Microphones & sound systems
Unless you are performing for a couple of friends accompanied by just a guitar or a piano, you are going to need a mic. This will have a significant influence on your sound and performance. Best to get to know microphones and sound systems as well!
How to use your microphone:
When you want a warm, intimate sound: sing close to the microphone and in low volumes. Make sure you put the volume of your sound system loud enough for you to sing very softly. It should also be audible when you whisper.
When you sing in higher volumes, slightly move your microphone away from your mouth. The sound may be amplified too much and this may affect your tone in a negative way.
The way you hold your microphone influences your sound. My best advice is to sing into your microphone, not over your microphone. Many singers hold their microphone at an angle of 45 degrees. Adjust to your liking, if you prefer a different angle, just try and listen if you like what you hear.
Never point your microphone directly to the speaker to avoid feedback; that high ringing, and alarming sound you hear every once in a while. It deafens everybody and may cause damage to your ears.
Never stand on the microphone cables. They can be damaged, which will result in loss of sound, or they can even break and you’d have to buy a new one.
How to get your ideal sound
How to find your ideal sound? The microphone and sound system are key factors, the better they are, the better your sound could be, in theory. Here’s a 6-step guide.
- Turn up your volume slider(s) or knob(s) until you reach your desired volume for tuning your sound.
- Put the high, mid and low (or just high & low on a simple system) sliders or knobs at zero, nada, nothing!
- Turn the high, mid and low frequencies up (each separately, starting at high, followed by mid, ending with low) until you hear that your voice is being ‘boosted’; supported/amplified. Leave the sliders or knobs right at the point where you start to hear the effect. Even if it’s at zero or maximum! Don’t judge by eye. Judge by ear. The mic and the acoustics of room and stage play a huge rol.
- Add a little reverb, to make your singing a bit easier.
- Test your sound with your musicians and have them play loud. Just to be sure you’ll have enough volume when needed. Singing soft for a prolonged period is much easier (and better/safer) than having to sing loud.
- If the room is empty (no audience) when you’re tuning your sound but it will eventually be filled with people when performing; add a little more reverb and high frequencies. The audience ‘dampens’ those.
Sing through the microphone and listen closely to what you hear. Most singers look for a warm, rich, full and clear sound. Do you like the sound? Does it feel easy to sing through the microphone? Then you’re done!
If not, check these possible adjustments:
Is the sound too sharp for you? Reduce the high frequencies a bit.
Is the sound dull, is there hardly any sparkle? Add more high frequencies.
Is there too much metal in the sound, does it strike you as sparse? Reduce mid frequencies.
Is the sound too thin, does it lack a heart of the tone? Add more mid frequencies.
Is the sound too dark, too buzzy, does it sound like you’re at a fair? Reduce the low frequencies.
Is the sound too small, does it feel the bottom lacks? Add more low frequencies.
When you found your ideal sound, wonderful! Please keep in mind that your adjustments are always depending on the sound system, the microphone, and the acoustics. And every venue is different. So you always need to respond to the circumstances.
Always use your ears, learn to listen closely and get to trust your senses.
Now, sometimes you are at an Open Mic Event and the microphone is not adjusted to your liking. You can tell because you are hearing other singers use it.
You might feel that the volume is too low, or the reverb too little, or the mid frequencies are too dominant. When you get up, and if you feel like it, you can friendly ask the person behind the control to adjust a little bit.
Since mics and sound systems are a crucial part of your sound and performance, it helps a lot if you own them. In that case, you’ll be able to practice using them and bring them to places where no mic or sound system is available.
Assignment
Practice singing your song with your microphone (or hairbrush) in your hand, as well as on a microphone standard.
Practice listening to other singers when they use a microphone. Is there a lot of reverb, high, mid or low?
