Best Microphones for Recording Voiceovers: Ultimate Guide of 2022

Are you looking to record voiceovers professionally? You can actually do that, thanks to some excellently engineered microphones.

Whether doing voiceovers is part of your professional life that gets the bills paid each month or just the passion of creating content for the internet through videos or podcasts that your listeners tune in to listen to every day, recording voiceovers can be essential at times. 

For having a quality voiceover session, it is crucial to have the appropriate equipment ready by your side.

The most important one being the microphone, which obviously is where it all starts.

Considering the uniqueness that everyone and their voices hold, choosing the perfect microphone for your voiceover recordings isn’t as easy as pie.

However, the good thing is we can still look at some prime factors for making the process of choosing the best mic simple.

With that being said, let us walk through the significant elements that require serious attention before choosing the best microphone for recording voices.

Before Choosing a Mic for Voiceover: What to Pay Attention to

There are several factors to consider when choosing a microphone for your projects:

Type of Microphone

Broadly speaking, there are two types of microphones to choose from: Dynamic and Condenser.

A Dynamic microphone is a type of microphone that uses a diaphragm and a voice coil aided with a magnet for picking up sound waves and convert the same into electric signals.

In contrast, a Condenser microphone uses a diaphragm that is electrically charged. With the diaphragm getting vibrated on a condenser mic, an electrical signal gets generated, which is proportional to the sound.

As per the mechanism, the diaphragm of a Condenser Mic can get the sound captured in a very detailed manner compared to that of a Dynamic Mic. Which is one of the main reasons why Condenser Microphones are excellent for recording voiceovers.

Although you can use Dynamic Microphones for getting your voiceovers done, the mics work well while recording from loud sound sources, like during a live performance.

Microphone Connections

Talking about connecting your Microphone, there are two general approaches to it; using USB or XLR.

USB-aided microphones correspond to the microphones that come with a simple plug-and-play feature. No matter which operating system you are using, you can simply plug your Microphone, get the drivers installed, and start recording right away.

XLR-aided Mics, on the contrary, represents the industry standard microphones that use female and male connectors to capture the sound.

Although XLR Mics cannot be used on its own as it requires a mixer and a field recorder or audio interface to capture and record sounds, it is the best option to go for if you seek a professional voiceover recording solution.

The XLR-aided mics also come with all the desired flexibility that takes its efficiency to a new level. On the other hand, the USB microphones can serve as an excellent utility for beginners but in no way corresponds to something that is professional.

Frequency Response

Another essential factor to consider before buying a microphone is how well it responses to your voice.

It is crucial to get a microphone that does complete justice in optimizing the recording process according to the frequency of your voice.

Everyone has a unique voice with a quite specific level of frequency. For a male, the frequency is on the lower side, while the same sets to a comparatively high level for females.

You need to understand that not all microphones can respond well enough to the frequency sets of each class.

Pricing

When you seek microphones for voiceovers, it is pretty obvious for you to bump into mixed results with varied pricing. Sometimes you might need to pay a few extra dollars to access compelling features, well at times, even the affordable ones can get your job done.

Additional Gear

Suppose you are looking to capture your voiceovers in more of a professional manner. In that case, just having a Mic and plugging it into a laptop or computer will not be good enough. Although the simple approach can come in handy for beginners, a professional set requires additional gears to go with.

By additional gears, we mean some of the essential pieces of equipment like headphones, cables, audio interfaces, shock mounts, mic stands, pop filters, and more that play a significant role in enhancing the overall quality of your recording.

The Best Microphones for Recording Voiceovers

To make it easier for you, we have categorized our picks into five groups:

• Category 1: Best Mics for Male Voice Over
• Category 2: Best Mics for Female Voice Over
• Category 3: Best USB Microphones for Recording Voice Overs
• Category 4: Best Dynamic Microphones for Recording Voice Overs
• Best Budget Microphones for Voice Overs (Under $100)

Best Mics for Male Voice Over

1. Rode NT1-A: Best Budget Mic for Recording Male Voice-Over

The NT1-A microphone from Rode offers an incredible dynamic range. It is one of the best budget mics out there that allows you to have a clean recording experience with excellent output quality. Simply it is a value to hold at a considerable low cost.

Key Specifications:

• Acoustic Principle: Pressure Gradient
• Address Type: Side
• Frequency: 20Hz to 20KHz
• Output Impedance: 100 Ohm
• Weight: 326 gm
• Output: XLR

Main Features:

• It comes with a large diaphragm which is effective for picking up low frequency sounds like male voices.
• Wide dynamic range with ultra-low noise
• Includes Rode SM6 shock mount, pop filter, and dust cover

Pricing

The basic Rode NT1-A costs somewhere around $229.00, but we recommend you go for the kit with a reflection filter. The cost of the equipment is $349.95.

2. sE Electronics sE4400a: Best Hand-Crafted True Condenser for Recording Male Voice-Over

The second condenser microphone that we have on our list for male voice recordings is the sE4400a from sE Electronics.

It is one of the best mid-range condenser microphones available right now. Besides serving the purpose of recording voices, this microphone can carry out instrumental recordings in the most efficient way.

Key Specifications:

• Capsule Type: Hand-Crafted True Condenser
• Directional Pattern: Cardioid, Hyper Cardioid, Omni Figure 8
• Frequency: 20Hz to 20KHz
• Rated Impedance: 50 Ohm
• Weight: 280 gm
• Output: XLR

Main Features:

• It is designed to offer the best of vintage microphones
• It brings in versatility with more comprehensive control options 
• Compact yet powerful
• It includes Shock Mount

Pricing:

The large-diaphragm condenser microphone sE4400a from sE Electronics costs around $650.00

3. Neumann TLM 103: Premium Mic for Best All-round Performance

Getting into the premium end, we have the Neumann TLM 103.

The TLM 103 from Neumann is one of the most accurate microphones out there when we talk about low-self noise. Besides, it is also home to an enhanced sound experience for whatever situation.

Although it might cost you over $1000, you simply get the quality for the price you pay.

Key Specifications:

• Acoustic Principle: Pressure Gradient Transducer
• Directional Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency: 20Hz to 20KHz
• Rated Impedance: 50 Ohm
• Load Impedance: 1kOhms
• Weight: 450 gm
• Output: XLR

Main Features:

• It comes with a convenient capsule design 
• Large-diaphragm with balanced sound and enriched presence
• Enhanced sound definition with a broad presence boost
• Extremely effective in low self-noise
• Features high quality professional equipments

Pricing:

The Neumann TLM 103 large-diaphragm condenser microphone costs around $1300.00

Note: Although it is listed under the option for male voiceover mics, the dynamic nature of this microphone can also help you record female voices effectively. Hence, we have the Neumann TLM 103 as an all-rounder microphone for recording voices.

Best Mics for Female Voice Over

4. Rode NT5: The Best Budget Mic for Recording Female Voice-Over

With the Rode NT5, you are looking at the most budget-friendly microphone option to carry out voice recordings. It is a small diaphragm microphone that features complete frequency response along with an accurate low noise output circuit.

Key Specifications:

• Acoustic Principle: Pressure Gradient
• Capsule: Condenser
• Frequency: 20Hz to 20KHz
• Output Impedance: 100 Ohm
• Weight: 100 gm
• Output: XLR

Main Features:

• This small-diaphragm condenser microphone is excellent for picking up details of high-frequency sounds
• It comes with a cardioid pattern
• Extremely light-weight and convenient
• Effective for instrument and vocal pickup
• Features surface mount circuit

Pricing

The Rode NT5 small-diaphragm condenser microphone will cost you something around $219.00

5. Aston Microphone Starlight Small Diaphragm Condenser: The Best Pencil Microphone for Recording Voice-over

Aston Microphones brings in a high-end laser targeting pencil microphone with its Starlight Small Diaphragm condenser. It helps in the convenient capturing of high-end audio and allows users to recall mic positions. This feature further helps in setting up a suitable recording environment quickly and easily.

Key Specifications:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Capsule: Condenser
• Frequency: 20Hz to 20KHz
• Weight: 250 gm
• Output: XLR

Main Features:

• It features laser targeting with high-end output
• Allows recall of Mic positions
• Super convenient for carrying out voiceovers
• Comes with Mic Clip, Mounting Bar and Windscreen
• Extremely light-weight and convenient
• Features discrete Mic-Amp Circuit

Pricing

The Aston Microphone Starlight small-diaphragm condenser microphone will cost you something around $400.00 (Single)

6. Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3: The Best Shotgun Mic for Recording Voice-Over

If you are looking to capture audio in the most extraordinary way possible picking up all critical details, you have the Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3.

This condenser microphone from Sennheiser provides mix ready high-end sound output thanks to its sharp directivity and quality output feature.

With the Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3, you are pretty sure to have a seamless voice recording session.

Key Specifications:

• Polar Pattern: Lobar, Super cardioid
• Capsule: Condenser
• Frequency: 40Hz to 20KHz
• Standard Impedance: 25 Ohm
• Terminating Impedance: 800 Ohm
• Weight: 175 gm
• Output: XLR

Main Features:

• This microphone has an increased directivity thanks to the interference tube principle
• It features very low inherent self-noise
• This microphone allows fully floating balanced output
• Features windscreen for reducing wind noise
• It is rugged and hence suitable for any climate condition

Pricing

The Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 condenser microphone will cost you something around $999.00

Best USB Microphones for Recording Voice Overs

7. The Blue Yeti: Best USB Mic for Beginners

The Blue Yeti USB is a top choice for a USB microphone when you’re looking to record a podcast, an interview, or a voiceover. Yeti’s THX-certified sound quality, integrated gain control, and four recording modes help you get the best of experience. Although the device might not come in handy at portability factors, the Blue Yeti USB with the richest sounding is genuinely an excellent microphone to have.

Key Specifications:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Bi-Directional, Omni Directional, and Stereo
• Capsule: Condenser
• Frequency: 20Hz to 20KHz
• Bit Rate: 16 Bit
• Weight: 1300 gm
• Output: USB

Main Features:

• Features Tri Capsule array, which is convenient for recording in almost any situation
• Perfect for voiceovers, interviews, field recordings, musical instruments
• Compatible with Windows and Mac
• Includes stand for convenience

Pricing

The Blue Yeti USB condenser microphone will cost you something around $170.00

8. Rode NT USB: The Best USB Mic for Studio Quality Recording

The Rode NT USB is one of the most versatile USB-aided condenser microphones, which is ideal for the convenient recording of any kind of vocals.

Although the USB microphones can’t be as professional as the XLR ones, yet with Rode NT USB, you can expect serious quality output.

The microphone features a pop-up filter that helps minimize plosives during singing or vocal recordings.

Key Specifications:

• Acoustic Principle: Pressure Gradient
• Capsule: 0.50”
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency: 20Hz to 20KHz
• Resolution: 16 Bit
• Address Type: Side
• Weight: 175 gm
• Output: USB

Main Features:

• High-quality microphone with the convenience of USB connectivity
• Allows a user to control the direct mix between mic input and the output of the source
• Comes with Pop Shield, Tripod Desk Stand, Ring Mount and Storage Punch
• Compatible with iPads

Pricing

The Rode NT USB condenser microphone will cost you something around $320.00

Best Dynamic Microphones for Recording Voice Overs

Having talked about various condenser microphones, it is time we mention the best dynamic microphones that can help you carry out a quality recording session in the most effective way.

These microphones are especially useful when recording on loud places like concerts, around the city, or outdoors.

9. Rode Procaster: Best Budget Dynamic Mic Proving Broadcast Quality

The Procaster Dynamic Microphone from Rode is designed to deliver quality at budget pricing. The microphone is excellent for capturing speech in broadcast radio, voice-over recording, and some other applications of a similar sort.

Key Specifications:

• Acoustic Principle: Dynamic
• Address Type: End
• Frequency: 75Hz to 18KHz
• Output Impedance: 320 Ohm
• Weight: 745 gm
• Output: XLR

Main Features:

• It lets user broadcast quality sound
• Fed with high-quality dynamic capsule
• The output that features low and balanced impedance
• Comes with an internal Pop Filter to reduce plosives

Pricing

The Rode Procaster dynamic microphone will cost you something around $229.00

10. Shure SM7B: Dynamic Vocal Microphone for Quality Recording

The Shure SM7B Vocal Microphone is one of the best dynamic microphones to have. It comes with a smooth, wide-range frequency response that fits with music and speech of any kind appropriately.

Key Specifications:

• Acoustic Principle: Dynamic
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency: 50Hz to 20KHz
• Output Impedance: 150 Ohm
• Weight: 767 gm
• Output: XLR

Main Features:

• The mic features an optimized flat-frequency response, enhancing the midrange and high-frequency sounds associated with the human voice.
• It features internal air suspension shock isolation, which helps in eliminating any kind of mechanical noise transmission.

Pricing

The Shure SM7B dynamic vocal microphone will cost you something around $399.00

Best Budget Microphones for Voice Overs (Under $100)

Are you looking for a quality microphone without breaking your budget? Well then, here you have two of the best budget-friendly microphones that will help you get started with recording voiceovers.

But again, it is essential to keep in mind that at this budget, expecting a device to provide professional output is just like daydreaming.

Pick one of these options if you’re looking for a mic to practice or if you’re just starting out and want to test the waters.

11. Blue Snowball iCE USB Mic: Best Home Enriched Mic Under $100

Key Specifications:

• Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
• Frequency: 40Hz to 18KHz
• Output: USB

Main Features:

• Help you record vocals, create podcasts, and more
• Offers crystal clear audio for Skype, Messenger, and Facetime
• Compatible with PC and Mac operating systems

Pricing

The Blue Snowball iCE USB Mic will cost you something around $50.00

12. Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone: Best Studio Condenser Mic Under $100

Key Specifications:

• Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
• Frequency: 40Hz to 18KHz
• Output: XLR

Main Features:

• Excellent for home and studio projects
• Serves clean and crisp vocals

Pricing

The Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone will cost you something around $99.00

Wrapping Up

The most crucial thing to keep in mind while getting a microphone is to avoid plunging.

Give yourself an ample amount of time, walk through several options and look for the feature that fits your requirement.

We have assembled this list of microphones keeping all the essential features in mind. Whether it be a microphone that suits the female voice or the one that works efficiently with male voiceover artists, our list has everything sorted.

If still have doubts, let us know your project down below and we’ll help you pick the best choice for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions