Microphone Technique

Having a versatile voice can open up many opportunities for you, but you must also be able to understand how to work with a microphone as well. Microphone technique, like camera technique, simply involves knowing how to use the equipment to your best advantage.

Here are some basic rules to follow when using a microphone:

Eliminate all unnecessary sounds

Don't touch the microphone while speaking because even the slightest touch can come across as a loud thump through the microphone.

Remove any jewelry that may rattle or clank together.

Make sure that your clothes don't rustle or rub loudly together when you move.

If you're sitting down, don't swivel in your chair while you speak because the chair may make a creaking sound.

If standing, be sure that you don't wear squeaky shoes or shoes with hard heels that make a clicking sound every time you adjust your footing.

Don't move the microphone

In a sound studio, a recording engineer will help you adjust the microphone to where it's comforable for you. Once adjusted, leave it in place because even a subtle movement can alter the recorded sound of your voice.

Don't tap the microphone or blow into the microphone to test it.

The noise that it makes is just plain annoying to the recording engineer. The best way to test a microphone is to speak into it in the exact same way that you'll be reading your script.

Most microphones have a wind screen (a piece of foam that protects the microphone) that's designed to help prevent the popping noise from an actor's voice, such as the popping that may occur from saying any word that begins with the letter p, like plastic or popcorn. Note: Even if a microphone has a wind screen, you need to be aware of every word you speak because the wind screen may not stop all popping sounds, which can ruin an otherwise excellent recording.

Many voice actors stand while talking and even use their bodies to act out their performances to help them better express their emotions. Some voice actors even dres the part to help them mentally feel like the character that they're portraying. Although the recording of your voice is all that's necessary, you should still dress professionally in whatever makes you comfortable and enables you to deliver a superb voice performance.