The Perfect Microphone Placement for Professional Voice-Over

As a voice-over artist, it’s important to understand proper microphone placement to achieve the best possible sound quality. Even with an expensive microphone, poor placement will result in a substandard recording. Here is how to get it right.

Distance from the Microphone

The standard starting point for voice-over recording is approximately 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) from the microphone. Too close and you’ll pick up excessive breath sounds and plosives. Too far and the recording will sound thin and distant. Adjust slightly based on your voice — louder voices may need more distance, quieter voices slightly less.

Angle of the Microphone

Point the microphone directly at your mouth or slightly above it, angled down toward your lips. This position helps to capture your voice clearly while reducing the risk of breath sounds hitting the capsule directly. Avoid speaking directly across the top of the microphone — this can cause off-axis colouration.

Using a Pop Filter

A pop filter (or pop shield) sits between your mouth and the microphone, typically 5 to 10 cm in front of the capsule. It reduces the burst of air from plosive consonants — P, B, T — that cause distortion in recordings. Always use one for voice-over work.

Room Position

Where you place your microphone in the room matters as much as the distance from your mouth. Position yourself away from walls and corners to reduce early reflections. If recording in an untreated room, face away from hard surfaces. The fewer parallel reflective surfaces around you, the cleaner the recording.

Consistency

Once you’ve found a position that works, be consistent. Mark the position with tape on the floor or a note on your mic stand so you return to exactly the same setup for every session. Consistency in placement means consistency in sound — which is exactly what clients and editors need.