This article was originally written for readers and singers in the churches
where I conduct training seminars for the sound teams, but it is probably useful
for anyone who needs to use a mic.
How to Use Microphones
By Peter Richter - Brisbane Audio Services
Hand held mics for singing (same generally goes for speaking):
- Hold normally 1 to 2 inches (25 to 50mm) from mouth.
- It is normally OK to sing straight into it but if you are getting lots of popping on “P”s and “T”s etc then try singing across it more.
- If you are singing in lower part of your range and not as loud move mic closer – say 1inch or less.
- On very powerful notes, pull mic away, up to say 6 inches (150mm) -
no more.
- Never cup your hand around the ball of the mic.
- Don’t tap on the mic.
- Sing or speak from your diaphragm rather than from your throat. This improves the quality of the voice as well as the level that is reaching the microphone.
- Most of all – rule 1 keep it close for most of the singing.
Why do we want the microphone close?
It’s true we can turn up the volume on the mixing desk, but as we do, we also increase the chance of feed-back (squealing). The more signal we can get from the
mic (i.e. - more of your voice into it), the less it needs to be turned up at the desk and the less chance of feedback. This is true of any live audio system, no matter how good.
Even if we had a “perfect” audio system that we could turn up as much as we want without any feedback, you need to remember that your voice is not the only sound reaching the microphone. There are also background noises and echoes of your own voice from the speakers, bouncing off the walls. Once these sounds are mixed in with your voice and amplified, the resulting sound is not very intelligible.
Lectern mic
You do not need to be quite as close to this type of mic, but do remember that the same rules of feedback and reflected sounds still apply, so you should still try and be as close as comfortable – perhaps around 6 to 10 inches (150 to 250 mm).
When you first approach the mic, adjust it to suit your height. Try not to handle the sensitive end of the mic as you do so as it will make a lot of noise through the speakers. As a general rule have the mic “aimed” at just below your chin.
Other tips
If roving around with a mic, remember that if you get close to a loudspeaker, that you may get feedback. Try to be aware of this sort of issue and move away or aim the mic away.
Try to keep eye contact with the sound man now and then. He may need to signal to you to move the mic closer or further away.
While singing, try to be aware of the level of your own voice coming back from the
speakers. This will give you an idea if you are moving too far away from the
mic.
If there are foldback speakers on the stage and the sound of you voice coming back through them is putting you off, ask the soundman to turn the foldback down on you mic.
If you ask the sound man to change something in your foldback - give clear
feedback as to whether this has worked or not.
The same goes for if you need the foldback turned up. When asking for more foldback level, remember that there may be only so much it can be turned up before
feedback.
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