How to Use a Microphone to Record Music

Use microphones properly to enable your audience to hear a performance the way you intend.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microphones

1. Test the microphone levels and sound system before a live performance.

2. Set the microphone level as high as possible without distorting (exceeding 100 VU or going into the red on a recording meter) or causing feedback.

3. Sing directly into a cardioid microphone. Maintain the same distance from the microphone throughout a song.

4. Choose the same model of microphone for all singers in a group.

5. Use a windscreen to prevent unwanted sounds ("p" sounds making an unpleasant popping noise) and hissing ("s" sounds making a sibilant, hissing noise).

6. Keep microphones away from speakers to avoid feedback.

7. Employ omnidirectional microphones for recording instruments in a studio, and place them equidistant from the sources you want to pick up.

8. Place two omnidirectional microphones perpendicular to each other to record a performance without vocals.

9. Use microphones recommended by manufacturers for specific instruments.

10. Place unidirectional and cardioid microphones close to the sound source of acoustic instruments (for example, the hole in a guitar or the opening of a horn).

11. Follow the instructions in your manual to determine how close the microphone should be to the source. Test the microphone on your sound system or make a brief recording to determine the best distance.

Tips & Warnings

• Make an inexpensive windscreen by cutting a piece out of a Nerf ball and placing it over the microphone.
• Visit the Related Sites to learn about critical distance for professional uses.
• Avoid touching a microphone attached to a stand.
• Avoid moving your hand while using a handheld microphone. Remember that anything touching the microphone will make a loud, unpleasant noise.