How To Use A Musical Mic For Maximum Performance

Handling A Mic

Microphone is one of the key instruments in any musical recording or audition. In order to produce a quality sound note, a singer must learn how to handle the mic properly to ensure maximum performance. When a microphone is used for vocal amplification, it should be mounted or held within a tolerance of between 3 and 8 inches from the handler. To keep a mic within these tolerances, a goose-neck or boom can be used on a stand or lectern to adjust the vertical/horizontal placement.
When holding a microphone during singing, preaching, or speech delivery, it should be held approximately within 3 to 4 inches beneath the speaker’s chin. If you must hold the microphone farther than this recommendation, the sound operator must increase the amplification, and unfortunately, when excessive mic volume is used to amplify the speaker’s voice, it usually end up amplifying other surrounding sounds. This makes it difficult to “mix” or separate the speaker’s voice from other nearby sounds or singers which may “bleed” into the microphone. As a precaution, it is not advisable to speak directly into the mic, but “across” the mic, this is to prevent pop from the speaker’s breath, from damping the mic.

What Not To Do With A Mic

There are certain practices you must avoid when using the mic. Some of these practices include:
1. Don’t blow into a mic to see if it’s on. This creates an irritating sound that most often comes with harmful moisture (spit) capable of damaging the mic. It’s recommended that the mic handler makes a speech or tap the mic lightly with the finger, than blowing into the mic.

2. Do not speak directly into a mic. Speaking directly into the mic usually creates a popping sound, especially if the handler makes a “P” or “T” sound. Therefore, it is recommended that you speak across the mic rather than into it.

3. Do not place a clip-on mic under clothe. If you place a mic underneath clothe in an effort to hide it from the audience, the mic will end up picking rustling sounds (noise) as the clothe fabric rub against it, and this will muffle the sounds. It is better to clip it on a lapel or wear it around your neck. For stage or TV presentation, lavaliere mics can be concealed under clothing if it is first inserted into a silk pouch which helps reduces noise friction.

4. Do not wear or handle a mic when you step into a baptistery. A hard-wired mic may deliver a serious electrical shock to a person grounded in a pool of water. This danger doesn’t exist with a wireless mic, however water and moisture is an enemy to any electronic device and may ruin your equipment. It’s better and safer to mount a mic above the eye-level or in front of baptistery. In a unique circumstance when nothing else can be done, a hand-held wireless mic, sealed with a zip-lock plastic bag can be used. The plastic will waterproof the mic, but sound (somewhat muffled) will still pass through.

5. Don’t abuse your microphone. Don’t drop the mic carelessly to avoid induced shock, and don’t hold the mic by the cable to avoid swinging motion which may expose the mic to malfunction. Remember, mic is a delicate instrument that cost much to repair or replace. Store your mic in a clean, dry location, when not in use.

6. Lastly, remove the mic battery when not in use and replace when needed, this helps to keep the mic's contacts clean.



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