The best mic for my bassy nasal voice

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talkingDigital

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I am on what seems to be an endless search for a sub $200 mic that will flatter my voice. I will be using it for podcasting and voice over. I will not be using it for music at all.

I have posted a sample of my voice using a cheapo Logitech headset mic here.talkingdigital.org/main/files/micrecommendation.mp3

Any recommendations would be great. So far, I have been looking online at all of the usual AT and MXL mics as well as the KEL HM-2D.

I have worked in radio on and off for 20 years where we have mostly used EV RE20s and Shure SM7B. Since I am needing two mics and a limited budget, these mics are not an option right now.

Thanks in advance
 
...

Honestly... after listening to that mp3 file,

I think that you're just uncomfortable with the sound of your voice. I may be projecting my own problems ;) though.

I think your voice sounds fine. But if you want to suppress the bass go for a small diaphragm condenser. That will give you a crisp sound with a natural bass roll-off (due to the physics of the mic itself)

Nady makes one for around $40 (it's a crappy mic for music but sounds fine on speach)
Nady CM88: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nady-CM88-Condenser-Microphone?sku=277048&src=3SOSWXXA

MXL also makes one... more or less the same deal. I couldn't find it for sale by itself but the 990 is also a decent microphone (though it will emphasize the bass a bit more)
MXL 991: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/MXL-MXL-990MXL-991-Recording-Microphone-Package?sku=273166

Another way to reduce the bass (and get a generally more natural sound) is to just move the mic farther from the sound source, your mouth in this case.

Hope you find your panacea! =D

Good luck!
 
Excellent

I actually hate the sound of that MP3. I am pretty used to the way I sound on mic.

At this point, I am leaning toward the KEL HM-2D. I just read on some of the boards that it is too low for some voices. I just don't know if my voice is considered in the low range or if it only applies to the "OOM PAPA MOW MOW" guy.
 
That clip sounds to me like a cheap mic.

I am having trouble figuring out what you mean by "flatter your voice" etc....

I dont get "bassy" from that clip. It would be better if we could hear what you sound like thru the RE20 and the SM7, and then figure out what you dont like about that sound. From what you describe, I would have recommended the RE20.

If you are in a position where the mic will be well protected and free from other peoples careless abuses, you might try a Fathead ribbon. But it is a rather fragile thing.

Why cant you just EQ the signal you already have?
 
Fathead is a good idea. My other suggestion would be a CAD 177, cheap and very nice reproduction. If you want flattering you might have to save up for a Rode condenser (NT2a or something)
 
Thanks Folks!

Thank you for all your input. I know that sample was from a very cheap mic that has no bass whatsoever. I am going to hold off and save up for an RE20 I have never had any complaints about how I sound on that mic.
 
talkingDigital said:
Thank you for all your input. I know that sample was from a very cheap mic that has no bass whatsoever. I am going to hold off and save up for an RE20 I have never had any complaints about how I sound on that mic.
Click to expand...

...try to demo an SM7 before ponying up the dough for the RE20...same price range, but slightly different sound...I find the Shure to be flattering on more different voices than the EV...just my .02c...;)
 
Wait....Bassy AND nasally at the same time?????

I wish I could do that!

:D
 
I will make my choice and post the results

Thanks everyone. The main problem is that we don't have a place here in Grand Junction, CO that carries a full line of mics. Just small music stores that carry whatever their distributor deals with.
I will post a sample of what I decide on.

And yes, bassy and nasally. There is a low rumble to my voice but my Ns, short Es and INGs all have a very solid nasally sound. Maybe I will just wear Breathright strips while recording :)

Thanks again
 
Last edited:
I found the Mic

Thanks everyone. I did finally end up with the KEL HM-2D and I am pretty happy with it. You can take a listen to the comparison between the crappy mic sample I originally posted and the new mic here.
tinyurl.com/4o5tl6
 
broken links

Hey,

I tried to check out the comparison... the links are broken.
 
Links Fixed

Ya. I updated my website the other day and it broke a bunch of the links. It should be working now.
 
KEL Mic is great!

I don't know much about the company but I love the Mic. I use the KEL HM-2D and it is great for my voice. I posted the samples above and I have been very happy as I have been playing with it.
I even used two of them to record a choir and orchestra concert recently and I was very happy. I think these guys do a great job and I just wanted to recommend the mic looking for anyone looking to get a great voice over mic on a budget. If you would like me to post any more samples, just let me know.
I should be starting my podcasts in January at talkingDigital.org
 
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