Microphone use

Session 5

Session 5

Ambassador of Strings & Wings
Country flag
I'm looking at a getting a new mic. Would like feedback between a Regular or a head set. I sit in a chair to play with my music stand in front of me. I know this is something I will have to figure out myself. A friend of mine thinks I would be better off with the stand and mic. For reasons when i look down at my notes I am singing and taking the mic away from my mouth, also if I move my head around to scan the room. He said when you sing louder or softer you can just pull back from the mic for more control. Now with the headset no stand in front of me, I can move my head around, but if you sing louder sometimes guys pull the mouth piece away from them because of possible feedback and when your playing you have both hands playing the guitar. Wow pros and cons to both. Do any of you play any small gigs with the same setup.
 
If you have a wide dynamic range (loud to soft), then a mic (Shure SM 58?) on a stand is the beteter choice. Otherwise a headset will work well. Adjust the mic position so it is in the centre of your cheek - not in front of your mouth or nose, where it will pop badly in the direct air blast.
 
I’ve been singing and playing guitar for a little while. I’ve tried a couple of fancy headset microphones, and they weren’t for me. As the other, more civil;), Don stated...dynamics are more difficult to manage with a headset. I prefer a Shure SM58 for live work. A Shure SM7b for most of my recorded vocals, but I will experiment with a few others. Mostly a Cheap ribbon mic I picked up years ago, or an Audio Technica AT4033 for extra crispy stuff.
 
Session 5 said:
I'm looking at a getting a new mic. Would like feedback between a Regular or a head set. I sit in a chair to play with my music stand in front of me. I know this is something I will have to figure out myself. A friend of mine thinks I would be better off with the stand and mic. For reasons when i look down at my notes I am singing and taking the mic away from my mouth, also if I move my head around to scan the room. He said when you sing louder or softer you can just pull back from the mic for more control. Now with the headset no stand in front of me, I can move my head around, but if you sing louder sometimes guys pull the mouth piece away from them because of possible feedback and when your playing you have both hands playing the guitar. Wow pros and cons to both. Do any of you play any small gigs with the same setup.
Click to expand...

I place the mic upward - like Lemmy - and project vocals up and out...
 
Session 5 said:
I'm looking at a getting a new mic. Would like feedback between a Regular or a head set. I sit in a chair to play with my music stand in front of me. I know this is something I will have to figure out myself. A friend of mine thinks I would be better off with the stand and mic. For reasons when i look down at my notes I am singing and taking the mic away from my mouth, also if I move my head around to scan the room. He said when you sing louder or softer you can just pull back from the mic for more control. Now with the headset no stand in front of me, I can move my head around, but if you sing louder sometimes guys pull the mouth piece away from them because of possible feedback and when your playing you have both hands playing the guitar. Wow pros and cons to both. Do any of you play any small gigs with the same setup.
Click to expand...

I played a winery performance last year as a stand-in guitarist for a two piece. The other fellow used a very simple PA with what appeared to be reproductions of a SM-57 - a name I do not recall - but I like the boom-style stand to mount the mic either upward (dropping down) or from the side (coming straight in) and in both cases, this frees up the area right in front of you for a music stand/floor monitor/ice chest of beer....

I never could get good vocals from a headset, except for speaking.
 
Rob I have one of those boom stands, They work very good. Like you say are very adjustable. I have been doing some gigs at Senior residents, they have their own P.A systems which I have been using and they are top notch. But I want to have my own set up now for doing other venues. I have decided now from the comments here, I am definitely going with the Shure 58 Mic over the head set. I went down to my favorite shop a couple of days ago took my Godin Progression Strat with me got hooked up with a Shure 58 mic and plugged into Fishman loud box mini 60 watt amp. I sang a couple of tunes through this combo Wow!! I was impressed with the sound of the vocals and the sounds that came from that amp with my Electric. This is what I am looking for a Great sound system with less hardware to lug around. I will be getting this gear shortly stay tuned.
 
IMG_6791.JPG As far as microphones go I use Shur 57s because they can go thru a war and come out fine. I mic my amps and that allows me to use my light weight 15 watt. I bought a mic stand for a desk and it hit the sweet spot on my amps. It is compact and that keeps it out of the way of foot traffic. That was the old way. I have a new teddy bear and a new stand.
 
Session 5 said:
Rob I have one of those boom stands, They work very good. Like you say are very adjustable. I have been doing some gigs at Senior residents, they have their own P.A systems which I have been using and they are top notch. But I want to have my own set up now for doing other venues. I have decided now from the comments here, I am definitely going with the Shure 58 Mic over the head set. I went down to my favorite shop a couple of days ago took my Godin Progression Strat with me got hooked up with a Shure 58 mic and plugged into Fishman loud box mini 60 watt amp. I sang a couple of tunes through this combo Wow!! I was impressed with the sound of the vocals and the sounds that came from that amp with my Electric. This is what I am looking for a Great sound system with less hardware to lug around. I will be getting this gear shortly stay tuned.
Click to expand...

Good!

My rule for sound equipment - use what works and screw brand loyalty.

We have recorded outstanding vocals with a PC microphone. Seriously!

My son got me some recording gear I never heard of before - crimson something - and it works as good as the expensive brand name stuff.
 
kevinpaul said:
View attachment 12577 As far as microphones go I use Shur 57s because they can go thru a war and come out fine. I mic my amps and that allows me to use my light weight 15 watt. I bought a mic stand for a desk and it hit the sweet spot on my amps. It is compact and that keeps it out of the way of foot traffic. That was the old way. I have a new teddy bear and a new stand.
Click to expand...

Kevin,

We once had trouble getting a guitar/amp to sound right on tape. We ended up putting the mic on a 6" stand in a red velour barrel backed chair. We then set the amp on a milk crate so that it projected the sound into the curvature of the chair.

That was the only way we could get what our ears heard in the studio onto the tape.

Love the bear...
 
Robert Herndon said:
Good!

My rule for sound equipment - use what works and screw brand loyalty.

We have recorded outstanding vocals with a PC microphone. Seriously!

My son got me some recording gear I never heard of before - crimson something - and it works as good as the expensive brand name stuff.
Click to expand...


I agree! I have never been Brand loyal . When I buy anything its got to be the best bang for my dollar, I am thorough when I purchase items, I also like to investigate before I make a final decision.
 
Robert Herndon said:
Kevin,

We once had trouble getting a guitar/amp to sound right on tape. We ended up putting the mic on a 6" stand in a red velour barrel backed chair. We then set the amp on a milk crate so that it projected the sound into the curvature of the chair.

That was the only way we could get what our ears heard in the studio onto the tape.

Love the bear...
Click to expand...

I record stuff for my now friend but one time boss from the studios she owns in New York City and LA. Some times I get to record from my Martin to a microphone to a reel to reel. So simple and as close to perfect as I can get. No weird hum of crackle. She sends me the blank tapes with a check.
When it gets so complex I get one of the kids to help. Edit and all they do to a short recording is beyond me.
 
Well yesterday went to the shop to buy some equipment, picked up a Shure 58 and some cables. Had to settle for the Fender guitar cable. They were out of Planet Waves in 20 ft with the angle hook, which I prefer, but I needed one to do a gig so anyway. And a Fishman loud box. When I first got into the store there was a guy hooked up to one trying it out. I had a chat with him he was amazed at the sounds and power that came from the amp. He bought one before he left the store ,then it was my turn. So I picked up my gear stayed for a visit then I was off. Since I have had it home had to hook everything up make sure everything is in order. All I can say is this setup is a great combo. Then to my surprise the guys at the shop gave me a form shows that Fishman is giving a Free offer. So went online filled out the form of course you have to show proof of sale and sent it off , in 4 to 6 weeks I should have a free T-shirt, Hat, guitar strap. I got a little icing for buying the cake.DSC00155.JPG DSC00156.JPG DSC00154.JPG
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top