Microphone Technique
There are unfortunately lots of ways to accidentally mess up speaking into a microphone. Here’s the easiest way to avoid errors … Read the directions that come with your microphone! It sounds too simple, but a lot of people just mimic what they see others doing on YouTube or other similar sources. Not all microphones need to hang upside down, and not all mics are designed to be spoken into at the very tip - so check the manufacturer recommendations! Here’s a few other thoughts:
“Read the directions!”
Watch your distance: If you’re too close to the mic, or too far away, you’ll notice it immediately as a listener. To avoid this, have any guests on your show, as well as yourself, wear headphones. This lets everyone know when someone is talking, and you hear what the listeners will hear. If you start to trail off in volume or lean too far away - you’ll notice it more quickly. It also helps people recognize if they are talking over someone else.
Know where your mic is listening: Each microphone is designed to listen for sound in a very specific direction. Some microphones have switches that change the pickup patterns for where it listens for sound. For example, one mode may listen for sounds directly in front of the mic, and then another mode may split the directions into listening to the right and left sides. Another mode may just turn on the whole kitten caboodle, and anything in the recording room is fair game to be heard!
Watch where you point that thing: Depending on where the mic is placed in relation to your mouth, you may be more or less likely to hear certain “plosives” - aka sounds that start with “p” - or even breathing sounds from just speaking or laughing. To get around this, you may be able to speak indirectly into your mic by aiming it off center. By turning the mic 45 degrees to the left or right, you may be able to still have a good sound while your mouth is making unwanted sounds PAST the mic. This requires you to understand which direction your mic is listening, and then offset things a little. Other methods to reduces noises include using pop filters and wind filters. They function similarly, but are placed on different parts of your equipment. They essentially muffle some of the unwanted sounds before they are recorded.
If you can hear it, it’s being recorded: Lip smacks, coughing, accidentally hitting the microphone or its stand - these are all things that impact the listener experience. Certain mic stands, coffee coasters, and not chewing food or gum while you talk will all help to minimize unwanted sounds that can drive your listeners up the wall!
Experiment with different techniques: Not every THING works for every PERSON. Try different methods to find YOUR sound!
Listen to yourself BEFORE you record for your first episode: Many people think they know how they sound … and then they record something and realize all the weird stuff they do! Take a moment to just have some fun, record it, and then listen to it. Ask yourself what you can do better next time. The more your record, the better you will get. It’s normal to initially not like how you sound, or at least think it’s weird to listen to yourself talk. You can always ask a trusted friend for feedback - or I can give you some honest feedback too if you happen to use Marsh Audio Services for your next project …
