7 TIPS TO GET A BETTER MICROPHONE SOUND

I've done voiceover work professionally since 1985. So when you make much of your living doing voice work, you make sure it's the best it can possibly be. I've spent more time testing mics, tweaking voice processors and e.q. settings more than anyone I know.




I've also coach scores of people every year on voice work. Out of that experience comes these tips that cover the most common mistakes.
1) Have a good microphone. These days there is no excuse for a cheesy mic. For about $150 you can buy a Marshall MXL 2003. It has a spring mount and sounds like an expensive large diaphragm mic. (It's the one I use. I love it.)
2) Have a decent mic processor. And set it right. FIND a really good spot and "play" with your mic until the sound is similar. Then set just a touch of limiting so that you will smooth out those peaks.

  • But DON'T give in to the temptation of trying to add too much compression. It will hurt the clarity of your voice. A hint of high and low end e.q. and a touch of compression is all you need.
3) Talk louder. At least for 2/3 of announcers are too quiet in the production room. Talk louder and you'll sound more lively.
4) Move away from your mic during production .

  • Especially if you are following the "talk louder" advice, don't be too close to the mic. Ideally be no closer than 6 inches. Most announcers are too close to the mics.

  • They think this makes them sound cooler because it gives them a bigger voice. It does- but being too close also takes some of the high E.Q. "brightness" out of the sound.
5) If you are addicted to sounding bigger and want to ignore point #4...

  • I understand. If so, move away from the mic and turn up the input. This is the way they do it in Hollywood. (The late Don Lafontaine, the best movie trailer announcer ever, kept his mouth about 8-12 inches from the mic. And he had the coolest voice on the planet! )
6) The wave form should go to the top. Look at the wave form of your digital editor. It should be going to the top every now and then. One of the most common mistakes I see from radio station voiceovers is the level is too low.
7) Final Tip: Want to make it sound like you are "outside?"
Turn your mic level down and talk louder. You don't realize it- but people automatically talk louder when they are outdoors. Turning the mic down and talking louder will resemble your "outdoor voice." Also- ALWAYS add outdoor fx- even if it's just some bird FX.

-Rick McConnell

    (Articles provided by Rick McConnell. Starting in Christian Radio in 1978, he has been doing voice overs since 1986 through his company, Monumental Studios in Denver Colorado. Find out more about the Imaging Package called "Airshow", Voice and Production Depot and more, by CLICKING HERE)