Other "TH-camrs" might have done this video but the difference I hear is THEY made the mic sound like trash and you kept it real and sounding awesome. Thanks for being honest instead of hating on the company who made it.
That mic is technically a field mic meant to be fitted on a boom-pole. The pole itself has its own mic cord that terminates about 6-10" from where the shotgun mic is mounted...hence the 12" cable that comes in the box. When using for the unintended voiceover application (that it works so well for), it becomes basically useless.
We deliberately bought a Synco D2 instead of a Sennheiser 416 because of the softer top end. I'd probably sound good on the 416, but my wife's cartoon voice acting contains a LOT of sibilance, and the D2 actually sounds BETTER for her. Hopefully the D2 lives a long time in our cartoon studio!
I have tried the synco but couldn’t get on with it. I have been looking at mics recently and looking at voiceover artists as well, and I saw that Jon Vertullo uses the AT875R for all his voiceover work. Now that is a good affordable mic. So I think that is the way I will go.
I can personally recommend the Auray WSF-2018 on Amazon as a good windscreen choice for the Synco. It's a little pricey, but seems to be a dead on copy of the 416's windscreen. I quite like the Synco and use it as a backup and for my travel rig, but I still covet a 416. 🤪
Great test at the end. Thank you. I'm gonna try a fethead phantom on it to see if it boosts and kills all that noise. After that, I think it may surpass the 416 on its own.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy hey! Seeing this weeks later! Recently concluded my first audiobook contract using my Synco D2 with the Fethead Phantom. Phenomenal results. The boost is 18 db of clean audio. Went from having my Audient iD4 cranked to a 9.5 Gain to 6 on the nose (could have gone down to 4.5). Perfection 🤌
I think the pigtail is for a boom pole, since that's what a lot of shotguns are used for. Listening to the side-by-side with IEM's, the 416 is noticeably brighter... but not by much. If I weren't actively listening for a difference I don't think I'd hear it. If both mics were EQ'd the same, you could probably pull the higher frequencies up a tiny bit on the D2 and get it closer. Having said that, I've had a D2 for about a year and it's still great, using it with a Motu M2.
I found that EQ is a wonderful thing to help with making other mics sound the same as another, but the difference in efficiency of phantom power and the way they handle proximity is a little more difficult to simulate. Sadly, most soundboards don't have the ability to fine tune like you can with a post processing in a DAW. But, oh boy! A good EQ is worth its weight in... well, you get what I mean.
With some creative EQ and proximity effects, an AT 875r is a pretty good mic. I would hazard to say that it compares favorably to the MKE600! I am curious if you found a different sweet spot between the two mics. I am disappointed that their pop filter/wind screen negatively affected the sound so dramatically. The self noise is also a concern, especially when noise floor is important. If it's going to be buried underneath a music and sfx track, it sounds like the D-2 can compete.
@@erickjovan I'm using a set of them (5) for a full cast production and a stream later on. I've been impressed with their tonality and side rejection for their price. But, the D-2 may make an appearance if they can maintain some constancy.
The problem with the AT875R is the build quality. It sounds great for $175 or whatever the price is, but it seems like it could break if you hit a ceiling or wall.
I love my Synco, but that cover is hot garbage. Certainly muds up the audio. I don't even use a cover or pop filter anymore just based on mic placement. Nice work on your review Tim!
I’m looking for a forever mic and this one caught my attention. I’ve seen many a review about this and I’m considering it as an option. I don’t have sound treatment. (Yet) Would this mic be a good option for less than adequate sound treatment? There’s not much echo to my ears in my room, but I’m going to be treating it anyway at some point. Thanks in advance! Great content, as always! (For context, I have a voice that leans more to the bassy side.)
what was your Gain like, that brought out the self noise in the Synco? and can you honestly recommend it for voice over, if there is that existing self noise you mentioned? can the Synco deliver for voice over, without background music to hide the self noise?
@@FunnyGuyTimmy surprisingly Timmy, no other review of the Synco that I saw here on TH-cam, made mention of the self noise. but then again, you always struck me as that straight-to-the-point, no-nonsense kind of guy.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy the other concern I have, is one using the Synco to record a voice over and that audio is sent, without post processing, to an engineer. any thoughts on how that might turn out
Do you need a fethead phantom with this ? I just bought one. Seems to have some noise or interference when I speak at 12 inches or more. Not sure. Using scarlet solo 3rd gen.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy what audio interface or recorder did you use in the test ? I bought this to record myself from about 1 to 1.5 foot but not satisfied with the noise floor with this on my focusrite scarlett 3rd gen. Works better at upto 6 inches.
@@TheFinalRevelation2 6 inches in is the best distance anyway. Only go further away when you are getting really loud. That’s normal. The scarlet series is a fine interface. My interface is listed in the video description along with all my usual gear.
...buying a SYNCO, and spraying on the Sennheiser logo on so people who would judge me can't tell. Especially since I'll be using a OCTO-842S from B&H, so they can't really see that the grill on the front doesn't match the slits on the side haha
Yeah most are probably gonna watch it in mono on a device. And probably fewer are going to pull it up on a computer or headphones in stereo if they really wanna compare it. It just sounds very natural between the two I'm trying to make the decision to pull the trigger or save. I'm glad that some of these companies are bringing out good alternatives it allows a lot of people to get started getting something done that's way better than what they could've done if they didn't have the options. And I'm hoping in a few years this will make some of these films that I just saw at a film festival a lot better sounding. My one concern is copying did they actually copy it or did they reverse engineer it? at the same time the name of the original manufacture will always be the standard which will also dictate the price unfortunately. I think they did an OK job I'm thinking more along the lines of Amazon basics products where they find something that sells really well and then they cut the market and make their own.
Depends on what it’s being used for. If it’s an outdoor film shoot and it’s more of a medium to wide shot, I would go with the Synco. If indoors and a close up, I would go with the AT875r. And general in studio VO would be Synco, and podcasts would be AT875r. Each mic has their strengths.
@@dylanj8676 yes. The longer length is for focusing more on the sound source you are wanting to record. But indoors, well treated areas or in small spaces it can sound artificial and too focused. So using a shorter shotgun mic or pencil condenser is often better. But that’s mostly film recording. Voice over would be determined by how much noise outside your recording space you are needing to deal with.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy I always go for a hypercardioid small diaphragm mic (normal pencil mic, no interference tube) when I'm recording indoors in an untreated or less than adequately treated space.
I bought this mic after hearing and reading good stuff about it, and it just sounded as a 200$ mic, in a nice package. compared to the MKH 416. I wasn't pleased with how it sounded. The most crucial aspect of any microphone is its ability to capture clear and crisp audio. Sadly, this clone shotgun microphone fell short of expectations. The sound quality was muffled and lacked the depth and richness that I had hoped for. you mentioned the noise floor, I second that. and it kinda failed to accurately capture the nuances of the vocal. I couldn't even compare it to my MKH 416.
Yeah. With mics like this, ones with less consistence in quality from the factory, you can’t be sure of what you are going to get. I know some people who have done tests that are better than mine and some with results much much worse. I use it as my back up and secondary mic for film sets but I still prefer my 416, hands down.
Hello! Deciding between this or Rode NT1! My room isn't well treated (just thick blankets) and I'm planning to use this for voiceover work. Which should be the better option?
Do you have more of a bassier voice or a high pitched one? If it’s higher, I would go with the shot gun mic. It will complement your low end. Plus, it will reject more of the untreated space as well as outside noise.
I've had two Synco Mic D2s and I found them to be hot garbage. Maybe I got two lemons, but for like $300 each I'd expect a bit better. Mine were muffled even without the windscreen, and yours if definitely less articulate and detailed than the MKH 416. Now I've got a Rode NTG3 and I'm expecting a Sennheiser MKH 415T in the mail. I really wanted to like the Synco too, but they just weren't articulate, even compared to dark mics like my Oktavas. The short XLR cable is intended for the top of a boompole that has an XLR jack at the top.
If you were a beginner in voiceover and were to purchase a microphone would you go with a Synco D2 over something like a Neat King Bee II? I currently own the Bee and a Zoom H5 / H6 as my interface and am unsure if I should return the Bee. The Booth is just my closet with blankets, clothes, and pillows.
It depends on your setup. A shotgun mic is for focusing on your voice but can sometimes now have the fullness or liveliness that you would get with a large diaphragm mic. But if you are in a poorly treated space with more noise, a large diaphragm mic would only pick up more of that as oppose to the shotgun mic. Ones not necessarily better than the other, they are just different.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy In that case, if the Synco still has good enough audio for paid work then it would make sense to get that because chances are there will be more "mistakes" and noise coming from a budget booth, right?
Hey, what do you think is a good step up from a Shure SM7B for voice acting work? The SM7B is pretty good but something doesn't feel quite as clear for me with it as some of the mics Ive seen you use
Due to the fact that the Shure SM7B is a dynamic mic and not a cardioid, it’s going to lack clarity and detail. It’s pretty much only good for podcasts, let’s plays, radio and maybe audiobooks. To do more commercial and character work, you’re going to need a mic that is more sensitive and has a wider range.
@Vayye It definitely depends on your environment and the purpose for which you are going to be using the mic. Voice Acting is a huge and generic category. Some would say the best mic, is the one you have... even if it is a dynamic mic. Concentrate on your environment first. A bad environment will make a $10,000 mic sound bad, but a great environment can make an inexpensive mic sound good enough to get some big jobs. Tim is spot-on correct if your budget is not willing to suffer a $1000 hit, don't burden yourself with such a huge hit. IF you are doing promos or in a noisy environment (even with properly treated room in the best available spot in your area), a shotgun mic is going to be a great option. It doesn't have to be a 416. There are cheaper and very good choices for much less. There is an arm's long list of why shotguns are a great format of mic to have (including the D-2). However, if your environment is really good, a cardioid mic like a Rode NT1 is an excellent choice. Depending on your voice and style, the best mic for you is the one that will not only pay for itself, but make you money long into the future! So, what is the RAW current noise level of your recording space? Expect a more expensive mic to pick up things you never heard before. But, it will capture more of the true you than the SM7B ever will. That's what sells you... you.
@@mageprostudios4334 My room is not carpeted at all and really quite echoey, but it's also too big to cover universally with foam, so I'm not sure what to do about the environment.
Other "TH-camrs" might have done this video but the difference I hear is THEY made the mic sound like trash and you kept it real and sounding awesome. Thanks for being honest instead of hating on the company who made it.
That mic is technically a field mic meant to be fitted on a boom-pole. The pole itself has its own mic cord that terminates about 6-10" from where the shotgun mic is mounted...hence the 12" cable that comes in the box. When using for the unintended voiceover application (that it works so well for), it becomes basically useless.
I personally love my Synco mic d-2 iv gone through quite a few mic but the Synco has my heart
The Synco D-2 is my forever Microphone. I simply love it.
Ray! I had a vague memory of you getting one some time back, but never heard much after a point. Glad to hear you are pleased with it!!
boom ops will recognise the short pigtail XLR cable
I do film audio too. I have never needed one of these lol
I use the d2 and love it.
Jim, how long have you had it and what is it mainly used for?
hey Jim, whats your personal take, on the Synco D2 and its self noise. what type of interface are using with the D2?
I currently use the AT-2020, and the Shure SM57, those and the MXL 770. But, I love shotgun mics, thank you for posting Mr. Banfield.
We deliberately bought a Synco D2 instead of a Sennheiser 416 because of the softer top end. I'd probably sound good on the 416, but my wife's cartoon voice acting contains a LOT of sibilance, and the D2 actually sounds BETTER for her. Hopefully the D2 lives a long time in our cartoon studio!
I have tried the synco but couldn’t get on with it. I have been looking at mics recently and looking at voiceover artists as well, and I saw that Jon Vertullo uses the AT875R for all his voiceover work. Now that is a good affordable mic. So I think that is the way I will go.
I have both. I like the AT875R more.
I can personally recommend the Auray WSF-2018 on Amazon as a good windscreen choice for the Synco. It's a little pricey, but seems to be a dead on copy of the 416's windscreen. I quite like the Synco and use it as a backup and for my travel rig, but I still covet a 416. 🤪
Great test at the end. Thank you. I'm gonna try a fethead phantom on it to see if it boosts and kills all that noise. After that, I think it may surpass the 416 on its own.
If you do, post some kind of result video or report. I have a kind of cloud lifter and may try something similar in the future.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy hey! Seeing this weeks later! Recently concluded my first audiobook contract using my Synco D2 with the Fethead Phantom. Phenomenal results. The boost is 18 db of clean audio. Went from having my Audient iD4 cranked to a 9.5 Gain to 6 on the nose (could have gone down to 4.5). Perfection 🤌
I think the pigtail is for a boom pole, since that's what a lot of shotguns are used for. Listening to the side-by-side with IEM's, the 416 is noticeably brighter... but not by much. If I weren't actively listening for a difference I don't think I'd hear it. If both mics were EQ'd the same, you could probably pull the higher frequencies up a tiny bit on the D2 and get it closer. Having said that, I've had a D2 for about a year and it's still great, using it with a Motu M2.
I found that EQ is a wonderful thing to help with making other mics sound the same as another, but the difference in efficiency of phantom power and the way they handle proximity is a little more difficult to simulate. Sadly, most soundboards don't have the ability to fine tune like you can with a post processing in a DAW. But, oh boy! A good EQ is worth its weight in... well, you get what I mean.
With some creative EQ and proximity effects, an AT 875r is a pretty good mic. I would hazard to say that it compares favorably to the MKE600! I am curious if you found a different sweet spot between the two mics. I am disappointed that their pop filter/wind screen negatively affected the sound so dramatically. The self noise is also a concern, especially when noise floor is important. If it's going to be buried underneath a music and sfx track, it sounds like the D-2 can compete.
I have a new project coming up and I was thinking about getting the AT875r
@@erickjovan I'm using a set of them (5) for a full cast production and a stream later on. I've been impressed with their tonality and side rejection for their price. But, the D-2 may make an appearance if they can maintain some constancy.
The problem with the AT875R is the build quality. It sounds great for $175 or whatever the price is, but it seems like it could break if you hit a ceiling or wall.
Awesome vid tim. I hope youd buy the mirfak np10 and compare it with the synco d2. Please
That is actually on my list.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy looking forward to it!
I DO AGREE WITH YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE PRICE OF SENNHEISER which is over priced
Bro, you need need need, to do a review of the audio technica 897 shotgun mic
Synco is a great mic at $159. Does really well for what I'm doing I'm no pro but most I'm sounding great so far
I love my Synco, but that cover is hot garbage. Certainly muds up the audio. I don't even use a cover or pop filter anymore just based on mic placement. Nice work on your review Tim!
I’m looking for a forever mic and this one caught my attention. I’ve seen many a review about this and I’m considering it as an option. I don’t have sound treatment. (Yet) Would this mic be a good option for less than adequate sound treatment? There’s not much echo to my ears in my room, but I’m going to be treating it anyway at some point. Thanks in advance! Great content, as always! (For context, I have a voice that leans more to the bassy side.)
I use mine in a completely untreated room and it rejects background and room noise brilliantly.
I like my AT875R more than my Synco D2 for VO.
what was your Gain like, that brought out the self noise in the Synco? and can you honestly recommend it for voice over, if there is that existing self noise you mentioned? can the Synco deliver for voice over, without background music to hide the self noise?
My gain on my Yamaha mixer was half way and my levels were set to 0.
I would say it can. May just need a slight EQ or noise cleanup but yes, I would say it’s good for general VO.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy surprisingly Timmy, no other review of the Synco that I saw here on TH-cam, made mention of the self noise. but then again, you always struck me as that straight-to-the-point, no-nonsense kind of guy.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy the other concern I have, is one using the Synco to record a voice over and that audio is sent, without post processing, to an engineer. any thoughts on how that might turn out
@@antoineinniss5586 well, I do only have a sample size of one and I don’t know if another interface might be better so it’s very hard to say.
Do you need a fethead phantom with this ? I just bought one. Seems to have some noise or interference when I speak at 12 inches or more. Not sure. Using scarlet solo 3rd gen.
Those amplifiers are normally only for dynamic mics. But there are amplifiers that might help but generally speaking, no.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy what audio interface or recorder did you use in the test ? I bought this to record myself from about 1 to 1.5 foot but not satisfied with the noise floor with this on my focusrite scarlett 3rd gen. Works better at upto 6 inches.
@@TheFinalRevelation2 6 inches in is the best distance anyway. Only go further away when you are getting really loud. That’s normal.
The scarlet series is a fine interface.
My interface is listed in the video description along with all my usual gear.
...buying a SYNCO, and spraying on the Sennheiser logo on so people who would judge me can't tell. Especially since I'll be using a OCTO-842S from B&H, so they can't really see that the grill on the front doesn't match the slits on the side haha
Update. The thing works so well I dgaf if anyone judges it. It’s amazing
Yeah most are probably gonna watch it in mono on a device. And probably fewer are going to pull it up on a computer or headphones in stereo if they really wanna compare it.
It just sounds very natural between the two I'm trying to make the decision to pull the trigger or save.
I'm glad that some of these companies are bringing out good alternatives it allows a lot of people to get started getting something done that's way better than what they could've done if they didn't have the options. And I'm hoping in a few years this will make some of these films that I just saw at a film festival a lot better sounding.
My one concern is copying did they actually copy it or did they reverse engineer it? at the same time the name of the original manufacture will always be the standard which will also dictate the price unfortunately. I think they did an OK job I'm thinking more along the lines of Amazon basics products where they find something that sells really well and then they cut the market and make their own.
Timmy, would you pick this mic over the Audio-Technica AT-875R?
Depends on what it’s being used for. If it’s an outdoor film shoot and it’s more of a medium to wide shot, I would go with the Synco. If indoors and a close up, I would go with the AT875r. And general in studio VO would be Synco, and podcasts would be AT875r. Each mic has their strengths.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy So why would you pick the AT875R for indoors? Is it the shorter length and tube?
@@dylanj8676 yes. The longer length is for focusing more on the sound source you are wanting to record. But indoors, well treated areas or in small spaces it can sound artificial and too focused. So using a shorter shotgun mic or pencil condenser is often better. But that’s mostly film recording. Voice over would be determined by how much noise outside your recording space you are needing to deal with.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy I always go for a hypercardioid small diaphragm mic (normal pencil mic, no interference tube) when I'm recording indoors in an untreated or less than adequately treated space.
I bought this mic after hearing and reading good stuff about it, and it just sounded as a 200$ mic, in a nice package. compared to the MKH 416. I wasn't pleased with how it sounded.
The most crucial aspect of any microphone is its ability to capture clear and crisp audio. Sadly, this clone shotgun microphone fell short of expectations. The sound quality was muffled and lacked the depth and richness that I had hoped for. you mentioned the noise floor, I second that. and it kinda failed to accurately capture the nuances of the vocal.
I couldn't even compare it to my MKH 416.
Yeah. With mics like this, ones with less consistence in quality from the factory, you can’t be sure of what you are going to get. I know some people who have done tests that are better than mine and some with results much much worse. I use it as my back up and secondary mic for film sets but I still prefer my 416, hands down.
Hello! Deciding between this or Rode NT1! My room isn't well treated (just thick blankets) and I'm planning to use this for voiceover work. Which should be the better option?
Do you have more of a bassier voice or a high pitched one? If it’s higher, I would go with the shot gun mic. It will complement your low end. Plus, it will reject more of the untreated space as well as outside noise.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy Thank you! This helped me out so much.
I've had two Synco Mic D2s and I found them to be hot garbage. Maybe I got two lemons, but for like $300 each I'd expect a bit better. Mine were muffled even without the windscreen, and yours if definitely less articulate and detailed than the MKH 416. Now I've got a Rode NTG3 and I'm expecting a Sennheiser MKH 415T in the mail. I really wanted to like the Synco too, but they just weren't articulate, even compared to dark mics like my Oktavas. The short XLR cable is intended for the top of a boompole that has an XLR jack at the top.
If you were a beginner in voiceover and were to purchase a microphone would you go with a Synco D2 over something like a Neat King Bee II? I currently own the Bee and a Zoom H5 / H6 as my interface and am unsure if I should return the Bee. The Booth is just my closet with blankets, clothes, and pillows.
It depends on your setup. A shotgun mic is for focusing on your voice but can sometimes now have the fullness or liveliness that you would get with a large diaphragm mic. But if you are in a poorly treated space with more noise, a large diaphragm mic would only pick up more of that as oppose to the shotgun mic. Ones not necessarily better than the other, they are just different.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy In that case, if the Synco still has good enough audio for paid work then it would make sense to get that because chances are there will be more "mistakes" and noise coming from a budget booth, right?
@@perfectshedinja correct. For most beginners with a less than perfect place to record a shotgun or small diaphragm mic is usually ideal.
Nice shirt!
Hey, what do you think is a good step up from a Shure SM7B for voice acting work? The SM7B is pretty good but something doesn't feel quite as clear for me with it as some of the mics Ive seen you use
Due to the fact that the Shure SM7B is a dynamic mic and not a cardioid, it’s going to lack clarity and detail. It’s pretty much only good for podcasts, let’s plays, radio and maybe audiobooks. To do more commercial and character work, you’re going to need a mic that is more sensitive and has a wider range.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy So would the 416 be a good option?
@@vayye6793 price wise, no. For a pro sound, yes. But you should be able to get a great sounds that competes with pro mics for less than $1000.
@Vayye It definitely depends on your environment and the purpose for which you are going to be using the mic. Voice Acting is a huge and generic category. Some would say the best mic, is the one you have... even if it is a dynamic mic. Concentrate on your environment first. A bad environment will make a $10,000 mic sound bad, but a great environment can make an inexpensive mic sound good enough to get some big jobs.
Tim is spot-on correct if your budget is not willing to suffer a $1000 hit, don't burden yourself with such a huge hit. IF you are doing promos or in a noisy environment (even with properly treated room in the best available spot in your area), a shotgun mic is going to be a great option. It doesn't have to be a 416. There are cheaper and very good choices for much less. There is an arm's long list of why shotguns are a great format of mic to have (including the D-2).
However, if your environment is really good, a cardioid mic like a Rode NT1 is an excellent choice. Depending on your voice and style, the best mic for you is the one that will not only pay for itself, but make you money long into the future! So, what is the RAW current noise level of your recording space? Expect a more expensive mic to pick up things you never heard before. But, it will capture more of the true you than the SM7B ever will. That's what sells you... you.
@@mageprostudios4334 My room is not carpeted at all and really quite echoey, but it's also too big to cover universally with foam, so I'm not sure what to do about the environment.
I have a bassier voice, would this mic work for me? I'd be using it for voiceover.
I might go with one of the RODE mics. Most of their's seem sharper to me and might complement your voices better.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy Thanks.
What are your thoughts comparing the Synco to a Rode NT1?
From the few times I have used the NT1 in the past, I would say the synco is better.
@@FunnyGuyTimmy great! My Synco is arriving this afternoon! Thanks for your fast response! Just subscribed to your channel!
You can sell your Sennheiser
Got mine for $199
19:51
I do not have time to watch videos where thepresenter fails to get to the point
@@skiphupp6387 what would “the point” be in a review video and how soon after pressing start do you expect “the point” to be presented?