How Do I Work This Microphone?

Microphone technique is one of the most crucial elements of recording a great podcast. You won’t know the difference if you get it right, but you’ll certainly hear it if you get it wrong. Here’s some pointers to help you get good mic technique. Get the right distance from the microphone. There’s an optimal distance for talking in to a microphone, too close and you can distort your voice, too far and you will introduce too much room noise. To get the right distance, try measuring a handspan between the microphone and your mouth. Find the front of the microphone. Not all microphones are the same. Some pick up from all angles and others are directional. Some are ‘front address’ and some are ‘side address’. Get to know the microphone you’re working with and make sure you’re always talking directly in to the front of the microphone. Find your “performance" level. Most people will find that they test the microphone quietly and then when the red light goes on they suddenly get louder. Dynamics can be a good thing, but find a volume level in your speech that feels comfortable for you and practice and prepare according to that level. These next two tips are for the more advanced podcaster. They’re good practices, but make sure you’re comfortable with the whole package before you try these. "Chase the flame". The hand span is a good average mic-to-mouth distance, but the volume of your voice can change this. Try leaning in or pulling back with the dynamics of your voice. Move away if you’re shouting and move closer if you’re whispering. Don’t worry if this is too advanced at first, this is easily fixed in mixing. Watch out for sibilance and popping Ps. If for some reason you’re not using a windshield or a pop filter, then you’ll have to watch out for certain syllables. Ps can create a popping sound and overload a microphone. Try turning slightly if you have any hard Ps. Sibilance is the high-end sound that your hear when you say S or similar sounds. If you have an S-heavy sentence then try moving back from the mic slightly and make sure to pace your speech. Modern production techniques can do a lot to fix any problems or mistakes, but it’s always best practice to get it right at the source. Using these tips you’ll have a professional sounding podcast before you know it