Graduating from singing into a hairbrush to an actual microphone is a longed for, albeit nervous, moment for most wanna be singers. Not to mention two very different things. With the hair brush you hear yourself any way you want. Rather like Biebs? LAROI? Grande? The microphone however, tells no lies…
Testing, testing, 1 2 3 …
Thus it pays to master the skill of using the microphone to support the delivery of your unique sound and style. The right choice of microphone adds to a confident, polished performance. But which microphone? And how far should a microphone be from your mouth?
Eeeny Meeny Micro
There are many microphones to choose from, depending on the need. From vocal (stage & recordings) to podcasting, voice-overs to broadcasting, to the simple speech at an event. There is a mic for every gig. Lets take a look at the qualities to consider for a vocal microphone, once you’re ready to move on from the hairbrush 🙂
The main consideration when choosing a microphone to showcase your voice is a no-brainer. It’s the sound. A vocal microphone’s only job is to capture and present an authentic version of how your voice sounds. And so – distinguishing its eminence.
Live stage setting
A live vocal microphone or Dynamic mic is commonly used in a live stage setting. This is because it is robust and sensitive only to the sounds in very close proximity. How far should a microphone be from your mouth? Very close. Hence why you will notice performers get so up-close and personal with their mic on stage. Some seem to kiss it and others actually put it in their mouths! [Noticeably Kurt Cobain in his rendition of ‘Smells like teen spirit’ on Top of the Pops (1991)]
Home studio setting
In a (small) home studio setting a Condenser microphone is best used. Much more sensitive than the Dynamic mic, it picks up all sounds within the environment. So, beware the hum of your computer, the jingle jangle of jewelery or the turning of music sheets! That same sensitivity also cleverly picks up more subtle distinction from a human voice ensuring the recording sound is as good as can be.
Now – Find Your Sweet Spot
So you’re standing in front of your mic, ready to kill it – but wait! Just how far should a microphone be from your mouth? Well, the choice of microphone is one thing, now you need to discover your sweet spot…
Your sweet spot is where you, or more specifically where your mouth, needs to be in terms of proximity to the mic, to sound your best. The following tactics with the microphone should not only help you spot but sweeten your sweet spot in no time!
- Placement – depending on the microphone it is generally advised placement of the mouth to be between 6” to 10” away from the mic
- Set-up – speak/sing directly into the mic without turning away
- Control – position the mic above or below your mouth
- Filters – use to reduce other sounds from your mouth like popping your p’s. They also help to guide the distance of mouth to mic
Once you make it innate, singing from your sweet spot with the right microphone allows for the finest version of your distinct voice, to be gloriously heard.