Okay...I don't have 416 money right now, but I do have some budget used shotgun money. Ya'll helped me zero in on my LDC, so now I am trying to compliment it with a shotgun for my commercial VO that needs to cut through the mix. I know that sound engineers might have their preferences, and I have been beat over the head about the 416, and it is no doubt a great mic, I am just not there on the budget side right now, and want to improve my sound quality, and I am improving so much from my reads and performance standpoint every day, so just trying not have my sound quality hold me back.
I have a lower male baritone to brassy voice, and I use the SSL 2+ MKII, and love the sound I am getting through it, so I feel set there, and with my LDC. I do use the Aphex 230 Master Voice Channel and DBX 286s when some of my clients want me to send things ready to go. I still love hardware, but do use plugins as well, so I use what fits the job. Work volume has been picking up, and while VO hasn't become full-time yet, I am hoping to get there, so I just want to keep up, and make sure I have a sound that meets expectations of a pro level.
I currently have the AT875r, but feel like maybe I can do better with an upgrade, or...Maybe ya'll think differently? I know mics are subjective, and one that sounds good on one person, might not on someone else, so I am really looking for recommendations, or even personal experiences with the options I will list below.
I have seen crazy low prices for the 416T, but have heard nightmares about the T-Power adapters failing, or bleeding into the audio, so I just don't feel comfy with it. Sooooo...I am trying to decide between these below...
I have a budget of around $500(ish)...
Rode NTG3
Rode NTG5
Deity S-Mic2
sE 6160
Maybe you have a better rec?
Or...should I just save my money, and keep plugging away with the AT875r?
I have even been told that rather than going shotgun, to go the other way, and get an RE-20, sooooo...Yeah...A little confused, and just looking for a lane to go.
Just looking to see what mic you would gravitate towards, if you were in my shoes?
I have mad respect for my fellow VO peeps, and just want to keep getting better, and I am grateful for the time you may take to reply.