In an industry shaped by nuance, authenticity, and razor-sharp sound, voiceover professionals are constantly on the hunt for tools that not only capture their voice but help them book work. And according to seasoned VO artist, producer, and author Mark Yoshimoto Nemcoff, the DPA 2017 Shotgun Microphone might just be one of those tools.

In a recent in-depth video review, Nemcoff explores how the 2017 stands up to the demands of today’s voiceover world—one where natural delivery and studio-grade clarity are not optional, but essential.

“There is an increasing demand for voices that do not sound like commercial voiceover voices,” he explains. “For voices that sound more natural, more organic, more relatable.”

A Mic for Modern VO Demands

Voiceover delivery has shifted. The old-school, heavily processed “announcer” tone is out. Clients now want performances that sound real, conversational—even imperfect at times. And achieving that hinges not only on performance but on how it’s captured.

“What I really like about the 2017 is that it offers what I feel is an exceptional amount of audio precision,” Nemcoff says. “My voice is meeting these new stringent modern standards.”

That includes projects across commercial, game, and audiobook work—fields where pristine, high-resolution audio is becoming the baseline. And for those wary of shotgun mics in VO, Nemcoff admits he was surprised.

“This does not sound like a 416,” he says, referencing the Sennheiser MKH 416, the long-time industry standard. “We will definitely be putting it up against the 416… but I want to talk about the 2017 today.”

Wide Sweet Spot, Authentic Sound

One standout feature of the 2017 is its forgiving sweet spot, which is a breath of fresh air for actors who like to move.

“I can be looking down at copy off a phone, look up, look around… I don’t have to lock my head into a vice in order to keep my tone from changing.”

That freedom allows for a more dynamic, lifelike performance—something increasingly valuable as studios look for natural storytelling over polished perfection. The mic’s supercardioid pickup pattern contributes to that flexibility, providing directionality without being overly restrictive.

Foam Filter That Works

Nemcoff also highlights the mic’s custom foam filter, which doesn’t just reduce plosives—it slightly dampens room resonance and tightens the overall sound without killing clarity.

“This is not your grandpa’s foam,” he says. “It does an amazing job of pop mitigation… and has a very transparent sound too.”

He even compares it to the Hakan pop filter in terms of effectiveness, praising the DPA’s attention to practical detail.

Built Like a Tank

The 2017 also brings DPA’s signature ruggedness and RF shielding, another key selling point.“Apparently you could actually get this thing wet in like a shower and after it dries out, it’ll be fine,” Nemcoff notes—though he stops short of testing that claim himself.

Its neutral voicing is another bonus: flat from 70Hz to around 15kHz, with only a gentle lift at the top. This gives voice artists the flexibility to shape their sound in post, or deliver polished results directly—crucial in a world where many clients now skip post-production altogether.

Real-World Results

Nemcoff didn’t just test the mic—he used it on five or six real auditions, including a major case study voiceover for the Cannes Commercial Festival.

“One of them I heard back on in a couple of hours… I shortlisted right away. I don’t know if I’ll get it, but the fact that I shortlisted so quickly really gives me hope that this mic could be the answer.”

The Verdict

“What I like about this mic is that it’s capturing the natural sound of you—which is the most important thing in voiceover these days,” Nemcoff concludes. “I’m really excited to see how well it works on more jobs.”

So—can a microphone help you book more gigs? If you’re delivering authentic, emotionally resonant performances with clarity and confidence, the answer just might be yes. And the DPA 2017 seems ready to play that role.