Microphone Placement

Distance does most of the work. Sound falls away sharply as the mic moves back, so a close mic captures far more voice relative to the room, and a space that sounded fine turns into a bathroom the moment the mic is across the desk. For a spoken voice, close usually means within a hand's width.

Angle handles the rest. Pointing straight at the mouth catches the blasts of air on p and b sounds and exaggerates sibilance, so most people set the mic slightly above, below or to one side and aim past the corner of the mouth. Sort placement before buying anything. A cheap mic in the right position beats an expensive one two feet away.