Which Microphones Have the Lowest Self-Noise?

All condenser microphones have self-noise (inherent noise) due to their electrical circuit. Most of the XLR condenser microphones will have a self-noise within the 5-30dB range.

However, there are some outliers with self-noise as low as 4dB. Conversely, most USB microphones don’t disclose their self-noise levels, but they are usually very high, often above 30dB.

Low-end USB microphones produce lots of self-noise and often are way above 30dB.

If you can’t find self-noise in the specification sheet for a condenser microphone, it’s most likely because the self-noise is quite high and you are better off avoiding buying such microphones.

The quietest condenser microphones are Rode NT1, Lewitt LCT 540 Subzero and CAD Audio E100S they have a self-noise of only ~4dB and are extremely quiet.

What is considered a quiet microphone?

Microphones with self-noise below 10dB are considered to be extremely quiet.

Microphones with self-noise in the 10-16dB range are quiet enough for use in a studio environment and the noise coming from these microphones will be almost unnoticeable.

Microphones with the self-noise of 16-20dB are still solid and can be used in a studio environment, however extra adjustments using software might be required. Or you will have to record at high levels to mask inherent microphone self-noise.

Self-noise of 20-25dB is considered quite high, however, you might be able to use such microphones in a noisy environment without noticing inherent microphone noise.

Microphones with self-noise above 25dB should be avoided as inherent noise will be very hard to mask or remove in post-production.

Some of the quietest condenser microphones are:

Here is a list of popular condenser microphones and their self-noise levels:

MicrophoneSelf-Noise, dB Price, $ 
CAD Audio E100S3.7$500
Rode NT14$269
Lewitt LCT 540 Subzero4$699
Rode NT1-A5$229
AKG Pro C4146$880
Lewitt LCT 4407$269
Rode NT2A7$399
Neumann TLM 1037$1,100
Lewitt LCT 9408$1,700
Sennheiser MK 410$300
Neumann TLM 10710$1,400
Neumann TLM 19310$1,500
AT 203512$119
AT 404012$300
Neumann TLM 10212$700
Neumann U 8712$3,600
AKG Pro C21413$345
Neumann KM184 MT13$850
Sennheiser MKH41613$999
AKG Pro P42015$179
AKG P22016$134
Blue Spark Blackout SL XLR16$200
AT 205017$252
AT 405017$699
AKG C 451 B18$349
Neumann KMS 10518$700
Lewitt LCT 240 Pro19$149
MXL 44020$69
MXL 77020$73
MXL 99020$76
AT 2020 XLR20$79
Sennheiser e 96521$500
MXL V67G22$95
Lewitt DGT 45025$299
Lewitt DTP 640 Rex28$329
Self-noise in popular condenser microphones. (Source)

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How to Sound Like Mickey Mouse?

Mickey Mouse has an iconic voice that is high pitched, soft, energetic and upbeat. To sound like Mickey Mouse you will have to learn to speak in falsetto, use your throat to add warmth and resonance to the voice and finish your sentences in an energetic fashion.

Mickey Mouse uses a high-pitched voice (falsetto)

Mickey Mouse’s voice is in falsetto register. To learn Mickey Mouse impression you will have to learn to attain a falsetto voice.

When speaking in falsetto your vocal cords are supposed to be thinned. Therefore, to reach your falsetto voice it helps to raise and stretch your head upwards.

You can practice your falsetto voice by attempting to create a child’s voice or mimicking young puppy sounds. Another exercise for high-pitched voice is expressing “eee” sound in the highest voice possible.

You can watch this video for more guidance:

Add warmth and roundness to your voice to sound like Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse’s voice is high-pitched, however, at the same time, it is quite rounded and soft. To add softness to your voice try lowering your tongue at the back of your mouth. It will give more space in your throat for resonance

Also, raising your soft palate will extend the cavity at the end of your mouth which will add even more resonance and create a more rounded voice which is characteristic for Mickey Mouse.

Sound happy and energetic to achieve Mickey Mouse voice

Mickey Mouse is always happy and energetic. You can try to slightly smile while speaking which will add a happy tone to your voice.

In addition, Mickey Mouse voice is energetic and he likes to articulate words with a lot of energy and emphasis. The way he speaks is quite close to shouting. So try to keep that energy up and emphasize each world separately while maintaining a happy tone. Also, speed up your pace to nail the voice as Mickey Mouse is a fast talker.

Conclusion

To sound like Mickey Mouse apply these tips:

  • Use a falsetto voice
  • Lift your head up
  • Lift your soft palate
  • Lower your tongue at the back of your mouth
  • Sound energetic
  • Smile
  • Emphasize each word
  • Talk fast
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