The Neumann Requirement

Need a fast, reliable, ready-to-use voice over? https://www.markmullens.com Email: [email protected] Many European studios would prefer it if remote talent have a Neumann TLM103 or U87ai. Why? It's true there are lots of great microphones out there like the Austrian Audio OC818 or the Soyuz 017 FET, and great work has been done on cheaper microphones like the Rode NT1A. However, an unfamiliar microphone means more risk. Consider this: Before the pandemic, many audio engineers worked exclusively in-person with talent that physically entered the studio. They all used the same room and microphone. This means absolute consistency. Now that many work with remote voice actors, they no longer have the same control over the voice actors' setup. They all have different rooms and slightly different positions. Now, add an unfamiliar microphone to the equation and that's another variable. Maybe the microphone handles EQ differently, maybe it sounds unusual after compression, maybe it doesn't cut through the audio bed in a way the audio engineer is familiar with. Do we really want another variable in this production? If the voice talent has the a microphone an audio engineer is familiar with, this gives peace of mind because it's one less variable to think about. In reality, Neumann microphones are a bit like Pelican cases. There are plenty of other brands that sell heavy-duty cases, but which brand has an unparalleled reputation for quality and reliability? All I can say is that it sucks to be the other brands.