Thursday, October 6, 2016

Microphone Technique

Today we start an occasional (quarterly? monthly?) newsletter for square dance callers. Each message will explore a different topic. Please feel free to share with other callers.

Microphone Technique

Your microphone converts sound (air) pressure into electric signals. To get the best signal, place your mike to get the best sound pressure.

Most handheld microphones respond directionally. You get the best response when your microphone is held two inches from your mouth, and positioned midway between your mouth and nose. Even a slight move away from that "sweet spot" causes power to drop off rapidly, based on the Law of Inverse Squares. Double the distance and you get one-fourth the power. Triple the distance (i.e. 6 inches away from your mouth instead of 2 inches) and your power is suddenly reduced to one-ninth!

Hints for better microphone technique

Symptom: Reduced power
     Cause: Microphone is too far away
  Solution: Hold your mike two inches from your mouth. You can hold it even closer (but if you hear distortion, it's too close).


Symptom: Flat sound, reduced richness
     Cause: No nasal sounds. Microphone is too low ("chinning the mike")
  Solution: Hold your mike high enough to "hear" your nose as well as your mouth


Symptom: Thin, tinny sound
     Cause: Talking sideways across the microphone ("Sidewinder Style") rather than straight into it
  Solution: Hold your microphone so you can talk straight into it, along the long axis.


When you practice good microphone technique, you increase your vocal power and clarity. Your dancers will hear (and thus dance) better. Your calling will require less effort (and thus be more fun and effective).

"Keep It in the Sweet Spot!"

Now that you've suddenly gained nine times more power in your voice :), you will surely want to treat yourself with a new song from Chinook Records website.  ( www.ChinookRecords.com ) Listen for free, buy for less, delight yourself and your dancers. Have you heard the latest releases?

 "According to My Heart" (CK 230) - a Jim Reeves hit to channel your inner honky-tonk piano

 "Honeysuckle Rose" (CK 234) - Willie Nelson recorded the most famous version, but that's only because people have not yet heard YOUR rendition :)

At Chinook Records, you always enjoy safe, secure checkout and instant download of your MP3s!

Keep your voice, calls, tonal quality, dancers' smiles and square dancing STRONG, by keeping your microphone in the Sweet Spot!

Happy calling!

Your Chinook Records Team