budget mic pre for voice over work

[captain54]

can anyone suggest a good bang for the buck budget mic pre that would be a step up from the Mackie vlz pro mixer pre's?

to be used mainly for voice over spots for radio, corporate films, demos, etc....

could the stock pre's in the digi 002, the motu 828 mkII, the firepod, etc. provide decent results for this application...? I'd be interested to know some of the studio setups that folks use for their voice over work...

[kenm]

FMR RNP would be a good step up. Possibly a Grace 101 pre as well.

The pres in the MOTU 828mk2 aren't bad. They sound a lot better with the Black Lion Audio upgrade.

Ken

[moon_unit]

When you think about it, VO work isn't particularly demanding from a gear standpoint. Mic pres tend to show their value after several layers are stacked up in a mix. A solo voice on top of a music bed, with sound effects and other stuff mixed in doesn't necessarily present a lot of those types of challenges (certainly not to the degree of trying to mix three different guitars along with keyboard + bass + 7 different drum mics, etc.), so I don't know that one necessarily needs to spend a lot of money on something essoteric and/or boutique. All that you likely need is some good, clean, noise-free gain. And in that department, the Mackie mixer isn't all that bad.

On a budget, you might also look at a used Symetrix 528. Those have been used on countless VOs and in radio broadcast through the years. And the compression and EQ on it are, moreless, tailored for that kind of work. (I noticed you're in Chicago, and I actually have a few extra of these I might be looking to sell in the near future) .

If you don't need the extra features, then you might also consider the Rane MS-1B. It's an inexpensive single channel that sounds very detailed/clean, quiet and neutral. Either one of these might represent at least a small step up from the pres on a Mackie mixer.


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[warhead]

I'd say save the money and use the stock preamps. You're not exactly going to hear the difference much at all in the end without spending a good bit of cash. Even then, the mic will matter 500x more than the pre.

I personally use the Safe Sound Audio P1 for all voice work, the pre is well suited to voice but the compressor / limiter are my main reasons for choosing it.

War

[David@MVS]

Originally Posted by captain54

can anyone suggest a good bang for the buck budget mic pre that would be a step up from the Mackie vlz pro mixer pre's?

to be used mainly for voice over spots for radio, corporate films, demos, etc....

could the stock pre's in the digi 002, the motu 828 mkII, the firepod, etc. provide decent results for this application...? I'd be interested to know some of the studio setups that folks use for their voice over work...

I believe a very good combo would be the SM7 and an RNP (or RE20 and RNP).
Quality VO on the cheap.

(Those two mics are VO industry standard mic locker residents.)

Regards,
David

[ozraves]

One of my friends recorded one of the best dialog projects I've ever heard through the Digi 002.

I've not liked anything "budget" for VO that comes across better than what you'd get in the Digi 002. The Buzz Audio SSA 1.1 should get a lot more respect for this app among others. I consider it a top end pre at a reasonable price.

[VO-Guy]

I do voiceover work as well and the biggest difference maker was when I upgraded my mic. What type of mic are you using?
I upgraded from a Rode NTK to a Sennheiser MKH-416 and even the cheaper preamps I used early on even sound good with it. When I first started out someone told me to concentrate on the mic chain. First and foremost it's the mic. Upgrading to the 416 proved that point to me. Get the best mic you can get, it will make a difference. As far as preamps, alot of people use the Symetrix 528E....I've got one for sale if your interested. Also alot of guys use the Focusrite stuff like the Voicemaster Pro. Honestly though, alot of people use the stock pre's in the Mackie. Pop an RNC in the chain for a little compression and your their. Look at mic first, pre's second. Just my opinion and what's worked for me.

[captain54]

I've been using a studio project B1 for scratch vocals, but my best guess is that I'll probably have to upgrade to get any kind of professional results...

how about software/plug-in processing...?? what are some of the most widely used plugs by you Vo guys??

[VO-Guy]

If it's just dry Vo's there's not alot if any processing. Most producers prefer to do the final processing on their end. If dry, just the pre and maybe a little compression. If what your sending out is being produced by you plug-ins vary. I use the Waves Diamond Bundle. What editing program do you use? If it's Adobe Audition the plugs that come with it will get you buy for now. I try not to use too much processing because if it's running on radio or TV it's gonna get processed out the ying yang again through their stuff. But some stations like there imaging compressed out the wah-zoo, just depends on the client. They sign the check so I give'em what they want. Look at upgrading your mic first, that really will make the biggest difference.

[captain54]

I use Sound Forge on the PC, and Logic Pro7 on the mac....I have the Diamond Bundle, also PSP mixpack and Vwarmer.

right now I'm just working on putting together a demo reel....so I'm just looking to see if what I have is good enough for that purpose..

if so, then I'll try to upgrade down the road...if not, then I'll have to make some kind of initial investment ...

thanks for all the suggestions, though

[VO-Guy]

Yeah, those will do ya just fine. If it were me, which it was about 3 years ago, keep working on your sound with what you have and save to upgrade your mic. Make sure it's a good jump and not just a lateral move. I made those mistakes and waisted alot of money in the process. It's better to hold off and get a great mic than to jump the gun and by something that's really no better than what you have. Just my .02 and good luck to ya. If I can help you out with anything just let me know.