, you will find a microphone, dust cover, carrying case to meet your travel needs, and a shock mount to reduce plosive noises. 

The company also offers a 5-year limited warranty on this mic. 

Features

• 133 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
• Cardioid condenser 
• 20-20,000 Hz frequency 
• DC bias design
• Shock mount included 

Buyer’s Guide

Now that we have narrowed down the options, you have to decide which one is suited to your needs. There are different types of mics, and they are all suitable for different purposes.

In this buyer’s guide, we will discuss the mainstream types of microphones and how you can choose one for yourself based on your budget, usage need, and other factors. 

Choosing the right mic is important, as you will be using it for quite a while. Also, the audio quality matters as much as the video quality on your content.

So, let’s dive right into this guide on selecting the best microphone for voice over.

Mic Placement 

First of all, you have to decide where you want to keep the microphone. This will greatly influence the audio quality.

If you are buying a mic for your home studio or workspace, you need to choose a quiet place in your home to keep it. For example, do not keep your mic near a window or front door as this is where you’ll get the most traffic noise.

The location does not matter much when it comes to studio usage, as studios have designated spaces for mics. Similarly, if you are using a shotgun mic for voice over, you do not have to worry much about the location as you’ll most probably be carrying the mic. 

Depending on the location, you’ll need a mic that blocks out the background sounds effective. If you live in the city where you just cannot escape the traffic, you’ll need to invest in a right mic that does not distort your audio quality with traffic sounds.

Type of Mic

This is the most important choice you have to make in terms of purchasing a mic. What kind of mic do you want? All mics have different characteristics and are suitable for specific purposes. 

Dynamic Mic 

This is the most common mic for voice-overs that you’ll find in the market. Dynamic mics are composed of a diaphragm, a voice coil, and a magnet surrounding it. 

When the sound passes into the dynamic mic, it makes the diaphragm and coil move. The magnet uses this movement and turns it into electrical energy. 

Since sound waves coming from your mouth move the coil in this kind of mic, it is also referred to as moving-coil mic. 

Dynamic mics are reliable and durable. Once you buy one, you are sorted for a long time. 

If you are a musician, you’ll like this mic as it records human and instrumental voice well. This type of microphone is also popular in studios as they are cheaper than other mics but perform exceptionally well. 

These mics work without a battery or a power supply, making them a useful option for people with home studios. 

You can use dynamic mics if you want to record yourself singing or need a mic for onstage performances. 

Ribbon Mic

Another common type of microphone is the ribbon mic, which you might have seen on TV too. These mics are more expensive than other types and are preferred by studios. 

This mic was used by the likes of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra so that it will be an excellent choice for your studio too. 

It can record drums, vocals, and other instruments effectively. Ribbon mics are very similar to dynamic mics except that they have an aluminum foil instead of the voice coil.

You can use these mics for making music videos and voice-overs but do not use them for ASMR or audiobook reading. The ribbon inside these mics can be easily damaged if you blow into the mic. 

The best thing about ribbon mics is that they add a warm touch to the voice and make the high notes sound smooth. 

Thus, ribbon mic is the best choice if you want to record instruments and yourself singing. 

Condenser Mic 

You must have seen many condenser mics on our list of the best microphones for voice overs because this type of mics is very popular nowadays.

These work differently from dynamic mics as they use a capacitor to convert sound energy to electrical energy. 

Condenser mics are such a great hit because they give a clear and transparent sound that you and your listeners will love.

You should use these mics if you are recording from a distance. Sometimes, you might want the birds chirping or other sounds to get into your video. For this purpose, condenser mics are especially helpful as they gather more distant sounds than dynamic mics.

In addition to that, they can also record instruments well. Keep in mind that these mics are more expensive as compared to dynamic mics, but you will get an accurate and smooth audio quality that is hard to match. 

USB Mic

While in recent years, we have advanced in other things, we have also made using mics much easier. USB mics, with their plug and play feature, are an excellent option for someone who wants a convenient voice recording option.

There is no need to download a driver for using these mics as you can simply plug them in your computer and start working. As a content creator, this kind of mic is very straight-forward and simple to use. 

Pickup Patterns

One thing that you commonly read about microphones is their pickup patterns. So, what exactly does this mean? The pickup patterns are an indication of where the mic records the audio. 

Cardioid 

This is the most common type of polar pickup pattern that you find in most low-end and high-end mics. 

Cardioid pickup pattern means that the sound is collected by the mic in a heart shape. Imagine the shape of the heart in your mind. 

This is how the mic records sound from its surroundings. Mostly, it records sound coming from the front and only a few sounds from the side. 

You get no sound from the back of the microphone. If you want to record voice over for your YouTube videos, you should opt for this kind of pickup pattern as it reduces the background noise in the room and only picks up sound coming from the front. 

All dynamic mics have cardioid pickup patterns. So, if you see any mic that has been described as being dynamic, it will record voice coming from the front and a little bit from the sides. 

Supercardioid 

This is an alteration of the cardioid pattern as it has much tighter boundaries for recording sound. You’ll find this kind of pickup pattern in shotgun mics. 

Supercardioid pickup pattern is suitable for environments in which you only want to record the sound coming from the front and the sides. These mics do not record sounds from the rear, reducing a lot of unnecessary audio. 

You should buy this mic if you are recording a short film or if you need a mic for TV. It does not do well with music recording, nor is it suitable for recording an audiobook. 

The spot for recording sound in this kind of microphone is very small, so it is most useful for instances in which you want to isolate a certain sound in a noisy condition. 

Bidirectional

You would have seen that some mics on our list have changeable sound pickup patterns. One of these patterns is bidirectional that you can use for recording sound from both sides.

This means that you’ll get sound from the front and back of the microphone. This pickup pattern does not record any sound coming from the sides. 

Think of the number ‘’8’’ in your mind. This is how the sound-recording range of this mic is. So, you can use it to record a podcast or interviewing someone.

As the mic rejects sound from the sides, you will only get sounds coming from both sides of the diaphragm.

You’ll find a bidirectional pickup pattern in ribbon mic often. If you want to buy a mic for stereo recordings, choose one that has a bidirectional polar pickup pattern.

Omnidirectional 

Now, this kind of polar pickup pattern is suitable for you if you want to record voices coming from all sides of the mic. 

You should use this mic if you are working on a stereo or you want to capture the ambiance of a room. For example, if you are making a YouTube video of a fashion show or a similar event, you’d want to capture all the sounds in the room.

This mic helps you do that. Also, it is suitable for recording vocalists and instruments. Do not use this mic for interviews or personal podcasts as it will bring in the sound of traffic, air conditioning, and other things that you probably don’t want in your audio. 

Sound Pressure Level

All microphones have a sound pressure level, which refers to the extent of sound they can bear before the distortion starts. You’ll find the SPL value given in decibels. 

As a voice over artist or podcaster, you should not worry too much about the sound pressure level. However, if you intend to record louder sounds, such as those of instruments, you need a mic that has a higher SPL value.

Frequency Response

Just like an SPL value, you’ll also see a frequency response chart in the description of mics. This chart looks pretty complicated, but most often, it is very easy to read.

As a voice over artist or content creator, the chart should not bother you much. Most mics are suitable for voice over recording, so you do not have to get into the complexities of frequency response.

However, if you’re going to use the mic for stereo or recording songs, you should read the frequency chart and then make a choice. 

Budget 

Just like any other item, you have to keep your budget in mind when buying a microphone for voice over. Mics can be as expensive as you want them to be. 

The low-end mics are readily available at less than $100, while high-end mics can cost a few hundred bucks. Depending on how often you want to use the mic and your requirements, you can choose a mic that serves you best.

Dynamic mics are not as expensive as others. Nowadays, USB mics are very popular. Not only are they a convenient solution, but they are also available at lower price ranges.

If you want to buy ribbon, shotgun, or condenser mics, you should be ready to spend some money. 

Conclusion

The whole world is going digital, so it is not a surprise that a lot of people are making content for YouTube, podcasts, and other online channels. You need a reliable microphone for doing anything from interviewing recording your covers for YouTube.

In this article, we have chosen the best microphones for voice over, making it easier for you to select one. If you are still confused, you can refer to the buyer’s guide.

Hopefully, by the end, you will have a mic in mind. Let us know which microphone is suitable for you and what you plan to use it for. 

References

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/thehub/how-to-choose-microphone-dynamics-condensers-ribbons-more

Studio Microphone Buying Guide

Beginner’s Guide to Buying Microphones For Your Home Recording Studio