VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

swduncan · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 9:26 am Post subject: Any experience with the Rode M3?

If so, could you give your opinion on how it compares to other entry-level choices, such as the AT2020, etc.?

Many thanks!
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Steve Duncan
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

The M3 is a small diaphragm condenser.

AT 2020 is large diaphragm I think

Most of the time a LDC will be a better choice than a SDC for voiceover

Lapianoman · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 12:16 pm Post subject:

Do you have a decent mic right now, or are you looking for a good quality starter mic?
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swduncan · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 12:33 pm Post subject:

I have a pair of M3's that I bought to record something else long while ago, and an SM58, which I bought to do podcasting way back when.

I've been using an M3, which I think sounds a shade better than the SM58.

But, I was wondering if an upgrade, even to an AT2020 or similar would be worth it. I've read through the numerous beginner mic threads but hadn't seen the M3 mentioned, so I decided to ask specifically about it.
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Steve Duncan
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Lapianoman · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 1:10 pm Post subject:

I don't have any experience with the M3, so I can't speak to it's suitability as a VO mic. Since you can get a used AT2020 for $50-60 on eBay, it may be worth trying.
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John LaPiana
Voice User

Lapianoman · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 1:15 pm Post subject:

A quick Google search turned up the AT2020 on Newegg.com for $65 & free shipping:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882999130&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Home+Audio-_-Audio-Technica-_-82999130

If you've never purchased from Newegg, have no fear. I've purchased most of my PC parts & various gadgets from them...only had one issue: a bad hard drive, which they promptly replaced. Their customer service is great.
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John LaPiana
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Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906

It might work and this is probably some preconceived notion; but the SM58 is a robust dynamic mic made for live performances and rehearsals. I have yet to ever see it present during a professional recording.

As for the M3, no idea.

Bish · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 1:53 pm Post subject:

If you listen carefully, you'll be able to hear a can of worms being opened....

Yonie has stated the conventional wisdom regarding the SM58... you can bang nails in with one and it shines when being abused on stage. And yet, the SM7B, is basically the same animal... albeit with a different physical construction and quality control... but the capsule is the same, and is the go-to mic for a lot of people, specifically for narration work. I've heard some interesting A-B comparisons between the SM58 and SM7B where you would be hard-pressed to separate them. I'm not saying the SM58 will cut through a mix (it is a dynamic mic), but in the right place it works well.

As far as the AT2020 is concerned... they are great mics for the money, and lots of people love them. I don't... I find them too sibilant and I can make one pop by just thinking about a "P"... I'm not a poppy person at all... maybe it's all down to my mic address technique, but they're not for me.

Which just goes to prove... something or other. I've no opinion about the M3 mics... apart from agreeing that an LDC should beat a SDC every time. I'm in a minority with the 2020... it's probably a good idea.

I also don't like scotch... but I'd never admit that here.
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Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

Lapianoman · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 2:00 pm Post subject:

swduncan · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 2:28 pm Post subject:

I'm with you on the scotch. Not that it's _that_ bad, but why anyone would assault their poor taste buds with peaty charcoal juice when decent bourbon (or gin, for that matter) is at hand is a mystery.

If folks are curious I could make a recording and post it, with both the SM58 and the M3. From what I understand the M3 was designed to be versatile, durable, and to compete with the AKG C1000. Self-powered and low handling noise, a 2-level pad and high-pass filter as well.
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Steve Duncan
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Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 4:37 pm Post subject:

Never used one myself, but I've seen (heard) video reviews of the M3 that impressed me. I think it could be better for VO than an AT2020. Just don't get too close to it.
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Jacob - Danish Voice Overs (try it... it sounds really funny, too!)

heyguido · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 4:57 pm Post subject:

Considering that it's really about technique first....

Work with what you've got, and often, til you're satisfied that you're ready to move up. When you're ready, you'll know. It's that uncomfortable feeling known as GAS, or Gear Acquisition Syndrome. You'll know when you have it.

In the meantime, record every day. Learn to work a mic, to enunciate properly, to interpret copy and directions, to record without distortion or excess noise, and most importantly. to breathe life into the copy. You won't get noticed or even get work overnite, but if you're diligent, and conscientious, you'll get better, and one small victory will turn into two.... and three.... then steady clients, followed by clients who refer you to others, and maybe, if you're lucky, someday clients will approach you.... Then you can learn about marketing, bookkeeping, contracts, and the other things you'll need to succeed.

But it starts in that quiet little room, by yourself, with a piece of paper in front of you....

Get busy.
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Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

Frank F · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 8:50 pm Post subject:

Big DITTO to Don's post.

+1 Don!

Frank F
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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

Bruce · Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 7:57 am Post subject:

Well ladies and gentlemen, it looks like our work here is done. Don nailed it on the head (with his trusty Shure I'm sure) in one short paragraph. We can all go home now.

But then again, if we close this place, where will we party?

Oh, never mind.

B
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I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

heyguido · Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 11:49 am Post subject:

Aw.... Shucks.... Embarrassed

Thanx guys. It just came out. Sometimes I just can't stop it.
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Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"