The Basics Of Microphone Technique

The Basics of Microphone Technique To succeed as a voice artist or vocalist, having the correct microphone technique when recording is as important as having a great voice. It is, however, something which many struggle to get to grips with so here we cover the basics of microphone technique in an easy to understand, visual format: Mic Positioning Your proximity to the microphone affects the microphone's frequency response. Your axis to the microphone affects frequency response and also how well the microphone picks up your voice. Every microphone will have a sweet spot; find it! It is at this point where your voice will sound most natural. Where Is The Sweet Spot? In a large diaphragm condenser microphone, the sweet spot is generally about 6 to 8 inches away from the diaphragm. Position yourself 6 to 8 inches away from the microphone, with the diaphragm slightly off centre and just above your mouth. Move the mic up or down if your voice sounds too nasally. Tilt the mic backwards slightly to ensure the air leaving your mouth and nose hits the diaphragm at an angle. Getting Creative The above is only a guide and you shouldn't be afraid to get creative with mic positioning if the brief requires you to be. Treat the microphone as an ear and act accordingly. For an intimate recording, don't hesitate to get closer to the microphone, something which helps to capture whispers, breaths or seductive voices. When the recording requires projection (shouting or the impression of distance), increase the distance between yourself and the microphone or turn away slightly. Creating distance helps keep it sounding natural. Creativity Box Angling slightly to the left or right will not only help reduce plosives but will allow you to read more easily from your script. Auoiding Plosives One of the basics of microphone technique is being able to avoid plosives (popping). At best, plosives will require the take to be recorded again and at worst, can damage the microphone. Techniques for preventing plosives include: Tilting the microphone backwards • Skewing away from the microphone • Understating the consonant • Using a pop filter Note: Don't be tempted to use a 'wind sock' as this can significantly alter the source sound of the recording. Breathing When recording, breathe through both your mouth and nose. You want the hard palate and the soft palate to be raised and opened when you take in the breath. Take a full breath as opposed to a shallow one. Getting Comfortable Stand, don't sit, when recording as this will help you to get comfortable and deliver a more natural take. Ensure your arms, hands and legs are free to move whilst recording. You'll find that you breathe more naturally whilst standing, helping your technique. Make sure your headphones are comfortable, allowing you to forget that they're there. Sometimes, if a voice artist or interviewee is anxious or thirsty, their mouth gets sticky and makes clicking noises. So it's important to ensure the voice artist is hydrated and has water to hand. When it comes to microphone technique, practice makes perfect. Get comfortable with the microphone and you'll deliver your best takes, time after time. Matinée multilingual placing the accent on communication Brought to you by Matinée Multilingual Sources: http://www.voiceovervoiceactor.com/raise-your-voice/2014/03/31/reminder-work-on-your-mic-technique http://www.vocalist.org.uk/microphone_techniques.html http://www.procommvoices.com/wordpress/microphone-technique-for-voice-over-talent http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Microphone_Techniques_for_Voice http://www.edgestudio.com/archive/4-techniques-work-microphone