Recording VO with a 416 at DVinfo.net

Andres Montana Duret · November 8th, 2008, 04:18 PM

I'm currently working in a short film and the last thing we'll do tomorrow is recording some VO.
We don't have access to a vocal booth and the only mics available are a Sennheiser 416 and a Shure SM57 (I mention it because is the only alternative, even though I don't think is a good idea to use it for this purpose).
I look all around the place to found the quietest and less reverberant room (4 square meters and a low ceiling).

Have you been in a situation like this? Any advise you can give me to get the best results under this conditions?

Best regards,

Andres.

John Willett · November 8th, 2008, 04:57 PM

If the film was made with a 416, then use the 416 to match the sound.

Use a duvet to tame the sound - two mic boom stands with the booms together and the duvet hung over them should do it.

Put this behind the person doing the talking to minimise reflections back into the mic.

Only use a second duvet (in a different position) if this is still too reverberant.

I hope this helps.

Andres Montana Duret · November 8th, 2008, 05:44 PM

Thank you John, that is a great idea and I will definitely do it.

Marco Leavitt · November 9th, 2008, 02:17 AM

It may be better to try recording in a good-sized closet that is full of clothes (on hangers). I believe that the 416 is often used close miced for voice overs.

Jack Walker · November 9th, 2008, 02:20 AM

If you are doing voiceover (as opposed to dialog replacement or other on-screen voice), you might try the SM57. Some people like the sound and you will eliminate most problems that might be caused by the room. You may or may not need a windscreen or pop filter with the SM57.

The point is, if the other mic is not giving you what you want, try the SM57.

November 8th, 2008, 04:18 PM	#1
Andres Montana Duret New Boot Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 24	Recording VO with a 416 I'm currently working in a short film and the last thing we'll do tomorrow is recording some VO. We don't have access to a vocal booth and the only mics available are a Sennheiser 416 and a Shure SM57 (I mention it because is the only alternative, even though I don't think is a good idea to use it for this purpose). I look all around the place to found the quietest and less reverberant room (4 square meters and a low ceiling). Have you been in a situation like this? Any advise you can give me to get the best results under this conditions? Best regards, Andres.

November 8th, 2008, 04:57 PM	#2
John Willett Major Player Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Posts: 976	If the film was made with a 416, then use the 416 to match the sound. Use a duvet to tame the sound - two mic boom stands with the booms together and the duvet hung over them should do it. Put this behind the person doing the talking to minimise reflections back into the mic. Only use a second duvet (in a different position) if this is still too reverberant. I hope this helps. __________________ John Willett - Sound-Link ProAudio and Circle Sound Services President: Fédération Internationale des Chasseurs de Sons Last edited by John Willett; November 9th, 2008 at 05:34 AM.

November 8th, 2008, 05:44 PM	#3
Andres Montana Duret New Boot Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 24	Thank you John, that is a great idea and I will definitely do it.

November 9th, 2008, 02:17 AM	#4
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	It may be better to try recording in a good-sized closet that is full of clothes (on hangers). I believe that the 416 is often used close miced for voice overs.

November 9th, 2008, 02:20 AM	#5
Jack Walker Trustee Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Burbank Posts: 1,811	If you are doing voiceover (as opposed to dialog replacement or other on-screen voice), you might try the SM57. Some people like the sound and you will eliminate most problems that might be caused by the room. You may or may not need a windscreen or pop filter with the SM57. The point is, if the other mic is not giving you what you want, try the SM57.