Pro Audio Tips For Getting Better Sound (Untreated Rooms)

This was a response on another post where I offered to help in general, and I thought it could use it's own post.... so here it is...

Elizabeth Shuler was asking about how to get better sound with her noisy surroundings (like traffic, etc). So I did some research, and coupled that with my decades of audio experience (I was a Rave DJ in the Bay Area for over 10 years when I was younger, and I've been doing recordings, courses, livestreams, etc. for over 30 years...)

Tips

*** The MIC makes a HUGE difference. (Cardioid, Directional Mics, pointed in the direction you want them to pick up sound)

*** The space immediately around the MIC is the 2nd most important (Isolation Cover, Isolation Shield)

*** A Full Sound Booth is nice to have, but you can solve a LOT of the issues with the tips above

*** To help with Plosives (Popping P sounds) & Sibilance (Slithering S Sounds), speak at a 45 Degree angle to the mic and use a pop filter.

After a short research trip down memory lane:

Best Splurge

--> Hands Down for voice over work, (including meditations) especially in an untreated room

Shure SM7B (~ $400)

--> Best for voice over work, (including meditations) in an untreated room (WITH the added bonus of being a central piece if you expand into multiple mics for podcasting)

Zoom H6 (~$230) (This is also my GO TO mic for all of my voice recordings and livestreams, including guided meditations, at least until I upgrade to the SM7B)

Best Budget

Great sound, especially for livestreaming

Blue Yeti (~$100) (This is one I use for my client sessions)

Good, warm sound, great for voiceover or livestreaming

Audio-Technica AT2020 (~$100) (This is one I was gifted, but haven't used often because of the other options I have)

Best TYPES of mics for untreated rooms

Mics with directional polar patterns (e.g., cardioid)

Best additions for sound treatment

Griffin Studio Microphone Soundproofing Acoustic Foam Panel (Good entry sound treatment that works well with a mic stand)

$43.95

XTUGA Recording Microphone Isolation Shield (More coverage to protect the mic from unwanted room noise)

$59.99