Malo,
I have not used the 416. However on a VO forum I follow, there are many VO professionals that do use the 416 as their go-to mic, and I trust their opinions. Olduncledino's advice is very similar.
Here is what they were discussing just the other day, regarding your very question:
"The 416 was designed to be used as a highly directional mic. The interference tube was designed to cancel extraneous sounds not directly within the mic's field of focus. It's particularly good at rejecting reflected sound, and environmental sounds.
For VO, it's best worked from approximately 8 to 18 inches, dependent on the force of the source.... Also slightly off-axis, so that the voice crosses the field of focus at a diagonal, rather than directly impacting the diaphragm.... Too far off-axis, however, and you begin to experience phase issues from the cancellation effect.
At its best, the 416 is should be whispered to, growled at, but never shouted or barked at. Mishandled, it can be brutally unforgiving. It's easily overdriven, and the proximity effect is to be avoided, as it can best be described as mud. Additionally, it's highly sensitive to plosives at close range, and will benefit significantly from a quality pop filter, preferably wire mesh, as opposed to nylon.
Some purists sneer at the 416, as not being a true voiceover mic.... But handled with finesse, it can convey subtleties and presence not easily recreated by other mics."
If you have one, it sounds like you have an opportunity to put on the cans and experiment.
Dale
