Microphone - How to Select?

By Jeannie Deva

December 2007

In this lesson, we�ll address how you can improve your voice in a way that may surprise you. It will help you sound better in live performance and doesn�t even require vocal exercises.

The Wrong Microphone

It seems that most singers purchase a microphone(mic) based on cost or a recommendation from a friend or salesperson in a music store. Many others neglect to even own their mic and depend upon other band members and clubs to supply them. Such a lackadaisical treatment of the single most important electronic tool of a singer begs an answer to this question: Is there really such a thing as a �wrong microphone�?

To better understand and answer this, let�s look at the realities of your voice, microphones and how the two work together.

Acoustic Voice

As you probably already know, your voice is the result of vibrations of your vocal folds (vocal cords) and resonance of these sounds in your body cavities like mouth, throat and chest. The human voice is an acoustic instrument, as opposed to one reliant upon electronics such as an electric keyboard or guitar.

As well, the sound waves of your voice interact with the surrounding space in which you stand. Have you noticed the difference in the sound and feel of your voice when you sing in a bathroom surrounded by tiles and hard reflective surfaces? Your voice seems to expand effortlessly and it feels easier to sing. Compare that experience to singing in a room that has carpet, drapery and soft furniture which absorb the sound. In this case, your voice may sound rather �dead� (less resonant) and you may feel like you need some additional effort to sing. As an acoustic instrument, your voice is more dependent upon the quality of the environment for its overall sound.

Entering the Electronic Environment

Contrary to common belief, microphones are not just for amplification of the voice. Due to various designs, each alters the acoustic sound of your voice in different ways. As an example, if you have a generally high pitched and �lighter� voice, some mics will make you sound shrill by accentuating the treble frequencies. Others can help even-out your tone by diminishing the treble peaks in your voice and boosting the mid-range frequencies.

This would be true of any of your natural vocal qualities � they will either be accentuated or minimized depending upon the mic design. If you habitually use a mic whose design alters your voice in an undesirable way, this could be a major cause of vocal deterioration.

Fighting With the Wrong Sound

When you sing, you intend to express yourself and to sound a particular way. You imagine sounds that represent the emotions of your song and style and you expect to hear them. If the electronics alter the sound you are trying to create, you will subconsciously compensate muscularly in an attempt to get your voice to sound the way it would acoustically.

This sort of compensation results in muscle tension. Muscle tension inhibits the natural and easy movement of your voice which, over time, wears it out. Your voice will tire quickly, losing stamina as well as projection - essentially; there goes your vocal performance. This kind of vocal abuse can show itself in a tired and husky voice for days afterwards.

Audition your Mic

Go to a music store that has a variety of microphones of different prices. This is best done with a friend who is familiar with your singing voice. Have the audio specialist at the store set you up with a PA and a number of different mics to try out. All of the PA�s effects (such as reverb, delay, and any equalization settings (EQ) should all be set at �0.� Sing the same part of a song on each different microphone one after the other. Have your friend tell you which sounds more like your natural voice as well as any other ways each mic affects your voice. You will probably be able to feel the difference as you compare. Select the mic that �fits� your voice the best. It�s not about price; it�s about how compatible the mic is with your voice.

Don�t let price influence your purchase. It is your voice and your career and this is not an issue to compromise. You may be surprised that the most compatible mic is not expensive. However, if it is, just buy it and save yourself a lot of heartache. One other note: As you further develop your voice, you may find at some point that this microphone is no longer compatible with the expanded capabilities. You will have to re-audition microphones newly and sell or trade-in your old one. But always save your voice and perform at your best by singing with the right mic for you.

Proviso

All of the above advice about finding and using the correct microphone for you assumes a strong developed voice. Neither microphone nor electronics will make a weak, poorly intonated voice sound good. So develop your voice to sound good acoustically and then audition you microphone.

Yours in song,
Jeannie Deva


�Jeannie Deva is a total asset to anyone who is serious about their vocals. They should get involved with her right away � the sooner the better.� David Frangioni, Audio Specialist for [Aerosmith, Elton John, Bette Midler]