How to Use a Microphone | Vocal Lessons

[@awwwyeaboyeeee]

Valuable video. If you're a working musician, or a KJ, or work in live-band karaoke, you know from immeasurable experience how often novice vocalists shy away from singing directly into the mic. And you know it is far more important that they be heard and "misuse" a mic by being too close than backing off and being lost in the mix. Cari is obviously focusing more on the real-world application of live vocal technique more than anything else. I don't know why this isn't more apparent to more people commenting here.

[@PAPATVOnline]

Honestly I'm not sure why people are bitching! This is one of the best 'how to use a mic' videos I've seen that can be shown to students. She's holding the mic right (when she holds it) and it's great advice to keep the mic straight and close to your mouth!

[@UncleGeou2b]

The best 5 min on using a mic I've ever seen or heard!

[@judetsang6534]

I think Cari is sharing her most valuable experience with us. Just don't mix up singing a song with singing a rock! The rock singers will abuse the microphone to get another dimension of sound effects. They hold the microphone differently, such as the T-Rex, Super Cup, and the Cradle Grip. Holding Microphone like this will get cancellation and distortion for sure because your body is electrically charged. The sensitive microphones will pick up the charged particles from your hand and fingers and affect the sound output. After all, rock singing is just the side dish, the main dish is the act itself! If you are serious about singing, hold the microphone with your finger tips on the lower part of the handle; don't hold too close to the mess/head of the microphone. When you are on stage, "eat" your microphone just as Cari told you! Enjoy your singing.

[@thedubiousones]

thanks for these reminders. ive performed quite a few times and neva in my life have i been happy with the monitor levels. or the front pa levels. so my advice to singers is to control who ever is controlling the sound level of both monitor and front speasker level. alot of sound engineers are very casual about mic levels so i have realised i have to control the sound man !!

[@Hitogata]

I'm LOVING this series! All of the videos are extremely useful. Thank you so much!

[@Spikey_playz]

I learned a lot! Since my first KAREOKE is actually Sunday I appreciate this video!

[@BillyReedMusic]

This was helpful. I thought it was bad technique to sing too closely into the mic. So I'm glad it's actually encouraged, because I found it sounds great to do it. 😄

[@wb7ptr]

Great video. I had a problem one place I was playing because the people running the place didn't have very good monitor speakers, and I couldn't hear myself properly. I recorded the gig, and it SUCKED. Off key, etc. and I do know how to sing on key ... but hard when you can't hear properly! Those monitors are important, especially in a noisy venue.

[@miguelbarahona6636]

I remember, many years ago, I was singing with my group, we did 3 songs in an 800 people theater. I thought it was great (I was the lead singer), we gave it all!. A few days after, we heard the recording, I was awful, totally out of tune. Then I learned that you have to use monitors.

[@SoJesusChristMusic]

That's very helpful.

[@bondo1955]

This method is great for people who whisper or haven’t a powerful voice notice she’s just talking If you are using your lungs you’ll have to be farther away to keep from distorting the diaphragm

[@MrDynamicspower]

For the people learning to sing .One of the most important things about singing is your Breathing. you do not have to scream at the top of your lungs to sing or get the sound your looking for infact this can seriously damage your vocals .proper breathing is the key . Try to keep your lungs full of are at all times. Every time you u can get a short breath take it . try to be conservative on your breathing do not blow it all out one note . Ps buy a mic with phantom power if your machine Has it

[@jazzymorn]

This helped me in my talent show becuz i wasnt going to hold the mic but I decided to the day bfor so I watched your video. now i know where the mics sweetspot is. I won my talent show. thanx xxoo Reagan

[@MrDynamicspower]

Mayra I have been a musician for many years it takes a lot of time and practice to master the guitar. I wouldn't want to discourage u from learning but if you want quick results for singing I suggest tracks u can have a recording studio make or run an add . most musicians I have met are more than happy to help And some wouldn't charge a thing. do learn to play always a + Keep in mind solid band is foundation your singing is only going to b as good as your band.

[@ivoryventrice603]

I'm singing In the talent show and my voice projects a little different when I'm on a mic. Especially in my notes where I'm in my head voice or falsetto

[@tam5131]

If you have a very powerful voice then you don't really want to eat the microphone, you need to stand back from the microphone. I started singing from the age of 4 years old so have been singing a long time. I have a powerful voice but some people don't have that power so need to be closer to the microphone. You also have to be careful that when close to the mic that the "P"s and "V"s don't sound like pops. So I agree with 2-3 inches away from the mic is right.

[@DAILEYericCaryUSA]

This is fabulous. Note: at 1:00 - I prefer to tell folks not to eat but to "kiss the mic" to be heard well.

[@kpag3030]

Ironically, she is a little sharp on the “s” and “t’s” in this audio mix. All good advice though.

[@shakeel8386]

Subscribed .....thank you so much ..... I have been so wrong all my life ......far away .....never knew how to use the microphone ......

[@she2302]

Thank you 🙏🏻 What I need - mic placement over playing piano

[@MedQ]

uhm.. "and it is a digital wireless which means it doesn't operate on a bandwidth..". what does that really mean? Ofcourse it has to use bandwidth?

[@BBbb-zt4tj]

I laughed when she said that as well. I think these work on 900 MHz

[@MattHasty]

I think she was referencing "bandwidth" to refer to "analog" transmission of sound. It's not transmitting a wave pattern but a digital datastream instead.

[@scottrankin4501]

"digital wireliess..." is completely irrelevant for the topic of this video. What matters is it's a stage vocal microphone. It has a cardioid rejection pattern to prevent it from feeding back or picking up other sound sources. This is why it's important to generally keep the screen close to your lips and to point it directly into your mouth. If you fail to do both, your voice becomes thinner and you can have other problems.

[@lyneicehaynes4922]

I got a microphone stand clip from piano and I really like to sing.

[@centaviodehernandez]

thank you I love it

[@jorgemarr]

thankyou for your advice i just bought my daughter a shure sm58 and i heard the differences i thought the mic was bad

[@miamicelebrations]

Well, this are general recommendations. There is no proper way actually because environments and styles of performance are very different. I've been singing for quite some time and still learn something new .. Thank you for the video and tips, I got something new today thanks to you. Great advice!

[@rockereb]

Thanks for this video. It is a great resource for good mic use which is a vital element in producing good live sound.

[@tonyscimeca9534]

Thanks great advice about eating the microphone it really helps me sing louder and more confident 😀

[@johnvasquez4093]

I have to disagree with this, you are peaking the microphone when you "eat" it. You loose resonance in your natural voice sound. You should be a few inches back and use a low gain and up the volume on your mixer. What's the point of a good mic if you aren't going to use it fully.

[@dziurkowski]

I agree, even in this video "ssss" sounds and "explosives" dont sound great

[@KarlosLeningrad]

"So IN THE BEGINNING of using a mic, I always teach singers to eat the microphone..." You should listen a little bit more carefully to understand the content properly before you judge someone.

[@judetsang6534]

You will not get distortion when you "eat" your microphone! That happens only to those "cheap" microphones! Even my cheapest Shure Beta 87A won't have that problem. Rode S1 is my favourite handheld. With a Blue Quad XLR cable, this US$329 S1 is even better than my Shure KSM-9 and Neumann KMS 105. Sorry, I don't use wireless microphones because they are not good for studio recording. My favourite studio microphone is an ADK Z-MOD-67 which is modified to sound as good or better than the discontinued Neumann U-67. My ADK C414 XL-II is close to it when I changed from a Telefunken STMC-5 XLR cable to a Studio Projects SPC-203X. Of course, you won't get the same details and elegant crystal sound of the ADK.

[@leiflinder8854]

That's a lot of good information

[@JamesGrace-y6u]

Thanks, great info.

[@liammalcolm]

What a fantastic lady Cari Cole is. An excellent explanation on using a mic correctly. Thanks for your help.

[@reesevanluther]

"Ive worked with Courtney Love" Well shit...

[@jasonbodden8816]

And Courtney Love had some of the worst mic technique - and guitar technique, for that matter - live lol. But that was because she was always drunk and/or high.

[@thedubiousones]

well, what if you want the natural sound of your voice moving thru ait before it gets to the mic. if im touching the mic, theres is no airspace traveled before my voice hits the mic , do you think this has relevance ?

[@spazzcat03]

Thank you very much ! Your right I do have problems with breathing when i'm singing for some reason . thanks for taking the time to watch me . By the way do you know Bette ? We met a long time ago. Just wondering about that ? Take care,

[@johnmackniskas891]

For a live performance she is so correct. There are a lot of inexperienced vocalist and vocalist/studio/engineers wannabes that disagree with this but fact remains if you want good up front vocals before feedback eat that microphone. If you want to subtly seduce it in the studio that is great but when dealing with a large room and acoustics EAT IT!

[@amrul7352]

Thank you for the lesson 🙏👍👍👍👍👍

[@robyndalton3618]

this video is very helpful I enjoy watching your videos and I like to see more of them

[@rosskirk8781]

great video....should i use one all the time, or when im learning?

[@MrDynamicspower]

If you know how to play an instrument and want to make an instrumental . I would suggest a keyboard that records but is going to be a task if you do not what notes sound good together. I would suggest you learn cord progressions on a keyboard or stick to karaoke track or have someone do it for u. The music can be matched to your voice any Good musician can do this by ear.

[@robyndaltonmakeupbyrobyn7200]

thank you for making educating and helpful video

[@RebeccaMooreHealthCoach]

so awesome-- love your style and to follow techniques and illustrations

[@Krishna_Sharanam_Paramita]

Hi, thanks for the nice video. I have a query that should I put cloth cover on the mic while singing? I mean I have seen black spongy cover on the mic, should I remove it while singing because it blocks the vision. Why the spongy cover is given?

[@krishnarajus4505]

Hi can you list some microphone names that are good for eating the microphone?

[@joelperalta3056]

Sounds like she's clipping every time she tries to eat the mic. Not sure if that's an error with the volume controls or if she is doing it wrong.

[@leticiathomas2415]

I am pleased with this series. :)

[@MayraCalderonMariposaLove]

What if you dont know how to play an instrument? What other tools can I use to record my songs and make my own instrumental?

[@priyanshubhatt9891]

can u please tell about singing in condenser microphone!??

[@kiani3578]

which microphone brand i should be buy for my music practice i want to use with computer and also please i need information for video camera which brand will be good, for make my own video thanks.

[@David_Lloyd-Jones]

My eldest daughter spent ten years supervising the Matsushita Kogyo Denki factories in the Philippines, so I can tell you: the bosses, Mr. & Mrs Matsushita are lovely people. smart, decent, and honorable. The workers do good work. And if the product is ever a screw-up, they'll take it back, fix it, trade it up, or whatever the right thing is. All I know about their products is everything of theirs that I've ever owned has been good value for money. So think Panasonic, Matsushita, Technics Ginza, HMV. No, I'm not getting paid for this: this is straight out. -dlj.

[@i_li8t]

i was here to learn how to sing and then i was omg she is so pretty i have two words illegal beauty

[@Esperia-ef9xh]

Good tips 🎼

[@liviapersson2602]

How is the microphone insert?

[@rikvee]

Thank you Cari for a helpful video! I have earned my living with live sound since 1974, tried most things, and what you say here, and how you explain it, is how it is, spot on!

[@RJ-eo7db]

thank you for your tips

[@WillCruz]

Thank you

[@PatsBandofCash]

Your video is tagged to the one I just uploaded today. I need to get used to using a mic. I had a big mic problem in my last video playing at the restaurant Saturday night. Do you think it's possible to suddenly sing the 2nd verse so loud & raspy that I shorted the mic out or broke it? I don't think so. I think what happened to me is the KJ turned the mic down on me. It was so bogus. I'm playing my acoustic bass guitar & singing w/ the mic on a stand, & the guy switched mics while I'm singing.

[@Miltonhn]

Hi there!! What brand type and model mic “stand” are you using on the video please?

[@esetravels]

If I use a wireless mic, how would I have an interface? I don't understand.

[@joemilmaestrado2453]

I love your videos. Great help.:)

[@totonythomas]

Hi recently bought a Crown CM311A, headworn mic, but it takes my breathing noise, and also while I sing it hears as I am blowing wind. Please anybody how do I correct it.

[@PunkyBipin]

Get pop up filter

[@PunkyBipin]

Get pop up filter

[@sfox09]

put it by the corner of your mouth or down by your chin pointing up at your mouth

[@Rickblues46]

Don’t use it, get a real good standard mic 🎤🎤🎤🎤

[@vinjanj2009]

thanks for a great advice

[@sfox09]

it is best to not learn for those that dont know what they are talking about. She was wrong from the start. you NEVER hold the mic that close to your mouth.

[@phel21]

sfox09 For recording or on a silent stage (everyone on IEM) you don't have to keep mics so close, but with any use of traditional stage monitors you have to put the mics close if you want to both be able to hear yourself and avoid feedback.

[@janethussainj-star]

brilliant video

[@gopdeep]

I am trying to hold one note for a long time .. But I struggle in E, F & G ... lol

[@ZigSputnik]

You need to address the issue of popping, especially since you advocate getting really close to the mike. I noticed some breath sounds and small pops when you were talking.

[@JustinMoralesTheComposer]

High Pass Filter

[@ZigSputnik]

Justin Morales No that's on the signal (electronic processing) side. Breath problems have to be prevented by mechanical means - usually with a pop-filter.

[@phel21]

ZigSputnik This is about live performances. A video about the use of a microphone for recording would be a different story. Live you need headroom for monitoring without feedback which makes it better to deal with proximity-effects with compressors, limiters and filters.

[@MrDynamicspower]

take a deep breath try singing the verse without taking a breath and touch your atoms apple make sure its not moving if it is moving up and down you are trying to form the note with your voice doing this keeps u from using your diaphragm if this is the case you u could try holding one single note for as long as you can then when u feel your out of breath push the note a little longer you should feel your diaphragm do this exercise daily u should get immediate results

[@Statist0815]

There are a few tips I missed in this video. - Dont hold a microphone direktly behind the capsule. This changes the polar pattern to omnisphere and can cause feedback. - Microphones are different. Find your mic that highlights your voice. - Like the aproximation effect shows, the sound of a mic is related to angle, pointing and distance. -And if you can't sing, there are other ways to use a condenser mic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3yTY4Wsfr18f8U

[@MayraCalderonMariposaLove]

Thank you for your time :)

[@LaurenLaass]

What video editor do you use?

[@MrDynamicspower]

Gopdeep did it help ?

[@robyndaltonhairmakeupfashi536]

this is my favourite video to watch and very helpful for me

[@bongborin]

May I ask what model is this microphone. Thank you. I know it is made by Line 6

[@1pilotsteve]

It's a v-75 line 6 mic wireless

[@bongborin]

1pilotsteve Thank you very much for your information. Have a great day.

[@itsjoelhi]

Thanks I used my own while you where doing it

[@robertfinck1275]

I use CAD,Sure and Sennheiser Mics now.I make sure to use a pop filter though

[@groovydjs]

Never, unless you are in a wind storm. The mic has one built inside.

[@kingcamdyn7976]

I guess im asking the wrong place but does someone know of a trick to get back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid lost my account password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me.

[@elinehemiah8156]

@King Camdyn instablaster =)

[@alie.k7606]

where are her speakers that project her voice???

[@MaximeV]

Thanks so much!

[@sfox09]

just so you know she was wrong on basically everything.

[@phel21]

sfox09 Yes, for recording or on a silent stage with all artists on in-ears you can get away with greater distance from the mic. With traditional monitors OTOH it is essential that vocalists eat their mics if they want to be able to hear themselves properly without feedback.

[@robertgoss6587]

sfox09 Cari says:I'm a celebrity vocal coach and artist development expert. And I help artist find their voice, craft their music, and create successful music careers. I've worked with Donald Fagen from Steely Dan, Courtney Love from Hole, I've worked with the band Journey. I'm going to teach you how to be a better singer and performer. What are your credentials? I think you need to get a life!

[@brianfuller757]

My friend is a vocal coach and often wears a special tee shirt. It says " Don't cup the mike"

[@iffatrouf8031]

Thanks.these suggestions r helpful for me

[@linastiesiog9804]

What microphone name ?

[@tjy4997]

True expert

[@GalacticGloryofLight]

Does this apply to me since I'm only doing voice overs and commentaries? I am not a singer that is :)

[@larryhinze6533]

I do voice overs...use a pop filter and work an inch or two off it. Listen to it under phones. This video blathers something that could be told in two sentences.

[@GalacticGloryofLight]

Larry Hinze cool thx dude thats practically what I use all the time headphones that is

[@larryhinze6533]

I use mainly condensers...they sound warmer and richer. Get a large diameter microphone. Especially with condenser mics, you HAVE to have a pop filter. You will need a preamp with condenser, dynamic mics don't need power. I use a Roland Tri-Capture. Also, a condenser will pick up more room noise, make a box to talk into with acoustic foam and find a quiet place-the box will cut down on ceiling bouncing sound. Dynamics, this is not so critical. If doing a podcast, a dynamic will work. When I cut commercials, I always use a large diaphram condenser.

[@larryhinze6533]

That was using a lowly Nova M XLR. Not bad mics.

[@prashikjadhav3954]

idk what's wrong with me because when I sing without mic or any device, everyone appreciates me but as I use my mic or phone its world war 3 and 4 together , any advice?

[@hoangtnguyen9536]

+Knight King for singing live you have to EQ it and add a little effects into your mic or else it sound so dry.

[@resats]

Very nice lessons, thanks !!!!

[@Nohakeja]

thanks a lot !

[@schitlipz]

I'm gonna grow a stache to use as feelers :D

[@MayraCalderonMariposaLove]

I wish I could find someone to do it for me. I have always wanted to learn how to play a guitar... :)

[@gopdeep]

Thank you ...

[@robyndaltonlifestyleandfun967]

thank you for your tips of how to use a microphone

[@SteveStockmalMusic]

And remind your students of the 'proximity" effect...the closer you are to the mic, the more bass you'll get. Much like Cayenne pepper, use to flavor your voice, but don't overuse it. : )

[@robyndaltonlifestyleandfun967]

thank you for your helpful tips

[@stunguns7847]

hate not having good monitors. I'm in ATX! live musical capital of the "world"? why can't I get good monitor levels... agh!!! playing a lot of shows where I can't hear myself sing.. very frustrating!!! :) not cool

[@zoltangz]

Get 'in ear' monitors specially fitted for your own ears. They beat the speaker floor or wall mounted ones.

[@johanfilgueiras]

thank you soo much your the best ;)

[@shastabob56]

Excellent advice!

[@Thealvita]

thank you. very helpful:)

[@Munhbayar1]

Thank you!!! ,,...

[@9876Aaron]

thanks this really helped ! :D

[@robyndaltonbeautyfashionli8513]

you are very helpful and I love that about you and I think you are awesome

[@microworker07]

its just awsam...love you couch...

[@bennisbet3416]

I have the microphone touching my mouth when singing because it makes it much louder for me

[@claudiacastrillon4440]

Why is everyone saying this vídeo is wrong??? Pls reply!!

[@judetsang6534]

Claudia Castrillon I think they mix up live performance with studio recording. Live performance microphones, especially the wireless ones, are less sensitive. Your mouth has to get close to it to get maximum "gain" (warmer tone). A recording microphone is very sensitive and it can pick up sound (noises) from another room if the insulation is not good. Usually you sing 8" away from these microphones with a pop filter. A wired handheld microphone is in between. Singers with good projection usually hold these microphone 4" to 5" away from their mouth.

[@claudiacastrillon4440]

Jude Tsang ohhhh I see. Thanks for the response. Gracias!

[@judetsang6534]

Claudia Castrillon Hi CC, I was going to fast. I have organized my thoughts and now giving you a more complete picture. There are three main types of microphones: the Dynamic, the Condenser, and the Wireless. The Dynamic Microphones are used mostly for live performance. The advantage is that they are to certain extend "shock" proof and "water" proof - you can practically bang on it and spray your saliva onto it. The only disadvantage is that they have a lower gain factor that can be explained, in simplest term, as lower volume output. Another advantage is that you won't get the "pop" and "Z" sound from these microphones. So, you should be singing as close to the mess/head of the microphone as possible. The condenser microphone, on the other hand, is very fragile and you "need" to put on a "wind screen" to prevent the "pop" and "Z". The only advantages of these microphones are automatic step up "gain" or higher volume output. The American Idol is one of the biggest show and they won't use cheap stuff! This "Line 6" is the most advanced and expensive "Wireless Microphones" ever produced for "big" shows. The Line 6 have both of the advantages of the Dynamic and condenser microphones. They are even better than the wired microphones that have frequency response in the range at most from 20Hz to 20,000Hz. These Line 6's (there are many models of it) can reach the frequency range from 10Hz to 20,000Hz. The kind of microphone that is not for ordinary people like you and me! Of course, there is one kind of microphones that I have to mention here are the "tube" microphones. They use vacuum tube (or two tubes) to get the warm tonality of the old days. These microphones are mainly for vocal recordings, but nowadays there are designs that are suitable for instrumental recording too. The disadvantage of these microphones are more "noisy" (much higher "self-noise") compared to the transistors microphones. They are a real challenge to the recording engineers. Thank you.

[@yashwineeshibchurn3002]

+Claudia Castrillon interesting points ,if anyone else needs to find out about learn how to sing really well try Alkarno Quick Singer Alchemist (just google it ) ? Ive heard some interesting things about it and my friend got amazing results with it.

[@toddvlogs6725]

+Claudia Castrillon it is howcast