It’s true that singers don’t need to have a lot of musical equipment. We are unique in that our bodies are our instruments. In the world of classical singing, many singers never encounter the use of electronic equipment during live performance. However in the world of contemporary singing we do.
While you may not need a lot of gear, there are a few key pieces that you should have and some key things that you should know. This will not only make your live performances more enjoyable but could also save your voice!
Did you know that one of the leading causes of vocal fatigue and damage is inadequate, incorrect, or improper use of electronic equipment?
Maybe this has happened to you….You’re onstage with your band, the instruments are loud and you simply can’t hear yourself! Or maybe you can hear yourself, but your voice sounds strange – muffled or thin – not like YOU at all! As a result you are very likely to push for volume or otherwise manipulate your voice in an attempt to make it sound more like YOUR voice. You may not even be aware that you’re doing these things however you’ll know it at the end of the night! Even singers with excellent vocal technique can run into vocal problems when the sound isn’t right.
So what can you do?
Bring your own microphone. I highly recommend that you buy and use your own microphone. Not all microphones are created equal and some (even the very expensive or most popular ones) may simply not be right for your voice. Dynamic microphones are the type most commonly used for live performance and within that category there are many to choose from. Each possesses it’s own unique sound quality and as I mentioned, some will be better for your voice than others. It’s a good idea to test out several microphones to see which one you like best. Most music stores (such as Guitar Center) will let you test out several microphones in the store. Sing through each one and you’ll see what I mean about differing sound quality. Select the one that makes your voice sound the most natural, provides you with adequate volume, and allows your voice to really project!
Use a high quality microphone cable. Be sure to get a high quality microphone cable and carry an extra one in your gig bag. Often the source of poor sound quality can be traced to a bad mic cable.
Get the most from the monitors. Make sure there are adequate monitors on stage and that they are positioned correctly, understand how they work and communicate your needs to the person running sound. If you can’t hear yourself, say something! If you can hear yourself but your voice sounds weird, say something! Even if you don’t know all the technical jargon, you can simply tell the sound person what it is that you’re missing in the sound. For example “my voice sounds weak and thin in the monitors, I’m not hearing enough of the fullness of my sound”, OR “my voice sounds really muffled, not clear”, OR simply “hey can you please turn my vocals up in the monitors?”. Work with the sound person and ask nicely for what you need.
If you are consistently running into problems with the monitor mix, you may want to invest in in-ear monitors. These often provide a much clearer sound quality than floor monitors and give you the opportunity to control your own volume. Be advised however that in-ear monitors vary widely in terms of cost and quality, so do your homework!
Ask your band-mates to turn down. Yup, it’s quite possible that your band mates simply need to turn down. I know, I know, this can be a really touchy subject and you don’t need to be a diva about it, however, if everyone is being miked through the house speakers, you really don’t need all that much stage volume. Play around with different levels of stage volume until you find a level that makes everyone happy. Years ago I played with a drummer who used plexi-glass screens around his drum kit for live performances. He knew that he liked to hit hard, but he was also mindful of maintaining a comfortable stage volume.
So while we singers don’t need to invest in a lot of gear, a few key pieces of equipment, and a lot of knowledge will go a long way!
What’s your favorite live performance microphone?
OMG! I NEVER thought about that but it makes perfect sense. As an “only in the car” singer, I can understand what you’re saying — I’ve experience the strangeness of my voice when speaking from stage with HUGE speakers. I can’t imagine how frustrating it can be when your voice IS your instrument.
Great tips!
For those of us who don’t sing but do record our voices (trainings, podcasts, etc) any tips or takeaways?
Hi Kim! Yes, I absolutely have tips for speakers who record their voices. As with singers, you’ll want to make sure you have a high quality microphone that is right for your voice. While Dynamic microphones are the type most commonly used for live performance, Condenser mics are generally used for recording. They are much more sensitive and pick up more of the nuances of the voice. If you’re in the market for a studio mic, many music stores will let you test them out as well. Also, the headphones you use can make a HUGE difference. Like microphones, headphones can vary widely in terms of sound quality. Test out a few and find the ones that allow you to hear your voice in a way that sounds natural and comfortable. While recording, you can also try having one headphone on and one off, so that you can also hear your voice naturally in the room.
These are great tips! I’m not a singer but I have been speaking on stage for years and have been in many situations where there were no microphones, or AV staff. I thrive in those situations because I can project my voice without any problem. But just as you said, I can sure feel but the time the event is over! My voice is my instrument in a different way, and protecting it really important. Thanks Jennifer!
Yes Aly, your voice IS your instrument whether you are singing or speaking!
Jennifer,
As a Worship Leader with all live music (thankfully), we work every week to have a palatable mix on stage as the sanctuary wasn’t built for live music performance….ie. Extremely high ceilings, lots of bare walls and wood staging. I think the ultimate advice is in-ear monitors and “think your pitch”, meaning trust your talent to sound better through the house than what you hear in your ears. I also agree with being nice to your A/V folks. At our church they are as much a part of the presentation as I am….maybe even more so.
Good article.
Bryan
Bryan, you are so right. In these situations, in ear monitors make SUCH a big difference! The first time I used them years ago, I was completely blown away by the difference they made. Thinking the pitch and going by “feel” rather than by what you’re hearing back is also very important when you can’t hear yourself properly, however that can take a lot of practice! Happy Singing!!
And another good reason to bring your own mics rather than using the “communal” microphone is hygiene! It is not unheard of for one singer to catch a cold from another, singer because they used the same mic… Plus at the end of the day singers are considered to be more professional when they bring their own gear, i.e. Mics, Cables, Stands, lyrics etc…
Ah yes, the “communal mic”, eeew! Seriously though, you’re absolutely right Bill! While some clubs and sound engineers clean their mics regularly many do not. It’s easy to simply bring your own. Also, I clean my mics with simple soap and water and a soft toothbrush. Just be sure to remove the grille first, then remove the foam from inside the grille and scrub away! Removes even the most stubborn red lipstick! 🙂 Make sure the grille is dry before putting the foam back inside and putting it back on the mic. For anyone who isn’t sure about the best way to clean a mic, check the manufacturers directions first.
Great advice. What I have noticed is when I can hear myself that I don’t strain at all. I get very frustrated with people working the sound system and not knowing what they are doing. Thanks for the advice. I will invest in a mic and cable cord. Thank you.
I have never thought to bring my own equipment. Boy, oh boy, and the band at church? The biggest squabble they get into is volume wars on whose sound is turned up the loudest! This article is right on. Great tips. Thanks.
Oh yes, the volume wars!