10 Ways to Improve Singing with a Microphone
Why good mic technique makes a difference
The purpose of a vocal microphone is to faithfully reproduce the sound of a voice so it can be amplified and projected at levels that complement the rest of the instruments. There are singers with naturally big enough voices such as Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Ariana Grande, and Justin Bieber, that they could be unmiked and still sound great alongside the band. If you’re not one of them, then using a mic properly will ensure you sound good, help you save your voice, and offer the opportunity to enhance your voice with reverb, delay, autotune or other effects.
Improper mic technique can ruin a great vocal performance. We’ve all heard singers who insist on shifting the mic from hand to hand, tapping on it with their fingers, or positioning it too far or too close to their mouth. The result can be anything from distracting to painful. If you don’t want to be the problem, consider the following tips carefully and be sure to practice.
1. Keep your hand on the microphone grip.
2. Don’t cup the mic!
3. Hold the mic by your mouth at a 45-degree angle, slightly off center.
4. Hold the mic close, but keep it 1 to 2 inches from your lips.
5. Pull the mic away during high notes.
6. Draw the mic closer for low notes.
7. Use a sound check to make sure the levels are right.
8. Use a mic stand to keep the microphone steady.
9. Project your voice into the mic as if the mic wasn’t there.
10. Avoid standing too close to the speakers.