Voice actors and podcasters know how important a home set-up is.  

Whether you're recording audio erotica or a commercial voice over, the right tools capture crisp, clear recordings to keep your content high-quality and audience engaged.  

Every home recording studio for voice acting requires microphones, but how do you narrow down exactly which ones you need?  

The Shure SM7B, Blue Yeti USB, and Neumann TLM 103 are among the best voice-over microphones available today. Here's why.  

Why is it important to choose the best microphones?

If you create audio content, a high-quality microphone bridges the gap between your voice and your audience's ears. When audio imperfections constantly remind listeners they're hearing a recording, the intimacy and connection are lost.

Choosing a suitable model is critical because a low-quality microphone alters the quality of the final recording, making voices sound distant and distorted or picking up background noise and plosive sounds. You want to avoid audio issues because these detract from the listening experience and undermine your credibility and professionalism as a creator.   

The best microphones are usable, highly sensitive, and they capture your voice clearly, making listeners feel like you’re talking (or whispering) right into their ear. 

How to choose the best voice-over microphone 

Much like writing erotica, voice acting is an art, and your microphone is more than just tech. It's an extension of your voice that lets your talent shine and hooks listeners on your content. Set the stage for success by investing a bit of time in choosing the right one. 

Here's what to consider when choosing the best voice-over microphone for your needs: 

Handheld microphones  

While handheld microphones have their place, it's not narrating stories or recording conversations. They tend to capture unnecessary handling noises, leading to excess background noise for your listeners if you're recording a voice-over live and more work for you in the editing phase if you're not. We recommend avoiding them for audio content. 

USB microphone versus XLR microphone  

USB voice-over microphones provide straightforward connectivity, plugging into computers through standard USB ports. Designed for personal use, USB mics are affordable, suitable for beginners, and record directly into computers, but aren't known for producing the highest-quality recordings.  

XLR voice-over microphones, on the other hand, offer advanced sound clarity but require additional audio interfaces. These industry-standard microphones don't connect directly to computers, are more expensive than USB microphones, and aren’t as suited to beginners. But they produce a remarkably professional sound.

Mic frequency response 

When you're hunting for a voice-over microphone, check its frequency response. The frequency response — how well it reproduces sound — should be between 80 Hertz (Hz) and 15,000 Hertz (Hz). This aligns with the human vocal range, with most healthy adult voices falling between 110 and 210 Hz.  

Condenser microphone versus dynamic microphone  

Condenser microphones capture a broad range of frequencies, ideal for studio recordings. They offer excellent sound quality and are highly sensitive. This sensitivity is a downside in some cases, as these microphones can be less durable than others or pick up extra noise. They also require an external power source, or phantom power, to run.  

Compared to condenser microphones, dynamic microphones are designed to handle louder settings. Durable and affordable, they don't require phantom power and are more forgiving of background noise than condenser microphones. They're more versatile but don't perform as well with high-frequency sounds. 

Types of polar pattern 

The polar pattern of a microphone dictates where the microphone "listens'' as you move around the microphone. A cardioid pattern is preferred for voice-over projects as it picks up the sound directly in front of the microphone. Hypercardioid (very focused to the front) and supercardioid (which picks up more side noise) patterns can also be appropriate. Each polar pattern has a different function and sensitivity level.

While some microphones have switchable patterns, the cardioid polar pattern is most important for voice artists.  

Types of diaphragm 

 When it comes to choosing the best microphone for vocals, size matters. Condenser microphones have a diaphragm, which vibrates in response to sound waves to create audio signals. 

Large diaphragm microphones capture more noise and sound more lively, but the sound might be less consistent. They require an audio interface for use with a computer and pick up little self-noise. For vocal or voice-over audio, large diaphragm microphones are best. 

Small-diaphragm microphones offer consistent sound across diverse frequencies compared to large diaphragm microphones, but they might not capture as much emotion or color. They have excellent transient response, extended high-frequency response, and consistent pickup pattern. The small diaphragm is better suited to recording different types of sounds, like multiple instruments, or using different techniques.

The 5 best voice-over microphones 

When it comes to microphones, you get what you pay for (just like with sex toys). Fortunately, it’s a misconception that pricier microphone models are always better. And it's not always about finding the best cheap microphone. Weigh each option's features, pros, and cons against its cost to find your perfect match.  

Here's a snapshot of eight popular voice-over microphones and what's great (and not so great) about them:  

1. Shure SM7B 

The Shure SM7B is a staple in many radio and sound recording studios. This cardioid dynamic microphone offers clear recordings and broad frequency response and has an integrated swing-mount for stable positioning. This microphone is perfect for recording podcasts, audio erotica, and more — but potential users should note that it requires a preamp to get the best results. It costs $399.  

2. Rode NT1

This voice-over microphone is perfect for beginners. The Rode NT1 has a wide dynamic range and a similar frequency response to other models and offers top-quality recordings.  

The Rode NT1 is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone with internal capsule shock mounting. It includes a RODE SM6 shock mount, pop filter, and dust cover. With ultra-low self-noise, this microphone is a top choice for many voice actors and vocalists. It costs around $269.  

3. Blue Microphones Yeti USB 

The Yeti USB microphone is the best USB mic for voice-over. It’s one of the top-selling USB microphones on the market today, and this iconic, award-winning model features Blue VO!Ce filters and effects, multiple pickup patterns, and broadcast-quality sound.  

The Blue Yeti USB offers a versatile custom mic capsule array that's perfect for voice-overs, game streaming, podcasting, interviews, music recording, and more. The cardioid mode is perfect for capturing sound directly in front of the microphone, and a mid-range price of $179.99. This mic is also a great plug-and-play option with studio controls right on the microphone that make it an excellent option for beginners.  

4. Neumann TLM 103 

If you're looking for superior sound clarity, the Neumann TLM 103 is a top choice. This large diaphragm transformerless cardioid condenser microphone is a bit pricey at $1,195, but it's a classic studio microphone that delivers.  

The Neumann TLM 103 stands out for its transformerless circuitry, ensuring low self-noise and high sound pressure capabilities. Its cardioid polar pattern is ideal for acoustic balance, and it has a wide dynamic range and low self-noise. Often used in professional studios, this model may be out of the price range of many home voice actors and podcasters.  

5. Snowball iCE 

If you're on a budget, consider the Snowball iCE. As another plug-and-play USB microphone, the Snowball iCE is user-friendly and great for beginners working from home recording studios. It costs only $69.99, which is ideal if you're starting out and need to keep costs low. 

This USB recording microphone is less versatile than some of its counterparts. While it might not be ideal for complex recordings, its affordability and ease of use make it a go-to for many voice actors. Powered by a custom cardioid condenser capsule, the Snowball iCE delivers crisp, clear audio and has an adjustable mic stand.  

What else do you need to start recording? 

Your new voice-over recording microphone is a star player in your recording studio but it needs more tools to truly shine. Here's a quick rundown of the rest of your shopping list: 

• Headphones: A quality pair of headphones lets you hear exactly what your audience will listen to, so you can produce clear and consistent content every time.

• Pop filter: Ever hear those annoying 'pop' sounds in recordings? A pop filter catches those plosive sounds for smoother recordings. 

• Recording software: This is how the magic happens. The proper recording software, like Adobe Audition, Apple GarageBand, and Pro Tools, lets you record, edit, and finesse your voice. You’ll need somewhere to splice and polish your recording, so make sure you have one ready to go. 

Share your voice acting on Quinn 

If you want to share and hone your voice acting, become a Quinn creator. Quinn is an audio erotica app created by women for the world, and it's home to a wide range of ethical, erotic content, as well as a community of like-minded individuals. 

To post your content or browse thousands of narrated sex stories, playlists, and guided masturbation sessions, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.