From the Singer to the Mixer:
A Singer’s Guide to Microphone Technology
by Sean van Gulik
When singing at your corps, understanding the technology behind the microphone is just as important as mastering vocal technique. A great worship experience relies not only on your voice but also on how well you interact with the equipment that amplifies and enhances it for the congregation. This guide focuses on the technical side of microphones—how they work, the different types, and how to apply that knowledge to ensure your voice leads the congregation with clarity and power, creating an uplifting and spiritually resonant atmosphere.
Understanding Microphone Basics
Microphones work by converting sound waves (your voice) into electrical signals, which can then be amplified, recorded, or sent to a livestream. The way a microphone captures sound depends on its internal design, which affects the quality of your vocal output.
Key Components of a Microphone
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Diaphragm: A thin membrane inside the microphone that vibrates when hit by sound waves. This vibration is converted into an electrical signal.
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Transducer: Converts the diaphragm's vibrations into electrical energy. This can be a coil of wire (in dynamic mics) or a capacitor (in condenser mics).
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Polar Pattern: The directionality of the microphone or how it captures sound from different angles. Understanding polar patterns is crucial for positioning the microphone correctly.
Types of Microphones and How They Work
Different microphones are designed to handle different environments and vocal styles. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:
Dynamic Microphones
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How They Work: Dynamic microphones use a simple design involving a diaphragm attached to a coil of wire, placed near a magnet. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, it moves the coil within the magnetic field, generating an electrical signal.
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Best For: Live performances. They are durable, can handle high sound pressure levels (SPL), and are less sensitive to background noise.
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Application to Singing: Dynamic mics are perfect for high-energy performances, especially in loud environments. For singers, the Shure SM58 is a classic dynamic microphone choice because of its rugged design and ability to cut through noisy stages. When singing into a dynamic mic, position it about 1-2 inches from your mouth, and adjust your distance depending on your volume.
Condenser Microphones
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How They Work: Condenser microphones use a diaphragm placed close to a backplate, forming a capacitor. When sound hits the diaphragm, the distance between the diaphragm and the backplate changes, altering the capacitance and generating an electrical signal. Condenser mics require external power, typically through phantom power (+48V).
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Best For: Studio recordings and livestreams. They are more sensitive and provide a greater frequency response and detail.
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Application to Singing: Condenser mics are ideal for capturing subtle nuances in your voice, making them great for controlled studio settings. When using a condenser mic, experiment with distance and angle to find the sweet spot that captures your tone accurately without introducing too much room noise. A pop filter is essential to minimize plosives, and you should also use a shock mount to prevent unwanted vibrations from impacting the recording.
Wireless Microphones
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How They Work: Wireless microphones are not a type of mic in terms of diaphragm technology. Typically, they are dynamic microphones, but the way they transmit sound to the mixer changes. As the name suggests, they have no wire directly connecting them to the mixer. Instead, they have a transmitter on the microphone, and a receiver that plugs in to the mixer.
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Best For: Situations that require the freedom to move around the stage without being tethered to a cable.
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Battery Management: Always use fresh batteries for each service to avoid signal dropouts. Keep spare batteries on hand and consider rechargeable options for sustainability.
Understanding Polar Patterns
Polar patterns define the directionality of a microphone—how it picks up sound from different directions. Here’s a look at common polar patterns and how to use them:
Cardioid Pattern
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How It Works: Cardioid microphones pick up sound from the front and reject sound from the sides and rear. This is the most common pattern for vocal microphones, especially in live settings.
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Application to Singing: When using a cardioid microphone, position yourself directly in front of the microphone for the best sound. The microphone will naturally reject ambient noise but be mindful of positioning to avoid feedback from nearby monitors or speakers.
Supercardioid and Hypercardioid Patterns
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How They Work: These patterns are more directional than cardioid, with a tighter pickup area in the front and slightly more sensitivity at the rear. This can help isolate your voice even further in noisy environments.
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Application to Singing: Supercardioid and hypercardioid microphones are excellent for live performances where sound isolation is critical. These mics allow you to focus your vocals more precisely but require careful positioning to avoid picking up unwanted sound from the rear.
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Omnidirectional Pattern
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How It Works: Omnidirectional microphones capture sound equally from all directions. They are not commonly used for live vocals due to their lack of directionality, but they can be useful in certain recording situations.
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Application to Singing: Omnidirectional microphones are best for capturing a natural, ambient sound in studio settings. If you want to capture the room's acoustics along with your voice, this might be the right choice. However, be aware that it will also pick up any noise or reflections from the surroundings.
Dealing with Feedback
Feedback occurs when the microphone picks up sound from the speakers, creating a loop that results in a loud, high-pitched noise or a hum. Feedback can be a big distraction in your worship service. Understanding the relationship between your microphone, monitors, and speakers is crucial to preventing distracting feedback. Remember that the goal of any AV team is to provide a distraction-free environment for worship.
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Microphone Positioning: Keep your microphone pointed away from monitors and speakers. If you're using a cardioid or supercardioid microphone, take advantage of its rejection pattern by positioning the rear or sides of the microphone toward the speakers.
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Monitor Levels: Keep your monitor levels at a reasonable volume. If you need more sound in your monitors, try repositioning them or using in-ear monitors (IEMs) instead of simply increasing the volume.
To learn about feedback and how to deal with it in more detail, check out this issue of the Zine.
Understanding the technology behind microphones and related equipment is important for any singer looking to optimize their sound. By knowing how microphones work, selecting the right gear for your voice, and applying proper technique, you can enhance your performance whether you're at your church or in the studio. Combine this technical knowledge with your vocal talent to be an effective worship leader at your corps.