How to Use a Microphone Live as a Piano Vocalist
How to Use a Microphone Live as a Piano Vocalist
by Sam de la Haye
As a piano vocalist, you want to make sure that your audience can hear every note and every word you sing. That's where a microphone comes in handy. But using a microphone live can be a bit intimidating, especially if you're not used to it. In this blog post, I'll share some tips and tricks on how to use a microphone live, from my years of experience. Why using a microphone is so important for your voice, and things not to do whilst using a microphone.
Why is using a Microphone Important for Your Voice?
A microphone allows you to sing with more dynamics. You can get really close to the mike and make breathy quiet tones or pull away from the mike and sound like the Diva you were born to be!
It helps you to amplify your voice, especially over a large crowd of talking people and makes it easier for the audience to hear you over the piano. Its also crucial to help preserve your vocal cords by reducing the strain on your voice. This is because you don't have to sing as loudly to be heard, which can help prevent hoarseness or vocal fatigue.
Tips for Using a Microphone Live as a Piano/Vocalist
- Know Your Mic
Before you perform, take some time to get to know your microphone. Practice speaking and singing into it at different distances to find the best position for your voice. You may also want to experiment with different microphone settings to see what works best for you. I always found that the most comfortable position for me to sing and play with a microphone was when the mic was directly over middle C! if it was slightly high I would get neck ache and lower just felt uncomfortable!
- Proper Mic Technique
Firstly it's important to have a boom mike stand whilst playing and singing. This Mike stand is the one with the long arm! Not the mike stand that is long and tall.
You want to position it either on the right or the left or you. Not directly in front of you - The reason for this is that if it's positioned to the side of you, you can push the microphone away from you with your mouth, or pull it close. If it's directly in front of you you can not move the mic whilst performing.
Ideally, The microphone should be close to your mouth when you singing quietly and about three inches away from your mouth when your singing loudly. I normally lean in and out hence the positioning of the boom stand! and remember if you sing too close to the microphone when you singing loudly it's not going to sound good because of distortion and also you will scare your audience!!!
Please don't scare them!
This leads me nicely onto....
- Monitor Your Volume
I see this so much - Singers who either have their volume up too high! or two low.
Pay attention to your volume and adjust accordingly before you start singing. Ideally, you want to do a sound check. I always start by adjusting the volume when I belt. But I always have the microphone away from my mouth. You want to make sure that you're loud enough to be heard but not so loud that you're causing distortion or feedback.
4. Use The Right Microphone
When performing live always use a hardy microphone like an Sm58 - Not a condenser microphone that you would use in a studio. The reason for this is that you are likely to drop your microphone several times. Microphones like SM58 are strong, Super strong... in fact, you probably could throw it out of a car and it still works. But a condenser mike is very very fragile!
Things Not to Do Whilst Using a Microphone
- Don't Hold the Mic Too Close or Too Far
Holding the microphone too close to your mouth can cause distortion, feedback, and popping sounds. Holding it too far away can result in a weak or muffled sound.
- Don't Swallow or Chew the Microphone
It's important to keep the microphone clean, but avoid licking or chewing on it, as this can damage the mic and affect the sound quality. (Note to all you ladies who wear red lipstick! Always check yourself in the mirror after you perform straight away... You may find you have a red nose!)
- Don't Tap or Hit the Microphone
Tapping or hitting the microphone can cause damage and result in unwanted noise. Instead, handle the microphone gently and with care.
In conclusion, using a microphone live as a piano vocalist can help amplify your voice and reduce the strain on your vocal cords. To use a microphone effectively, make sure to know your mic, use the proper mic technique and monitor your volume. Avoid holding the mic too close or too far, swallowing or chewing the microphone, and tapping or hitting the microphone.
With these tips and tricks, you can use a microphone like a pro and deliver a memorable performance that showcases your voice and piano skills.
