So You Wanna Be A Singer. Microphone Techniques and Tips

[rvolochkov]

Lol thanks for the info. You are a pleaure to watch. I am a Rock alternative singer and I really enjoyed the info. Good luck bro!

[robertantonnyc]

@rvolochkov and good luck to you. I'm glad to be of some help.

[sethn27]

Good tips. Dead on about cupping the ball. Directional mics reject feedback because of the openness of the back (physics involved).

Holding the mic too close accentuates plosives (popping p and b) and introduces "proximity effect," an emphasis of lower frequencies. It can be a useful technique, but usually hurts the clarity of your vocals in the mix.

Changing distance a little is okay, but treat the mic like it's a flashlight. You want to focus on your mouth. 2x distance = 1/4 sound.

[loltjhful]

great help .. thanks!

[Tay0537]

thank u sir!!!  very very helpful

[robertantonnyc]

@Tay0537 My pleasure

[wristonib]

stellar work good sir! bless ya!

[robertantonnyc]

@wristonib Thank You much!

[Luwhorrormovies]

why does every video start with... WHY U WANNA DOOO DAT??!!??? *HAHAHAHA* ?

[robertantonnyc]

@Luwhorrormovies why not?

[JCostilCapo1]

Good video man, i did a show last night and the first couple tracks i held the mic to far from my mouth! #salty lol. Ur video was helpful homie!

[robertantonnyc]

@JCostilCapo1 you aint see ppl motioning for you to bring the mic closer? lol. Shame to do a show and nobody even hear you.

[JCostilCapo1]

@robertantonnyc

it only happen for the first 3 minutes, I was up there for 10. So for the first 3 minutes the back half of the place couldnt hear me. Then someone up front told me to bring the mic closer so The last 7 minutes went pretty good.

[robertantonnyc]

@JCostilCapo1 Lost a 3rd of your time, eh? The mic at this Open mic I just did was pretty bad; I basically ate it the first song then got them to change it the 2nd song.

[MsLizziBeth]

thanks for the videos. They serve as a great tool for show preps

[robertantonnyc]

@MsLizziBeth You're welcome. I'm glad they've been of some help

[MountainMich]

Thanks so much Robert! My 10 yr old is going in a talent show tonight and has no idea how to sing with a microphone so you were very informative!!!! xo

[robertantonnyc]

@MountainMich You're welcome and Thanks for letting me know. That's why it's here. Good Luck!

[K7vibe]

thank you so much for this video..GOd Bless

[crystaldaglaceon]

You're a really good singer! Great voice!!

[robertantonnyc]

@crystaldaglaceon Thank You!

[madvand]

i just got my mic for christmas and i've been tryna figure out how to get the best sound out of it.. you helped thanks heaps :)

[robertantonnyc]

@madvand you're welcome. you gonna post some youtube singing vidz with it?

[madvand]

@robertantonnyc i put one up.. but i didn't really sing into the mic.. i'll put up more soon :)

[robertantonnyc]

@madvand Yes, I saw it ; -- )

[rais3tong]

thank you for your video i have a problem may be u can help me :)

the way of holding a mic i saw u use your thump to see the measurent from the mic to the mouth but if i want to carry other position but i'm not sure how far it is and

i'm also feel wierd to when i sing without i sing good with it but when i start using the mic i feel wierd it doesn't sound the same liek when without using mic

can u help me ? :D

[robertantonnyc]

@rais3tong I'm not sure what you mean by other positions. I'm sure you see ppl do all kinds of things with a mic, but that's just for style and look. It should be approximately that far from your mouth to be most effective.

It may feel a little weird with a mic but that's just how it is; you get used to it. Hopefully you have a monitor to hear yourself also.

[rais3tong]

@robertantonnyc  thank you very much the other position it just mean that like other singer have their action thats what i mean :D

thank you very much : )

[medkase]

thx fir the tips bro!!!!! very useful

[robertantonnyc]

@medkase you're welcome. There's many more in the series. Check em out.

[jay2kaith]

Expression change from 2:15 to 2:16 was awesomee!!!

[grandmagrumpy]

i HATE IT when people hide their mouths behind the mic! To me it means you need the electronic volume, and your voice is below par without it.

[PinkyWhite01]

Great video. I did have a question, I recently joined a band, and the rehearsal space is a bit cramped. When I was using the microphone, no one could hear me, even though the volume was way up, and I was using 'all force' to increase my vocal volume. It seemed like I had to practically french kiss the mic, to be heard (or wrap my hand around the head). Does this mean I need a new mic? Do you have any suggestions on what to do? I don't wanta blow out my voice or french kiss the mic.

[robertantonnyc]

@PinkyWhite01 Do you guys have monitors? The mix in the monitor can have more vocal and less instrumental (or even No instruments).

[1rs1TIBET1boi1]

haha your so joyful to watch! :D

[robertantonnyc]

@RoNoOsHkA So you have a monitor while you're singing with the microphone. Some ppl find it hard to hear through speakers that are facing away from them.

Actually, the way you hit notes is the same with a mic as it is without them. You may not have to project as much but your support should be the same. Why does it feel different?

[imtiazf10]

THE SAFE AND BEST DISTANCE IS THAT YOU SHOULD BE A FIST AWAY FROM THE MIKE. IMTIAZ FARUQUI.

[robertantonnyc]

@imtiazf10 a pinky. fist never quite works out.

[TheC00LD00DS]

aww i thought it said sniper lol

[robertantonnyc]

@TheC00LD00DS lol, rofl

[ShaunieHere]

But there is ppl what hold the mic at the top to beatbox coz it sounds better haha

[robertantonnyc]

@ShaunieHere They 'think' it sounds better but it creates more problems than it alleviates.

[skiddlecrumms]

cool, i alwayse had a problem with Ps Ts Ds and Ss.

[robertantonnyc]

@skiddlecrumms what does it mean?

[skiddlecrumms]

@robertantonnyc The pronunciation makes the mic pop. I have tried many different ways to fix this and none work.

[robertantonnyc]

@skiddlecrumms It's kinda hard live, but I suggest you get your own mike filter to help with that and practice soft consonants...constantly. Oh! I mean the kinda filter that you put on the mike like a glove; there are also pop filters for recording.

[skiddlecrumms]

@robertantonnyc The filter helps but I Still get a popping. Maybe I could turn away from the mic a little for those words?

[robertantonnyc]

@skiddlecrumms keeping working on softening your delivery; that's where the real power lies. You should be able to sing str8 into the mic (with pop filter). It'll take you a while to perfect your delivery; but it'll help you in live performance and in recording situations.

[luckydhel29]

helpful ma friend....

[cyprus385]

Do the same rules pretty much apply for when the mic is on a stand??

[robertantonnyc]

@cyprus385 not really rules (more like recommendations) but yes. it's prety much the same with distance and u dont have to worry so much about how/where to hold it.

[Isingthe80s]

whats a good stage vocal microphone? Thanks for the tips!

[robertantonnyc]

@Isingthe80s There's lot of em and the best one for you probably just depends on your voice. I bought a 50 mike about 14 years ago and it's still workn for me; though I now have a wireless one also.

[Isingthe80s]

@robertantonnyc what is a 50 mic? is that a shure? is there one brand thats better than another?

[robertantonnyc]

@Isingthe80s I meant a 50 dollar mike. I'm not sure if there's one brand that better for every single person. Go to a Sam Ash and try a few out (or any place that sells them).

[KennyForresto]

is this fake

[robertantonnyc]

what do ya mean? How could it be fake?

[Zilkat]

just move away from the mic so you can breathe!

[robertantonnyc]

lol. now and again. rofl

[theaircadet]

Thanks, Ive always had a problem with knowing how far to hold the mic away. Unless I have my in-ear, then i'm pretty much in the dark lol.. this helps alot

-The Duke of Motown

[GRAWRFACETOWN]

will these techniques work well for scream vocals?

[robertantonnyc]

I'd think you wanna hold it a little further away for that. lol

[GRAWRFACETOWN]

thanks

haha

[anonymous1111]

Nice video

I duno about that shirt tho...lol

[robertantonnyc]

what, too sexy?

[Soulfab]

lol

[stansgarage]

Cool Post !!!!!!

[sabirrafi]

thanks alot sir it's so great of you

[ElizaJay2000]

Thanks for that...

[1210donna]

thanks so much Anton.

[robertantonnyc]

de nada. donna.

[johkonut]

awesome dude

[lavasca22]

Your videos are really GREAT! Thanks!!

[THEJLG]

ADAM m u s t win American Idol - L O V E him!

Shame I can't vote over here in th UK =(

Anyway, thanks for this video =D

Your videos are always so helpful

[robertantonnyc]

Yes, it would be a tragedy if Adam didn't win unless Allison walks away with it. lol.

You're very welcome. Thanks for stopn by and taking the time to comment and rate.

[THEJLG]

No problem =)

[emojman]

Hey Rob

i vote for you every day :D

look at the way it is:::

Robert Anton - "Bigger Than Me" (92.0%, 343 Votes)

Acafool - "Ride" (4.0%, 15 Votes)

The Fresh Band - "Tour of The World" (2.0%, 7 Votes)

Davari Abstrakt - "Roll With Me" (2.0%, 6 Votes)

[robertantonnyc]

Yup, I'm go check it out and vote again myself in a few minutes. Thanks so much for all the support. I appreciate it.

[guitdude13]

Helpful video, thanks! Brandon Boyd (the singer of Incubus) seems to do a lot of mic technique in the videos that i've seen. For some songs he seems to pull away the mic every vowel and put it back close for the consonants to get a certain style.

[candylady1625]

ur welcomed, great mic info. on ur video. I sure hope and pray that you will be on that plane too Rob, you gotta go out there and represent. I know you'll do just fine. I'll be sure and send some prayers up on ur behalf so that all will go well with you....... Love and peace, E.

[ModasuGawina]

Voted again. =)

[robertantonnyc]

Thank You !!

[stevewonderbra]

This is too much info... I can`t keep that in my brain x) lol

[robertantonnyc]

Don't worry, lol. It'll be here until youtube closes my account, so come back and watch any time. rofl. ; - P

[MxxZero]

WOO! Distortion! I mean, thanks for the thumbs-distance trick. REALLY helpful. Be easy man!

[robertantonnyc]

Yea, distortion isn't always bad. I'm sure some ppl will actually find a way to use it in a positive way to fit their purposes. lol. It's all good.

You're very welcome. Just doing my thing and sharing it with those I love.

Be Blessed.

[edenbainbridge]

went to vote again, your at 93% :)

xoexo

[robertantonnyc]

Yay! I'm doing pretty good. Barring any catastrophe, I'll win this round. Thanks so much for voting.

[Thenewwholiday]

Yes...You are so right Anton...The Mic does need to BREATH....:)...And I have to start pulling out gig stuff (Mic, Lyric stand, Cord & Mic Stand) as well...Im gigging this sat in NYC....I hope to work with you this year:)...Miss Ya...Jewels

[robertantonnyc]

Hey Love, I sure hope we get to cross paths this season. I'm out in Woodsbury tomorrow night. Hank may be at the party, so you know they acting crazy. lol

I'm like, "Cool. I'll be there". rofl.

[Vanessaannehudgenn]

thanks for the tip :)

[robertantonnyc]

You are most welcome. Make sure to pass it on.

[BabyMia08]

Thank you, ur smile is so charming! :D

[robertantonnyc]

De nada. and Thank U

[tayfan2]

Great. I love instructional videos. Robert covers everything imaginable for a singer to know. 4:06 had me laughing and 5:06 - "an arm muscle like a mike stand'. Classic Robert. So working out has many uses. : )

[robertantonnyc]

I guess it does. I'll have to thank Marcus Patrick when I meet him in L.A.

[hlmohamed]

look at those muscles! lol

[robertantonnyc]

Oh stop.... *blushes. I been working out.

[hlmohamed]

lol......alot of auctioneers hold the mic on the top part of it. I hate it! and then they use the auctioneer chatter that is hard to understand! lol My dad and my grandfather auctioneered and they were the only good ones that you could understand clearly. lol

[robertantonnyc]

Yea, it's a shame how some ppl misuse their microphones.

[candylady1625]

Great video and info robert, keep it coming. Oh did you fly out to London yet? I know they are gonna love you over there..... take care and best of luck, E.

[robertantonnyc]

The competition finale is in early November. Thank You. I sure hope I'll be on that plane.

[Tekka]

Are you using some kind of wireless transmitter on the bottom of a normal wired microphone? If so I'd be REALLLLLLY curious to know what you're using. I've wanted to look into a wireless transmitter for my wired Shure Beta87. lol

[robertantonnyc]

Yea, I went to Sam Ash looking for a wireless and the guy said this one could make any mike wireless. It wasn't even 200 bucks and I can use it with all of my performance mikes.

[Tekka]

I kinda wanted to know what brand, but knowing the price range is nice. ^o^

[OCEmenike]

Your laugh is legendary! Very distinctive LOL

[robertantonnyc]

Legendary? lol. like Paris is burning?

[lamfrazier]

this made my day

[robertantonnyc]

lol, why?

[lamfrazier]

it's interesting to watch you show off your mic handling skillz

[robertantonnyc]

for true? lol. You already saw em at Prohibition.

[Luvkush23]

Good info, u always sound good, have a good one!!!!!

[robertantonnyc]

Stayn Alive over here. Thanks for stopn by. Be Blessed.

[NetherlandsGirl2008]

thanks that was good information! :]

[robertantonnyc]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. Put it to good use and pass it on. much love

[trevorhoen]

Great video! 5*! =) Been voting for ya.

[robertantonnyc]

Thanks Trev.

[robertantonnyc]

Gotta a call just as I was typing you. lol. I been tryna find out more about how many rounds are left in that darn competition, but it's confusing. Guess I'll just go with the flow as they tell us more.

I know I'm keeping the date open to fly to London to sing in the final. Yay!!!

[LKINGP]

yay

[robertantonnyc]

yum...

[FabTheGap]

Funny, yet informing video my dear Robert !!!

Why you wanna do that kinda kicked me off the couch once more :D

Fab

[robertantonnyc]

Hey Fab, thanks for stopn by bro. Glad you enjoyed it. How's the songwriting videos going?

Did you keep those covers private? So many questions, so few characters.

[Thie210]

Wow Robert, that was really generous and wonderful info.

[robertantonnyc]

Thanks bro. You thought it was generous? why? lol