I’ve done a ton of commercial VO work over the years, and like most in this lane, I’ve leaned heavily on the trusty Sennheiser 416. It’s a classic for a reason: It cuts through, has a signature sound, gets the job done. So when I got the 2017, I wasn’t expecting to be wowed. I figured, "Okay, a more neutral 416, let’s see."

What I didn’t expect was how much dimension this mic brings to the table. First off, the 2017 isn’t just a flatter 416. Yes, it’s more neutral in the frequency response, but what really stood out to me was the depth and realism in the sound. It has this natural fullness that doesn’t feel hyped, yet still holds its own in a mix. It’s clear without being clinical, smooth without being dull. There’s just more space and nuance in the voice capture. You hear you, not a mic version of you. 

Right after I got it, I ended up using it on a bunch of radio spots. Light EQ, just a bit of midrange lift and a touch of air, but otherwise, what came out of the mic already sounded solid. I found myself reaching for the 2017 again and again across other projects including narrations and a couple of character voice gigs, and the sound I was getting out of the 2017 was spot on. It's a really great mic and truth is, I've been using it on EVERYTHING that's coming through the booth. I was not expecting that. 

So as I sat down to write this review, I started thinking more about why I’ve gotten so attached to it. At first, I couldn’t quite put my finger on it . To me it was just that gut-level reaction, that sense that something just feels right. And then it hit me: this mic captures me. Not just my voice, but the subtle shifts, the nuance, the stuff that makes a read feel alive instead of just clean.

There’s a connection there. I feel more present when I’m working with this mic, like it’s letting more of me come through. And one thing I've learned in a field like voice over, where authenticity is the biggest weapon you have against your competition, especially now more than ever when it comes to AI, the more of what makes me and my voice unique that I can capture, the more successful my results will be. 

Some practical stuff I really appreciate as well: the foam windscreen. Not just for handling plosives (which it honestly does better than a lot of third-party pop filters), but it also helps reduce that slight low-mid ring you get in smaller booths. I noticed it tightens up the sound just enough to avoid extra post work. Also, the sweet spot is super forgiving — I’m not locked into a rigid head position to stay in the zone, which is a relief during long sessions.

Bottom line: the DPA 2017 isn’t trying to be a 416 clone. It’s carving its own lane. If you’re doing VO and want something that feels natural, focused, and modern without sacrificing punch or presence, this mic deserves a serious look.I’m loving it.