January 19, 2022

About the Author: Stefan Joubert

Passionate manager of LSI. Discover your voice, regardless of age or talent. Contact now at enrol@londonsinginginstitute.co.uk to start your singing lessons in London or online!

One of the best things about adult singing lessons is that your voice is already your instrument. You don’t need to purchase any expensive gear to start making music! However, you may be at a point in your singing career where you are ready to record yourself. This could be for your original songs, collaborations or simply to track demos and have high-quality recordings of your singing. We have the best advice for beginners on how to choose a microphone for singing!

Consider Usability

If you’re new to using recording gear, it can be quite overwhelming. You can’t just use the microphone on its own, you’ll need to purchase a lead, a mic stand and, potentially, other recording equipment.

As you’re shopping for your new mic, consider the connectivity. Microphones with XLR connections will require an audio interface for the sound to be recorded to your computer. For a simpler, more cost-effective setup, opt for a USB microphone that you can plug directly into your laptop.

stylish woman singing

Try The Microphone On Your Voice

Our voices are unique and there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution for how to choose a microphone for singing. Ideally, you should try a bunch of different microphones to see which brings out the best qualities in your voice.

Alternatively, if your vocal holds similarities to some famous singers, find out which microphones they use on their records, as this may help to narrow down your choices.

Dynamic or Condenser?

Two of the most common types of microphones include dynamic and condenser. Dynamic mics tend to be more directional, robust and are often used in live applications. Condenser mics, on the other hand, are much more sensitive, able to pick up delicate intricacies in our voice and are great for studio application. Of course, you can use both for recording at home, so consider your budget and whether you need a mic that performs well both onstage and in the studio.

woman singing with microphone

Directionality

Directionality will be determined by the microphone’s polar pattern. This refers to the microphone’s sensitivity to sounds coming from different angles. When you shop around for your new microphone, pay attention to this feature! Cardioid microphones will be the most directional and are, therefore, optimal for sound recording if your room isn’t acoustically treated to avoid picking up any unwanted sounds or echo.

Additional Accessories

As mentioned earlier in our guide on how to choose a microphone for singing, you’ll need a few accessories to go with your microphone. First off, a sturdy and durable stand to place your mic at an optimum height. Second, you’ll need a pop shield to eliminate plosive sounds, which are caused by some consonants and produce bursts of air that can ruin the recording. You will also need a shock mount or a microphone clip to safely attach your mic to the stand.

woman singing on stage

Consider Your Recording Environment

Of course, no matter how amazing your microphone is, your room will have a huge effect on the final recording. Ideally, recording in an acoustically treated studio environment is your best bet, but this isn’t always possible. One of the easiest solutions is to choose a room corner and cover it on both sides with blankets or carpets. This will reduce the reflections behind you, which is the direction the microphone will pick up sounds. As we mentioned before, a cardioid microphone will be more directional, therefore, it works better for reflective rooms.

Learn To Sing With Our Adult Singing Lessons!

London Singing Institute specialises in adult singing lessons for people of all levels and musical backgrounds. We have group classes available for those who are looking for a bit of support and camaraderie, as well as intensive singing courses and one to one lessons. You will learn the world-class techniques used by professional vocalists, as well as proper maintenance and vocal health, so you can experience the joy of singing for years to come. Our coaches are well-versed in all popular styles and we offer courses in musical theatre, pop, rock, blues, jazz and classical. Every voice is unique and needs a personalised approach, so come study with us and we will take the time to personalise our offer to help you thrive!

Tags: Singing Tips, Singing advice

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Tags: Singing Tips, Singing advice