Voice-over microphones are becoming wildly popular with the media business expanding each year. Whether that’s social media, video games, audiobooks, film, or news, there is always a need for a good voice-over microphone if you’re in the business as a voice actor or auditory performer.
Some of the greats in the industry include Mel Blanc (Bugs Bunny), Nancy Cartwright (The Simpsons), and Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh), just to name a few. Or if you’ve ever watched Planet Earth, you may remember the narrator Sir David Attenborough’s distinctive voice very well.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks For Best Microphones for Voice-over
- BEST OVERALL: FiFine Studio Condenser USB Microphone Kit
- RUNNER-UP: TONOR USB Microphone Kit
- ALTERNATIVE: MAONO Microphone with Studio Headphone Set
- ALTERNATIVE: Risea Studio Condenser USB Microphone
- ALTERNATIVE: Audio Technica Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
You can be sure that all of these people use the best voice-over microphones.
The right microphone is essential to your success. You want a microphone that isn’t sensitive to background noise, and self-noise is the most beneficial.
Here are our top picks for the five best microphones for voice-over:
The Studio Genie is dedicated to helping streamers and YouTubers or anyone looking to have their own home studio. The author, Felicity Martinez, have been helping out streamers and YouTubers for years.
The goal is to provide a free resource for anyone looking to build a quality home studio. The reviews below are a result of hours of research and analysis. We provided the pros and cons and ranked each product to help you make a quick decision.
QUICK OVERVIEW: Our Top Picks for Best Microphones for Voice-over
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
OUR TOP PICK  | FiFine Studio Condenser USB Microphone Kit
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | TONOR USB Microphone Kit
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | MAONO Microphone with Studio Headphone Set
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Risea Studio Condenser USB Microphone
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | Audio Technica Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Best Microphones for Voice-over Reviews
This versatile and high-quality microphone is one of our top choices.
The first feature that is important to note is that it has excellent sound quality that can handle high SPL (Sound Pressure Level), making it a very efficient speaker. It’s loud and crystal clear for the listener while blocking out any background noise.
Next, it is easy to assemble and comes with a package that includes a scissor arm made of steel, a shock mount, pop filter, USB cable, additional tripod stand, and a microphone for recording. It also offers extra height adjustments for those who may be taller.
The simple setup is designed for beginners and is essentially ready to go upon arrival. All you need to do is attach the pieces that are instructed in the manual.
This particular microphone is perfect for a home studio.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- High-quality
- Large diaphragm
- High SPL
- Sturdy
- Crystal clear sounds
- Extra height
Cons
- Not compatible with Xbox or phones
This microphone will work for those that need something for a smaller studio that offers crystal clear sound, can be adjusted, and isn’t sensitive to background noise. It is high-quality and sturdy, so it can withstand being moved around often. The user-friendly feature is also great if you are just starting out or need something that isn’t complicated.
This microphone kit is affordable and ready to use (plug and play)!
Features include excellent sound quality, user-friendly buttons including the volume, adjustable arm, shock mount, and double-layered pop filters as well as a 16mm large diaphragm that allows for a wide frequency response.
This microphone also offers crystal clear features and warmth with a high SPL.
There is an A to B USB cable for easy attachment to a Windows or Apple computer. Plus, no extra driver software or sound card is needed.
This is perfect for those that are looking for something that is user-friendly for podcasting, music/video recording, live streaming, gaming, or online chatting.
It’s important to note that while it is compatible with PS4, it is not compatible with Xbox.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sturdy
- Adjustable arm
- Everything included in the kit that you need to get started
- User-friendly
- High SPL
Cons
- Not compatible with Xbox
- Reviews have mentioned there is an echo effect and that it is has a hard time recognizing certain computers aside from Windows or Mac
This microphone is a great choice for those that may just be starting out and looking for something that is compatible with their PS4 or computer. It’s ready to use — just plug it in and go.
A bit of a price increase from the previously mentioned microphone kits, this one comes with a few additional features that make it completely worth it.
The brand MAONO was founded in 2014 and has since been designing reputable and long-lasting equipment that is reliable and easy to use. Their slogan is: “vision drives technology,” and the brand is made up of highly-skilled technicians.
The sound quality includes a high SPL that results in high-quality clarity and high resolution that offers a smooth frequency for singing, speech, and voice-over. It also has a 16mm electret condenser transducer for bass response.
It is easy to plug in as it comes with a USB port that can attach to any computer or system. However, it is not compatible with smartphones as per user reviews.
This microphone is great for those that need something for podcasts, streaming, video calls, or a studio. Plus, it comes with a pair of headphones!
It also has a 12-month warranty.
Pros
- Reputable brand
- Easy to use
- Excellent sound quality
- High frequency and high-quality
- Steady and sturdy
- Headphones come with it
- Twelve months of warranty
- Compatible with a computer or any other system
Cons
- Headphones aren’t very comfortable
- Not compatible with cellphone
If you want something that is an all-in-one kit for just starting out, this microphone and headphone set is worth checking out. It comes ready to use — just plug it into your computer and have fun. It has excellent sound quality due to the SPLs and is perfect for a podcast or studio setting.
Versatile and affordable, this Risea studio condenser is next on the list.
It has high SPLs, and it also minimizes room ambiance and off-axis instruments for clarity and echo-free incentives.
It has a sturdy design that can withstand being bumped into or knocked over. Plus, it comes with adjustable arms that provide extra height.
It’s compatible with everything except for Xbox and phones.
The kit includes a condenser microphone, adjustable scissor arm, metal shock mount, pop filter, windscreen, table mounting clamp, and USB cables.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Stable
- Reliable
- High SPL’s
- Great sound quality
- Affordable
- Extra height
Cons
- Not compatible with phones or Xbox
This option is great for those that need something simple but long-lasting. It can be used for podcasts, streaming, video calls, or studio work. This kit offers fantastic sound quality with high SPLs, and while it won’t be compatible with phones or Xbox, it’s great to connect to just about anything else.
Last but not least, we have the Audio Technica kit. While it’s slightly more expensive than the others we’ve mentioned, it comes with great features that are needed for voice-over. Everything you will need is in this kit and ready to use.
The features of this kit include digital and analog outputs, a tripod, exceptional audio, direct monitoring, and full-bodied sound.
This kit is perfect for those that require smooth audio that doesn’t echo or have any sensitivity to background noise.
The installation is simple, although it should be noted that the arm can only hold up to 3.3 pounds.
It has great reviews on Amazon, with zero 1 star reviews. Most purchasers have been happy with this product.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Compatible with nearly all devices
- Clear and high-quality audio
- Not sensitive to background noise
- Adjustable arms
- Sturdy
- Reliable
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Small tripod
This is a versatile microphone that you can use for anything in the voice-over realm. It is user-friendly and easy to put together, so this is a great package if you’re just starting out. The microphone offers crystal clear sound quality because it’s not sensitive to echoing and background noise.
Microphones for Voice-overs
What Is a Voice-over?
Even if you don’t know what a voice-over entails, you will have heard it at some point without even realizing it. You hear voice-overs all the time in podcasting, radio, video-gaming, film, or narration in a movie.
Examples of voice-over narration can be seen in the Planet Earth series as previously mentioned, or the new television series Euphoria. These series have an important narrator that comes on as a voice-over throughout the show and describes in detail information about what is happening, why something is happening, and who it’s happening to.
Audiobooks are another example of voice-overs. An audiobook allows you to listen to a recorded voice-over of someone reading a book out loud so that you can take in the information of a book without physically reading it.
It’s important to note that voice-over is a paid skill. Voice actors or auditory actors are professionals who record their voices for a living.
What Is Required for Voice-overs?
There are important skills needed to become a voice actor.
These include, but are not limited to:
- Voice acting
- Technical savvy
- Enunciation ability
- Emotion
- Fluidity
- Confidence
- Consistency
Also, a good microphone package goes hand in hand with those skills.
What Is the Job of a Good Microphone?
A good microphone is one of the most important things for voice-overs. Good sound quality is necessary to properly relay a story or information to listeners.
The better the microphone is, the better dynamic range, better frequency, and higher quality you will obtain.
However, if you do have a good studio that has superb acoustics with minimal interference from the background, you could go a cheaper route and get something more affordable. The room is an important factor to take into account when buying a microphone.
Types of Microphones
Condenser
A condenser is common for those that are using a microphone for podcasts or in a studio setting. It picks up subtle and quieter sounds with accuracy. These are the most efficient microphones to pick up vocals and higher frequencies while blocking out interruptions.
Dynamic
A dynamic microphone is meant to capture strong and high sound pressure and is commonly used for live streaming settings. These microphones are very durable and generally on the more affordable side.
Ribbon
This is a vintage-style microphone that is also the most expensive. Ribbon microphones are both unique and fragile. These are sensitive mics, so they pick up on a lot, not just the vocals. Therefore, they are meant for softer sounds. This is not a microphone that should be used by a beginner.
What Is Needed for a Good Voice-over Kit?
Here is a list of items you will need to start doing voice-over:
- A microphone, obviously
- USB
- Pop filter
- Tripod
- Software for editing and recording
- Headphones
- Audio interface
While that looks like a lot, there are kits out there that have everything included and ready to use, like the ones we’ve mentioned in our buying guide.
How To Get Started
You can do a few things to get started in the business. We suggest taking voice acting classes that are sometimes offered at local colleges or even online.
You could interview someone that works in radio, podcasting, or television and find out what works for them. Or, you could buy your own package and give it a try and see how you like it.
Educate yourself as much as possible in the voice-over business if you are hoping to make a career out of it. The more you know, the better.
Different Areas of Voice-over Work
- Podcasting
- Audiobooks
- Radio
- Television
- Film
- Social media
- Commercials
No matter where you start, if this is what you want to do, go for it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Microphones Need Batteries or Power to Work?
Microphones don’t necessarily need batteries or power to work. It’s important to check if the mic you want to buy is an active or passive mic. Passive mics will not require any power. Dynamic mics will generally not require power or batteries.
Are Microphones Referred to as Instruments?
No, microphones are not known as instruments. They are actually called transducers. Transducers convert energy or electrical currents where the sound is being converted and produced.
Conclusion
There is a lot to consider when buying a microphone specifically for voice-over. Because there are so many options for voice-over microphones on the market, there’s something for everyone’s specific needs. The best microphone for voice-over will be the one that specifically suits you the best. Any of the options we’ve listed in our buying guide would make a great purchase.
