Hey there! I'm an amateur voiceover artist whose been participating in online non-profit fan projects in a variety of sorts for about 10 months now. For about half of that time I have been using a Shure SM86 on a Behringer Eurorack MXB1002 into my M-Audio Delta 1010-LT audio card. Using the SM86 has proved nicely, although at times it seems a bit too sharp rather than providing nice warmth for my application of mostly voice acting. For awhile I have been just looking through catalogs trying to see what else is out there... but now with Christmas time coming around I actually have a choice.

At the moment I have about $300 USD to spend. For the past few days I have been narrowing down from about 10 possible microphone choices to about 4, which consist of the as follows:

Shure KSM27
R0DE NT1000
Behringer B-2 Pro
Shure SM81

I'm not really looking for a well-rounded microphone for a variety of applications beyond voice. I am searching specifically for a microphone great for voiceovers alone at this time.

Now, specifically from this list are two: the KSM27 and the B-2 Pro that interest me. The KSM27 because I have actually seen a few reviews from voiceover artists that praise it quite, but I'm still not sure on it yet. And as for the B-2 Pro, because I noticed on a fellow VA's web site that he used this microphone, and his recordings sound amazing. Now I'm sure he has a much more experienced concept of audio recording then I do since he's been in the hobby for years more than I have, but another thing caught my eye. Still new to audio development and such, I first read about omni-directional and figure-8 just yesterday. Omni-directional recording, I think, would be a GREAT feature to have should I do skit recordings with multiple people, which certainly is not out of the question as I am actually attempting to create my own home studio and perhaps one day a small business studio as well (but it's too early for that).

However, what is ultimately most important to me is a microphone within that price range or perhaps a LITTLE higher (say up to $375 at the most) that will give me the most professional, clear-cut, whatever-other-words-have-you sounding vocal recordings they can muster.

So please, if you would, give me your thoughts on those four listed microphones above, as well as any information on other microphones that you may have.

Thank you for your time.