Is the Earthworks SV33 Too Noisy for VO?

Help me out. Should I keep the Earthworks SV33 or return it? On one hand, the noise floor seems a bit daunting, but the mic just sounds so present and detailed as I compare it to 3 other mics in the booth. Maybe this is really a demo for how great the UAD Neve DFC's expander and gate work? Maybe I have a defective mic? I only have a couple of days before my return window closes and I'm still on the fence. Should I keep the SV33 or send it back?

Oh, and a tease for tomorrow's special video.

[billkaroly]

One other thing I'm just curious how is the capsule mounted? I'm assuming that it's mounted in a way that allows you to talk into the top of the microphone. I'm just curious because I might want to make amount and play with it on a bill I'm thinking about.

[billkaroly]

I think there is too much fiddling with microphones and equalizations because what it boils down to is how the listener hears what's been recorded? Is it mostly on a cell phone or a television. If it's mostly a smartphone then not so much.

[JornLavoll]

Yeah, the noise floor was a major dissapointment with this one. I also went for a lewitt 540 for things I thought I would use the SV33 for.

[PandaPotPies]

the sv33 sounds the best on your voice. Theres a technique in music in adding white noise layer over a super saw to make it sound better

[danielgaudet]

I do like the sound of the Earthworks SV33 on your voice vs the other 3 microphones. I was a bit surprised of the noise though, but as you mentioned, I didn't notice it when you were talking.

[danielgloor]

Hello Mark, Months have passed: have you kept the Earthworks SV33? Are you satisfied with his employment in VO? Do you think its value for money is really good? The investment for a home studio still seems very important to me… Thank you for your answer. 🙋🏻‍♂️

[MistaBrandoVA]

Even though this mic is probably well above my budget I still love looking at reviews for all kinds of microphones.

Would you describe this one as “bright?” I’ve been trying to research and look into a new mic for my animated and commercial work for my radio job, been told bright mics suit people with deeper voices like mine.

When I was first starting out and on my own I bought a Yeti Pro (dual USB and XLR) when it was discounted on Amazon and with my Scarlet Solo interface its been working great for me doing jobs for my radio station. I’d like to pick out something a little higher quality and easier to use, the Yeti Pro has been great as my first mic but it’s sometimes extra sensitive and finicky to use. I’d reserve it for streaming and video chats and I’d like to get something else specifically for my work.

I know each mic reacts differently to people’s voices but learning about bright mics helps narrow it down, are there any around the $500-ish range you can recommend? Maybe a little above that range too.

[mucha]

I'd say keep it. I believe the SV33 is an SDC, so they're inherently noisier than LDC mics because they're more sensitive. Sweetwater says it's an LDC but also says that the diaphragm is 0.55" which I believe makes it an SDC by the definitions I've seen :).

[tobbe]

I have general question, do you know how to identify fake mkh 416 mics? I've heard this can be an issue when purchasing a used one..

[DavidDragonMedia]

The Earthworks SV33 sounds like a microphone you should keep. I never heard of it before I saw your video and I think it sounds very good. This, from the point of view of a guy who uses a Sennheiser 416 for VO every day.

[GearCave]

wow. for the price, this noise should not be here.
You made me pick the Lewitt 540 Subzero after watching this.

Noise level is 4db and it's pretty flat.
Plus check t he price, it's like 700$

The SOYUZ sounded the best btw.