How to make microphone audio amazing?

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Shpeckledorf

Shpeckledorf

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Apr 8, 2016
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Hello everyone!

I recently bought a Neewer microphone arm and it came with a default condenser mic, which I immediately tossed out. What I replaced it with was a Sennheiser e816s mic with a shock mounted capsule, so it fits really nice in the arm, and I was hoping it would sound good.

Along with that, I purchased a 48V direct box with an XLR to 3.5mm cable. I had tested the mic after it was all plugged in, and I wasn't really happy with the quality. It sounds extremely clear and pure and it clearly sounds like a great mic, but I was wondering if there was anything I could do software wise that would make the mic sound like it came straight out of a recording studio or a radio station?

I like how Alex Jones' mic sounds, a deeper sound to it with some reverb, I'm sure some of you understand right? I just want to know if there is a program I can download that is very straight forward that can help me make my audio sound superb.

Anyone have any ideas?
 
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ssddx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbcEDgZpkm8 is something worth noting

the vox voice is likely a mix of lower pitch, a bit of echo, radio, random radio noise and slightly mechanical. you may need to combine effects to get something similar. also, be aware of things like noise gates which allow only high or low tones (ones you specify) through which can change sounds quite drastically.

most of the tutorials above are for post processing (editing videos). what you're looking for is likely an on-the-fly editing program however be aware this will introduce some delay to your voice stream. you may need to look around for programs which support the effects you want.

i'm not sure why you are using virtual audio cable for that purpose. you...
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ssddx

ssddx

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May 27, 2009
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for the price, neewer microphones are actually not too shabby. they lack bass but for under $20 they are a decent option for people just starting out without much cash to spend. i cant say i'm familiar with the e816s but its in the $200 it seems so it looks like you jumped right into middle of the road mics.

keep in mind that the sound of a microphone depends on many factors. first, different microphones will sound different. some will be more bassy, some will be more bright, etc. your particular voice and bass levels as well as speaking style can affect how a microphone makes your voice sound as well. some mics really sound wonderful and bright out bassy voices while others really make brighter tones shine. room reverb, whether you use a pop filter, if there is echo in the room, etc will change slightly how you are recorded.

i think what you're looking for are post processing effects or live effects.

things like movie trailer voice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgUcAoncSuI
cb radio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86P3whnojag
radio host https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5yfzEqcPHQ

you can add echo similarly. with low numbers input you can make it just ever so slight.
for increasing bass like above you can modify your presence

you will need to experiment to see what you like best.

there are many programs out there you could use. some have more features than others and some are paid while others are free. audacity is a freeware program that i've used just a little bit for the very minor mixing i've done. some of the above links use the program called reason.
 
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Shpeckledorf

Shpeckledorf

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Apr 8, 2016
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You know, for the relatively short time I used the condenser mic it comes with, I did realize it definitely wasn't bad! Although, when you have a $20 mic and a $200+ mic sitting in front of you, one is inclined to pick the 2nd choice. Also, it seems you know exactly what I'm looking for! I can never figure out the right words for what I want. I'm assuming I will be able to run the output of my mic in the programs to Virtual Audio Cable and people in Skype, Teamspeak, or Discord etc. will be able to hear what I hear? As well as in Open Broadcaster Software?

One thing I have definitely noticed about VAC is that it makes my mic sound horrible on the other end...or "something" because whenever I even have it enabled everyone complains that my mic quality sounds horrible, and the only way to stop that is to completely disable VAC. Am I doing something wrong?

Additional question: In this game called "Black Mesa" (Half Life 1 remastered) there was a point in the game where the annual announcements went under "military command" and this is what it sounded like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecNxQKMshJY
Is there any way I can do this with the programs in the videos? I just thought it sounded so cool.


Thank you so much for the help so far.
 
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ssddx

ssddx

Titan
May 27, 2009
17,054
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74,965
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbcEDgZpkm8 is something worth noting

the vox voice is likely a mix of lower pitch, a bit of echo, radio, random radio noise and slightly mechanical. you may need to combine effects to get something similar. also, be aware of things like noise gates which allow only high or low tones (ones you specify) through which can change sounds quite drastically.

most of the tutorials above are for post processing (editing videos). what you're looking for is likely an on-the-fly editing program however be aware this will introduce some delay to your voice stream. you may need to look around for programs which support the effects you want.

i'm not sure why you are using virtual audio cable for that purpose. you dont need vac to use any mic on your system and if you do live processing you can likely pick this as your default device without using vac. keep in mind that i dont do a whole lot of recording or editing myself and dont use vac so i can only say so much.
 
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