The whole reason behind singing with a microphone is so it can faithfully reproduce and amplify the sound of your voice. This allows it to complement the rest of the instruments rather than be drowned out by them. Some singers are blessed with a natural talent for projecting their voice over the sound of the band. Performers like Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Ariana Grande can sing un-miced, and still sound fantastic. But for most of us mere mortals, using a microphone ensures good sound, saves your voice, and provides the opportunity to enhance your natural voice with effects like reverb, delay, autotune, and more.
However, improper mic technique can be more of a detriment than a benefit. Many inexperienced singers shift the microphone from one hand to the other, tap it with a finger, or hold it too far or too close to their mouth. The resulting sound can run from simply distracting to painful to listen to.
Luckily, we have eight tips to help you avoid these problems and more.
Singing with a Microphone: Know How to Hold it
Keep Your Hands on the Microphone Grip
If you’re a multimillion-dollar earning superstar, you can afford a “mic drop” moment every once in a while. If you’re like most singers, it’s better to keep a grip on it; microphones are both expensive and fragile. Find a comfortable grip position and stick with it. Train yourself to be comfortable holding the microphone in either hand and switch between songs. Your hands won’t tire as quickly that way. Switching hands during a song causes inadvertent noises, as well as the risk of bumping the volume or power switch.
So, when shopping for a microphone, remember to find one that fits your hand as well as your voice.
Don’t Cup the Mic
You’ll often see pop stars cup the microphone in both hands. The goal is to minimize exterior sound and increase the mid-range and bass of their voice. Unfortunately, mic cupping isn’t great at accomplishing either of those goals. Instead, it’s more likely to upset your sound engineer.
If you’re trying to create a specific sound, you’ve rehearsed it, and both the band and your sound engineer are expecting it, that’s one thing. But if you want a clean, clear reproduction of your voice, stick with your normal grip.
Use a 45 Degree Angle, Slightly Off From Center
According to microphone manufacturers, many (if not most) pop singers use their microphones incorrectly; they hold them directly in front of their mouths. But that increases the chances the mic will pick up popping “Ps” or “Ts” or breath sounds. However, holding at 45 degrees slightly to the side of the front of the mouth limits unwanted sounds and allows the microphone to pick up the authentic sound of your voice.
Singing with a Microphone: How Distance Impacts Sound
Hold the Mic One to Two Inches From Your Lips
For the most authentic reproduction of your vocals, the secret is maintaining the proper distance from your mouth. The optimal spot is about 1 to 2 inches from your lips. Changing that distance too much impacts the timbre, volume, and intensity of your vocals. That means keeping the proper distance is just as important as your grip and the angle you hold the mic.
That said, there are some exceptions.
Pull the Mic Away for Loud Notes
As long as the sound mix is correct, your voice should be clear among the band’s instruments without straining yourself. You should never feel you must sing louder to be heard. However, there are times when your volume may increase because you’ve moved into a higher register (or you’re just belting out a line of lyrics). These situations may require some positioning adjustments so you don’t overwhelm the mic.
When you know you’re going to pump up your volume, you can move the mic away to compensate. This reduces the odds of creating a distorted sound. However, this takes some practice to get right, so work it into your practices and rehearsals before your performance.
Bring the Mic In for Softer Notes
On the flip side of those high notes are the lows; just as it’s important to compensate for those loud high notes, it’s helpful to bring the mic in closer for softer notes in a lower register. Some vocalists make these adjustments by simply raising or lowering their own volume and, therefore, don’t need to move the mic. Finding the proper technique for you so you don’t damage your voice is best done with the help of a teacher or coach.
Singing with a Microphone: How to Sing on Stage
Project as if the Mic Isn’t There
Remember, the mic is only there so you can sing in a normal voice and not strain to be heard. That means it’s usually best to sing naturally and allow the mic to do the heavy volume lifting. Your voice is your instrument and needs to be cared for like any other.
Don’t Stand too Close to the Amps
And finally, avoid feedback when singing with a microphone! The ear-splitting sound of feedback happens when a microphone gets too close to its amp or speaker. The sound goes into the mic, out the amp, back into the mic, and creates an endless, intensifying loop. The easiest way to avoid this is by not wandering too close to the amplifier or speakers. Use the sound check before a performance to figure out where you can go on stage and stay within those line.
However, when feedback happens (and it will), put your hand over the mic to dampen it, but your body between the mic and the amp, and move back into a safe area.
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