Music Minute Monday: Microphone Technique
Something every singer knows about that no one talks about: proper mic technique!
It’s a thing! Let me paint a scenario for you.
Have you ever been to a public gathering where someone who is not a public speaker or performer is somehow given a microphone? It’s not their fault that they don’t know that holding it down by their chest — A SOLID TWELVE INCHES FROM THEIR MOUTH — completely defeats the purpose of the wonderful piece of technology that they’re holding. But, it does…
So, to save us all the pain of everyone shouting ‘WE CAN’T HEAR YOU” again, here are some helpful tips on how to hold a microphone properly!
How to hold the microphone:
The most common microphones are SM58’s, or the ones that look like ice cream cones. Circular on top, with a long handle at the bottom. If you were to hold an ice cream cone, you wouldn’t hold it by the ice cream, would you? No! So, when you hold a microphone, DON’T TOUCH THE ICE CREAM!
The “ice cream” that I’m referring to is called the cone. The cone is the part of the microphone that picks up your voice. If you hold it, you’re basically putting a hand over your own mouth. You’re muffling your own sound. So, hold it by the handle!
Also, how you grip the microphone is important! I’ve seen countless of singers try to balance the end of the microphone with their pinky finger. Don’t do that to your poor pinky! Hold the microphone with your index through pinky finger on top, and your thumb around the bottom. (See video)
How to sing into a microphone:
Where you place your microphone (in relation to how it will pick up your voice) is very important! You’ll want to aim your microphone and your voice at each other so they can work together! Placing it facing your mouth horizontally is the best chance you have at sounding your best!
Dynamics in a microphone:
It’s true that the microphone can and should do most of the work for you. However, give the sound person and your microphone a break. If you’re going to hold out a long note (a la Celine Dion in “All By Myself”), you should pull that sucker away from your mouth! Too much volume, too close to the microphone can cause distortion which means that, no matter how good you sound, it won’t translate that way! Rule of thumb: Big, loud notes = hold the microphone away from your mouth. Quieter/more subdued notes = keep the microphone close!
While this was a brief look into microphone technique, the best way to improve your overall microphone skills is by taking private lessons and learning from the pros! You can learn more about our private voice lessons by clicking the button below.