[jmikeperkins]

The Electrovoice RE-20 is another world standard voice over mic (and radio announcer mic). Its warm mid range tone is kind of like a U87 but because the RE-20 is a dynamic mic its going to respond differently on some voices and may work better because its not as sensitive and does not have such an extended top end. Sometimes a U87 picks too much and emphasizes things in a voice you don't want to be so prominent. Some actors also have poor mic technique and the extra sensitivity of a U87 just exposes these flaws. If a voice over artist is playing a part that requires them to get excited and the they start screaming, you would then appreciate the RE-20's ability to smooth those kinds of things out. The Shure SM7 mentioned above is another good choice (but I personally think the RE-20 is a little better). The Sennheiser 421 and Sennheiser 441 are also good choices for a high quality dynamic mic.

If you can afford several mics, get a U87 and then a world class dynamic. If by some strange chance someone is STILL too harsh, then you need a good quality ribbon mic as well.

J. Mike Perkins