Although you may see some famous musicians holding the microphone by the grille, this technique actually causes feedback issues and wreaks havoc with the sound. [2] X Expert Source Tanisha HallVocal Coach Expert Interview. 27 March 2020. To avoid this, never cup the microphone around the grille and always keep your hand around the middle of the mic. [3] X Research source Don’t hold the microphone near the bottom, especially if there’s a wire. You could accidentally unplug the wire with your hand. [4] X Expert Source Tanisha HallVocal Coach Expert Interview. 27 March 2020.
Never hold the microphone limply as this can cause handling noise. The microphone will move a lot if it isn’t held securely and all of the extra noise will be amplified may interfere with your voice.
Each person has a slightly different angle for holding a microphone that works the best for them. Change the angle slightly while you are practicing to find the spot that creates a full, rich sound. [6] X Research source If you notice that your breathing sounds too intense through the microphone, try shifting the microphone so the top is more parallel to the floor. [7] X Expert Source Jonathan StancatoVoice Coach Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.
The proximity effect is the idea that the microphone responds differently to your voice depending on the distance from your mouth. The closer you are to the microphone, the more enhanced the lower frequencies will be. Contrastingly, you will lose bass frequencies if you are further away. Move the microphone 1 in (2. 5 cm) closer or further away depending on the sound that you are aiming for. [9] X Research source If you hold the microphone further than 3 inches (7. 6 cm) away from your mouth, it won’t pick up your voice. [10] X Expert Source Tanisha HallVocal Coach Expert Interview. 27 March 2020.
Alternatively, you can keep the microphone in its normal position and instead simply shift your head to the left or the right slightly. Once you move the microphone 3 inches (7. 6 cm) from your mouth, it will usually stop picking up your vocals. [12] X Expert Source Tanisha HallVocal Coach Expert Interview. 27 March 2020.
While you are practicing, this is a good opportunity to make any necessary adjustments to your technique. Experiment with the way that you hold the microphone or that angle that you use to see what technique works the best. If you can, practice using microphones with headphones so you can see what it’s like to have your entire auditory space filled with your voice. Then, you can better hear the subtle nuances in your sound and adjust accordingly. [14] X Expert Source Jonathan StancatoVoice Coach Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.
If your exhalations are too audible, be willing to renegotiate your place with the microphone, to take a step back to create more distance between you and the mic, or to sing the full length of your breath. [16] X Expert Source Jonathan StancatoVoice Coach Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.
The sound technician will be able to assist you with any issues that you have with the microphone during this time so that you are all ready to perform when the time comes. For instance, you can let the engineer or sound manager know that you like to a have a little bit more bottom end in your voice, or a little more reverb. [19] X Expert Source Jonathan StancatoVoice Coach Expert Interview. 31 March 2020. Keep in mind that you don’t need to sing or talk loudly into the microphone since it will amplify your voice. [20] X Expert Source Tanisha HallVocal Coach Expert Interview. 27 March 2020.
