Microphone Technique

MICROPHONE TECHNIQUE


It is the microphone that captures your voice. Therefore
understanding it and knowing how to use it to your advantage can
greatly enhance your voice-over delivery.

Professional voice talent refer to microphone technique as "working
the mic." Following are techniques that must be employed during
every recording session.

a. Placement - The placement of the microphone is directly related to
sound quality. Engineers precisely place the microphone
in a location, relative to your mouth, based upon your voice and the
desired sound for the narration.

The microphone generally faces your nose, neck, mouth, or cheeks.
Occasionally it is above you, sometimes to the side, and sometimes
even placed below your mouth.

Do not assume that the engineer is incompetent if the microphone is
not where you expect it should be. Nor should you try to move to
where the microphone is. Instead, remain centered with the music
stand, and leave the rest up to the engineer.

b. Lateral movements - When positioned directly in front of the
microphone (called "on-axis"), it is crucial that you remain in this
orientation to ensure a consistent tone. Moving to the
either side of the microphone will create drastic tonal changes -
making your voice sound muffled, as without treble (clarity). This
is known as being "off-axis" from the microphone.

One exception is if a producer desires a muffled sound, as if you're
speaking through a door. Then speaking off-axis is perfect.

c. Proximate movements - Moving closer to and farther away from the
microphone will create drastic volume (amplitude) changes. It is
essential that you remain the same distance from the microphone to
ensure a consistent volume.

d. Proximity effect - As you move closer to a directional microphone,
the kind most engineers use, the fuller, richer, and more bassey
(less treble) you voice will be. This is known as "proximity
effect."

When a full-bodied, sexy, or deep tone is required, use proximity
effect to your advantage - stand about 3 to 4 inches from the mic to
achieve this full sound. When a thinner sound is desired, try
standing 6 to 8 inches away.

NOTE that when standing close to the microphone, you are more prone to
"pop." Popping is when a powerful burst of air from your mouth that
overloads and distorts the microphone. This mostly occurs on"plosives" (words that begin with "p," "b," and "t.") For these words,
either move a few inches further away from the microphone, or decrease
the volume of air leaving your mouth.

Thanks to:_
VOICE OVER TODAY - July 8, 2002
published by edge studio