Microphones & Monitors-How to Use? - P2

By Jeannie Deva

In Part 1 of this article, which you can find in our Archives, we discussed the problems you face with sound quality during live performance. Now we will address the solution which involves: Microphone Choice, Signal Processing and Monitor system.

Microphone Choices

All microphones are not created equal and neither their popularity nor cost will help you find the one that is right for you. While cost may indicate quality and popularity may suggest value, neither will determine how correct the microphone is for your voice. Even the technical specifications will only serve as a guide to narrow the field of choices.

Microphones are a personal choice based on your unique vocal characteristics, style, the type of performance venues and PA system you use. The only reliable way to find the correct microphone for your voice is to audition them. Always audition a microphone (yes, in the store) before deciding it is the one for you. Bring a friend who is familiar with your singing voice to give you feedback on how you sound. As you audition each microphone, base your final decision on what your friend says along with how it actually feels and sounds to you.

Stage and club noise picked up by your microphone are big contributors to feed-back squeal. In order to avoid feed-back without sacrificing volume, you'll need a high-output, unidirectional microphone which is most sensitive when it is faced directly toward your mouth. The sides and back of it are least receptive and so will pick up less extraneous room or stage sounds.

Recommended microphones include:

Sure SM 58 or Beta 58; Heil-PR 20; Beyer TG-X480 or TG-X580; Electro-Voice 767A or N/DYM Series; Peavey's PVM 580 TN.

There are a number of other models available that are also worth auditioning.

Vocal Signal Processor

Once your voice is received and converted into electronic signals by the microphone, it is sent to a mixing board and vocal processor. A vocal processor gives you a choice of effects such as reverb and delay. What if you had a vocal processor that you could change with the tap of your toe as you went from song to song or even within a song?

I truly believe in developing the ability to sing pitch accurately as part of vocal technique. And as long as you sing pitch perfectly when you perform, you would not need help electronically. But what if you were performing live, and for some reason you got distracted or something just simply went wrong and affected your pitch? Or what if the acoustics of the venue distorted the sound of your voice?

What if there was a processor that could correct this instantly and in such a way as to keep you sounding natural? If you have ever heard an uncorrected recording of an imperfect live performance, you understand how valuable that would be.

The processor that wins all the awards in quality, world-class sound and gives your microphone unparalleled sound enhancement is made by TC-Helicon Vocal Technologies. It�s called �VoiceLive� and it sounds very natural.

�VoiceLive� is a foot pedal controlled processing unit that has amazing combinations of effects allowing you to enhance your live vocal sound creatively for each song. Your microphone signal feeds through this unit before being sent to the PA so you can mix your own effects with a tap of your foot.

You can program it with the exact combination of effects per song and then make the appropriate mixing change right from the stage. As a member of the vocal coach panel that is field testing VoiceLive, I have been extremely impressed with the quality of sound and numerous easy-to-use features of this world-class processor.

Personal Monitors

Having a fabulous vocal sound coming out of the main PA speakers is wonderful, but also being able to hear it in your own monitors is pure joy. Enjoying your performance not only because you can hear your voice; not only because you have completely adjustable volume at will; not only because you will no longer have to use hand signals to sound-men who don't see or understand them; but because the pleasure of hearing the gorgeous sound of your own voice is an experience I would like all fellow singers to enjoy.

TC-Helicon�s �VoiceSolo� monitors have incredible tone as they are designed specifically for singers. State-of-the-art sound � and, with your own volume knobs! You can place them on the floor or on microphone stands so they are closer to your ears. They are small, compact and light.

Additionally, if you are a singing guitarist, they also have a direct line-in for both a guitar and microphone. You can also attach your microphone boom stand to the top if the monitor. Then your stage sound is run to the main PA mixing board and into house speakers for the audience. You remain in control and it sounds fantastic.

Becoming Independent

With this gear you are completely independent. If you want to be louder, you can turn up without feed-back; feeling satisfied with your choosen effects and volume of your voice coming through your personal monitors. Being able to hear yourself and liking what you hear, reduces throat tension and strain, improves overall vocal sound and results in a better balance with the band.

If you think it�s a lot to do and may cost more than you can afford, consider this: singers are the only musicians who do not have to purchase their instrument. Guitarists, for example have to not only buy their guitar, but all kinds of other gear to amplify and process their instrument. Singers are born with their instrument; so really, we get off easy.

Buying and using a vocal processor and personal monitors like those from TC-Helicon, will give you the same degree of control that your guitarist now enjoys with all of his toys. My prediction is that this technology is the state-of-the-art for live vocal performance, so don't be left behind.

Developing good vocal technique so you can freely use your voice expressively and communicate your style is primary. Understanding and using the electronics that support your voice so you can blend with the band and give a distraction-free performance is the future of singing. Now - isn't it time to take control of your stage sound, sing freely and love the sound you get?

Until next time,
Jeannie Deva