Choosing the Right Live Vocal Mic

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Vocals are the most important input you have at church, so choosing the right mic helps you make it sound great for everyone. And if you make your singer feel good with the mic that fits them right, they're going to sing great and you'll have a great day.
Shure KSM8 www.zzounds.co...
sweetwater.sjv...
Heil PR37 amzn.to/3V16Er7
Neumann KMS 105 sweetwater.sjv...
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Shure Beta 87A www.zzounds.co...
Audix OM5 sweetwater.sjv...
www.zzounds.co...
P.S. Those links are affiliate links, so if you buy after clicking through, it generates a small commission for me at no additional charge for you. It's just a way you can help support the channel :)
Let's connect on Instagram: / attawayaudio
Facebook: / attawayaudio

[@Kenn1969]

Love the “strong-hold” explanation, It really helped me. Thanks, God Bless!!😇

[@AttawayAudio]

So glad that was helpful!

[@elvischristiangoetten1738]

Tomorrow I will give the stronghold speech to our church team, this is an excellent idea! I know the FHOP (Brazilian IHOP) now helping a church in Germany!

[@throwdown32]

First off, just wanted to say thanks for your videos. Can you make a video about proper mics and techniques and using plugins (if any) for recording & live sound for a choir please? 1. Type of mics used (large diaphragm vs pencil condenser) 2. Placement (spaced out vs stereo xy pattern) 3. Plugins used in the mixing of the choir (if any) 4. Monitor position during this scenario to reduce feedback issues for the choir

[@AttawayAudio]

I'd love to! Haven't seen many choirs on stage lately so it's hard to catch one, but I may have one lined up this Christmas

[@davegraham716]

There are countless different vintage mics floating around for super cheap prices, anyone know of any good deals on vintage "sleeper" mics that are actually great for building up a gear locker for a new soundtech(either as all around workhorses or ones that are just amazing at 1 or 2 specific tasks), thanks everyone.

[@manojedirisinghe1971]

Thanks lot for this and want to know lot from you.... how can i contact you sir

[@ruslan1909]

Good confident vocals are great, bad vocals that are confident they are right and don't want to take any advice not so great.

[@AttawayAudio]

ouchie

[@mschaf9354]

Using Sennheiser as an hammer 🤣 quality made in Germany

[@AttawayAudio]

Glad you liked that part 😃 Only dinged the finish. Hopefully my vocalists don't mind 🤣

[@jimpemberton]

I love how selecting the right live vocal mic involves a heavy dose of understanding the practical psychology of vocal musicians. It's the hidden talent in a good sound tech. Not only do we need to understand music, the physics behind music and sound, acoustics, and a little bit of electrical engineering, but we also need to be able to interact with the people on stage in such as way that we elicit the best musicianship from them.

[@AttawayAudio]

It's how pros keep their job 😃

[@glenconmc]

You really know singers, and are so right about the confidence thing.

[@danielfmyers]

10:35 you went full prophetic

[@AttawayAudio]

There's much more to say on the topic... but another time.

[@mattclark1003]

For real! Let's get some sermons @Attaway

[@ronedwards8239]

Neumann KMS 105. Incredible Mic

[@RevJorgeDiaz]

Man, James. I love your heart and passion for Christ. Praying for you man!

[@AttawayAudio]

I'll receive those prayers! I need every bit of it. Thank you Jorge!

[@mazerunner2728]

@@AttawayAudio im a christian too🤚 ✝️🕊️🕊️

[@davidpilzsound]

Thanks man! Whenever people reach out asking things about lifesound, I keep sending your videos. Highly professional, compact and every single word you say is a fact. Makes my life a lot easier.

[@sadieconnolly610]

Sound ninja!

[@prescience333]

Satanic death metal vocalists watching this: “yeah…for church😳”

[@thomas9469]

Hello sir, Which mic is better in your opinion when compare Shure beta 87a vs E945 senheiser.

[@LoveInTheLight]

God Bless you and your message. Very true about the difference between the lies the enemy tell us and what the savor tells us about ourselves. I am free to be. And people love me just the way God made me.

[@AttawayAudio]

🙌🙌

[@jakebelmore8809]

Sound Ninja who has preached and understands it's Always all about the low end even in vocals :)

[@AttawayAudio]

That's true there too. And if I may go to downtown nerdville, there's a principle called "masking" that says that loud sounds cover up quiet sounds (that's pretty obvious), but the less obvious one is that low frequencies will mask high frequencies. So yes, the muffled sound from proximity effect can cover up intelligibility, so with vocals, it IS all about the low end.

[@Ryan.OShaughnessy]

Sound ninja 😂

[@OnlineMD]

I just returned a Shure Beta 58A and got an Audio Technica AE6100 super cardioid dynamic mic. It is superb! It cuts down pops and bops quite a bit but not entirely. I was hoping I could use it without a foam pop filter but had to use it. Though, I guess if I talked/sang louder and keep the mic a couple of inches further away from my face, I could manage without that foam filter. I'll keep experimenting. But the sound quality is superb, with the right brightness to the voice. I had to turn the treble down a tad on the EQ to suit my voice. Recently I tried out a Telefunken M81 but wasn't that impressed. The AE6100 is a keeper for me. Superbly engineered and I don't hear the noise of my hand rubbing on the microphone like I do with a Shure SM58 (the poorer cousin of the Shure Beta 58A...!)

[@jasonbodden8816]

I think you meant to say the Audio Technica AE6100 is a Hyper Cardioid mic.

[@OnlineMD]

@@jasonbodden8816 from the website Homestudiobasics: "Cardioid, hypercardioid, and supercardioid microphones are all directional microphones that are commonly used in various audio recording and sound reinforcement applications." But you're right, the AE6100 is indeed a hypercardioid mic. Thx for the correction.

[@buddyalbert5808]

Telefunkin M80 is my current favorite. I really enjoy your info. Always super helpful.

[@AttawayAudio]

I keep hearing great things about it, but I haven't had a chance to use it yet. Might just have to bite the bullet and buy one for myself.

[@NSMusic01]

@@AttawayAudio Hand-assembled in CT. Great group of people. The M80 feels like a cross between a dynamic and a condenser. Ruggedness and versatility of a dynamic with some of the nice delicate top end of a condenser. The M81 is the same but with a less pronounced top end. They are great on vocals, snare, toms and horns.

[@OnlineMD]

I tried a Telefunken M81 a few months ago but had to return it because it was worse than my Shure SM58 as to protection from pops and bops. And if I used a foam filter on the Telefunken, the volume dropped one third. Can't win! Today I've ordered an Audio Technica AE6100 that is said to have built-in pop protection. Can't wait to try it out!

[@MrAndy1010]

tried a telefunken m80 but returned it .for my voice and others i preferred the humble akg d5 ,sontronics solo, ev nd76 , audio technica ae6100 and even a rode m1.

[@buddyalbert5808]

@@OnlineMD I’ve moved on from the M80. Good mic for some scenarios. I use a Neumann KMS 105 for acoustic gigs. I’ve went back to a sure 58 and beta 58 for all band gigs. It’s just easier to have a microphone that all sound engineers are familiar with.

[@ThorsonMooreMusic]

Late to the party 🙄 but either way... Sound Ninja 🫡

[@Thatrandomando]

The musical theatre company I am working for is trying to buy new mics and we currently have lavaliere mics that peak a lot when the actors are singing loud or a higher note suddenly. Are there any good singing mics that are lavaliere mics or built for musical theatre?

[@AttawayAudio]

Point Source Audio and DPA are my favorites. Or if you're old-school, there's the Shure WL-93

[@justahobby4]

-freq response -polar patten -off axis freq response -proximity effect and throw(shure beta 87)

[@jasonbodden8816]

Great video. I'm not a sound engineer by any means but I am a singer and this video was a real treat. I like learning bits of the audio side of things. You are super clear when you teach and have a really pleasant energy. I'm not religious but I look forward to more of your content.

[@AttawayAudio]

Thank you for your kind words, Jason! It's awesome to hear this kind of feedback. I'm glad you are enjoying the content!

[@TheChoppShopp116]

With that biblical reference and nugget, you just became my go to for love sound!

[@D71219ONE]

You went from practical sound reinforcement teaching to straight up preaching! Great video! 🔥 🙌 😫

[@AttawayAudio]

thanks Matt!

[@TheBoilervolt]

Hey Ray Ramano called and he wants his voice back.😎

[@AttawayAudio]

Oh thanks for letting me know! I'll make sure to get it back to him 😂

[@jimilove7773]

Sennheiser Md431 ll Trust me! 777

[@Ilicet]

I like my Shure Super 55 Deluxe.. iconic look, great sound.

[@AttawayAudio]

I haven't used one of those before! Looks like fun though. Do you play harmonica too?

[@Ilicet]

@@AttawayAudio Um, I used to? I just use that mic as my main vocal mic because I like the way it sounds with my voice, and I figure I'm not the only one since it's used by a lot of people who make a lot of money gigging. I haven't broken my harmonica out in a long time though, so I'm not sure how it sounds with the mic.

[@davegraham716]

@@AttawayAudio why did you ask about Harmonica is that mic known for that usage? Was considering one of those for my dad's country cover band (and cause he's a big Elvis fan). John Soon; how's the frequency curve on the 55? Any mic advice for this purpose anyone?

[@garryyoung6]

Hey! James, another informative video for us ninja's!!!! I am amazed that lately when I view one of your videos it is on a topic that concerns what I have been discussing with my tech leader/worship pastor at church. I guess it is that God inspired wave length. Sound wave length that is... Blessings to you and thank you for your ministry!!!!

[@AttawayAudio]

Thanks Garry! Thanks for serving faithfully!

[@diebeatz]

You should make your own podcast.

[@AttawayAudio]

If I did, what topics would you like me to cover?

[@diebeatz]

@@AttawayAudio anything related to church production, serving, tech, devotionals etc. 🤙🤙

[@Emmaus1Church]

What mic would you suggest for pastor whom prefers a handheld mic but moves the mic off axis periodically throughout the sermon?

[@AttawayAudio]

DPA... unbelievably clear off-axis response

[@Emmaus1Church]

Thank you.🙏🏽

[@flaviusarcadiusvibes]

Dig the energy of this video great stuff

[@BrotherCalebMusic]

I really like the fact that you used the Word of the Lord to remedy a problem with confidence! Praise the Lord! Thank you! and the Lord Bless you Richly in Christ!

[@riversidentcog]

first.....SOUND NINJA

[@AttawayAudio]

Woohoo! Notification squad!

[@andyperrigo5000]

Ninja

[@brettgillsr6684]

Wow! Excellent information and advice. Both musically and Biblically!! Thank you 😊

[@AttawayAudio]

Thanks Brett!

[@djnattyvo]

Some good knowledge, but lots of spiritual bs. 👎🏽

[@mattclark1003]

sound ninjaaaa

[@justinfarrar4019]

😌😌😌😌😎💪🏿

[@mattclark1003]

10:00 Preach it.

[@AttawayAudio]

🙌🙌

[@lamelodiadecristo5485]

Recommend me the best microphone wireless for vocal on the stage

[@ziggyzach8152]

Sound ninja

[@Formlessrecording]

You are so right about a microphone having interplay with in ears. My church, after changing locations, needed to go back to wedges and I know some singers felt more confident despite a less ideal mix I think because there was less overthinking involved in the relationship between body, mic, and headphones. Still, I did switch to an SE V7 anyway, and it’s been a good choice.

[@AttawayAudio]

yeah those SE mics punch way above their price point... and even though singers might complain about singing in a single monitor mix on wedges, they actually tend to blend with each other better (if they're good).

[@Chiefit]

Sound Ninja

[@udeaghakalu6011]

Hello Sir, I have a little challenge with the DPA 4088 I use for my Pastor. I usually get dropouts when he shouts. Any solution to that?

[@lkgreenwell]

Sound ninja

[@rodericksmith1482]

Sound Ninja

[@douglasengland1199]

I am trying to get suggestions on better microphone selections. Do you know of anyone?

[@timothyjamesbautista]

Hi, our church prefers wireless vocal mics. Can you suggest some? Thank you and God bless! :)

[@AttawayAudio]

Wireless capsules sound nearly identical to their wired counterparts, but the transmitter/receiver makes a difference in audio quality and dynamic range. If you like wireless, plan on spending $700-1000 per channel to get quality. If you don't, you're setting yourself up for failure on your most important inputs.

[@timothyjamesbautista]

@@AttawayAudio thank you James for the very informative reply with budget allocation suggestion :) We will discuss this to the church council and hopefully get approved. :) thank you for creating many many helpful videos! God bless! :)

[@timothyjamesbautista]

@@AttawayAudio praying for you for more success in your personal/spiritual/professional life!

[@sph_holl2650]

Where did you get that t-shirt???

[@AttawayAudio]

the internet... and my mom

[@JeremyLeech]

my favorite live mic is my SE V7

[@AttawayAudio]

It's a great one!

[@mkrj2576]

Wow. Such a great presentation... excellent mix of tech talk and practical advice. I'm editing this as an afterthought and I'd like to ask your advice. Shure SM 58 vs beta 58a vs the sEV7? Application is for lead vocals and harmonica on solo gigs with and acoustic guitar, and also with an electric guitar in a rock-ish band. Lead vocal plays guitar too but won't use that mic for an amp mic - vocal use only. Usually play with a foam cover to keep the harmonica from tapping the screen and sing right up on the mic, touching the foam ball - but while playing guitar and singing I do tend to wander - so, a mic with "too much proximity effect" is not great. Band doesn't play too loud. Using typical floor stage monitors. Guitar runs either traditional amp set up or pedal board is run directly to front of house. Thanks again for your video.

[@BBradshaw131]

What would you recommend for my church? We have a really small congregation (avg about 25 each Sunday) and we usually have 4 ladies on the praise team. They do their best but no Celine Dion's. (Not trying to be mean, just getting the point across that we're not looking for perfection, just some affordable, dependable mics that we can count on)

[@AttawayAudio]

You can't go wrong with an SM58. It'll outlast the rest of your sound system.

[@simplyb.8959]

Wooooooow‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ Everything you said about strongholds is soooooooooo true!!! Wow!!! Great tip for those who have had those struggles because they can know how to pray!

[@harlymeyer1073]

s ninja

[@antroxity]

Quality gear does make our lives easier.

[@AttawayAudio]

heck yes

[@Chiefit]

What are good off axis mics?

[@AttawayAudio]

DPA handheld mics are the bomb for off-axis

[@bobbydreg5597]

Resist The Stronghold, The Enemy! My new mantra 😀

[@lyneicehaynes4922]

I got a new microphone stand clip from piano.

[@DanielSRosehill]

Great overview - thanks you man!

[@calebrabion]

I'm not a professional by any means, but I'm all my church has.... lol. My main job is worship leader, but I'm also the most experienced in the sound room, but that's not saying all that much... I have a singer that holds the mic about an inch from her mouth, and she seems to overpower the mic, and it distorts when she hits higher notes. She is using a Sennheiser e835 wireless. She recently used a sm58, and it seemed to fix the issue. I really need to keep her wireless, because she's very mobile on stage. Would a wireless sm58 be as good as a wired 1?

[@AttawayAudio]

Sounds like you'll need to pony up more money for a wireless transmitter that can handle her dynamic range. Depending on the model, you may be able to dial back the sensitivity of the microphone transmitter, but the cheaper ones won't let you.

[@calebrabion]

@@AttawayAudio any recommendations?

[@JohnnyBoyUploads]

Thank you for such a highly detailed video. I wanted to know your opinion over using a condenser handheld microphone on stage like the Shure SM86, Audio Technica 2010 or Blue Encore 300. Tell me how could they improve the sound and if you would really suggest them? I am asking this as there are a lot of live sessions being recorded and the clarity and detail of the mic is something very important in that scenario.

[@AttawayAudio]

I don't think I'm smart enough to suggest changes to mic manufacturers... everything in engineering is a trade-off, and to me it's more about polishing what you have in baby steps

[@JuanAlvarezMusic]

This was fantastic, thank you very much for sharing.

[@richardbailey511]

Imma Sound Ninja

[@AttawayAudio]

🙌🙌🙌

[@VejenHjem-rf2jc]

Thank you, for also sharing your faith in Christ Jesus! :-)

[@AttawayAudio]

God bless you! 🙏

[@torilawler8500]

Sound ninja 🥷 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@Emmaus1Church]

Thank you.

[@anshoom]

Insightful video! Would you have suggestions for budget vocal wireless microphones for beginners; with a decent throw where the singer has the flexibility to move a bit away from the mic while singing! Thank you!

[@AttawayAudio]

Budget + wireless = headaches. Just warning you.

[@anshoom]

​@@AttawayAudio Yes, I realize the same! I just asked as I am not sure if my son would continue his singing passion, he is trying this out & hence the investment of $400 plus would bit over the budget for us to start with. If none budget wireless systems come to your mind (even with a bit of a trade-off on features) - would you have a recommendation for under $200 wired mics? With my naive knowledge of this topic researched from online sources, it seems: Audio-Technica AT2020 & Shure SM58 seems a good starting point for us? Though I am leaning more towards AT2020 being the condenser variant (& assuming it will perhaps have a better throw amongst these two). Appreciate your time responding to these inquiries!

[@dannygrim7157]

Sound ninja

[@heitornogueira9173]

sound ninja

[@Exclaim-Studios]

sound ninja 😂

[@firstchapter9108]

Sound Ninja...

[@TheChoppShopp116]

Sound ninja lol

[@perryfisher3373]

Sound Ninja

[@ellafinger1669]

How can I contact you with more questions? :)

[@AttawayAudio]

Email James at Attaway Audio dot com 😃

[@SupunKandambige]

sound ninja

[@davidpruett1910]

SOUND NINJA

[@djmarybaloo]

sound ninja

[@willde4x]

SOUND NINJA!

[@ChurchWorshipandvideo]

When did you first start helping with IHOP? I was on a media internship there from Jan-June 2009. Thanks for some of your explanations. Good info!

[@AttawayAudio]

I did an "internship" (not official) in 2005 and then joined staff in 2008 and taught audio at the music school. God bless you for sitting in that little trailer so many hours

[@morgansimpson315]

@@AttawayAudio We we’re there at the same time then! Very cool. Yes my trailer time was usually 12-2pm which was pretty slow tbh lol. It was a great experience overall though.

[@erlonbailey8398]

Thank you, Ray.

[@cosmo4L417]

ninja

[@nicholashaggkvist2905]

SOUND NINJA!!!

[@NSMusic01]

Thoughts on the Telefunken M80 and M81?

[@AttawayAudio]

I haven't actually used either one yet! I want to get my hands on some, but I haven't had the need. I know Kacey Musgraves uses one... and they can sound good on snare, guitars, toms, and a bunch of other things.

[@lyneicehaynes4922]

I only use headset microphone.

[@AttawayAudio]

sweet!

[@tabernaculodegraciayrestau2306]

WOW 😱

[@JohnGabrielArends]

I love the spiritual encouragement you added to this video. SO TRUE. 10:15 - 11:35 is 🔥