Karaoke Forums

i run a small karaoke gig and need a good mic for those that are "afraid of the mic"
in other words, a good sounding mic that picks up the voice of those that don't hold the mic close to their mouth or for "duets" or group singing

Well, if it was a church, I'd suggest a choral mic...But no wife of mine ever believed a karaoke bar was anything like church, and you will agree it ain't like no church either, at least sound-wise....

There really is only one mic option for karaoke bar singers....And that's yer typical dymanic cardioid mic.

Go here to learn just how that particular mic works:

http://www.prosoundweb.com/install/spot ... mics.shtml

Your only hope is to convince the singer to sing into the mic....To do anything less cheats the singer of necessary skills, and makes your life miserable.

As far as duets go, I like to have extra dymanic cardioid mics plugged in and ready for them....Just make sure to mute any unused mic or you will lose up to +6dB headroom per unused mic.

Your question has been dealt with eventually by every KJ on the planet....some here will suggest you go to some degree or another of pain to help the timid singers, but I've learned to let the audience and their friends coax them, and just keep my sliders where they should be.

I've been know to tell a few, "Look, this ain't no fashion show, you are up here to sing and be heard. If you get up here again and fail to sing into the mic, I'll end the song and call the next singer."

don't let them control you... you control the singers.

Walk in front of them and grab the mic and put it to the best spot. Give lessons during your show.

Do NOT, do NOT, please do NOT so adjust your mics to where you are getting feedback!!! Turning it up for a light sounding singer is one thing, but when people aren't using the mics correctly, there's no excuse for that. Granted, nobody really KNOWS how to use the mics from the start. People have to be taught how to drive a car... how to talk, and yes, even how to sing with a mic!

This one is a good site to read.

http://www.mipro.com.tw/teach_info/e/how_to_hold.asp

and of course Shure site too

http://www.shurenotes.com/issue5/article.asp?flash=true

_________________
I can neither confirm nor deny ever having or knowing anything about nothing.... mrscott

I saw a KJ once who tween songs held a quick mic'in class.....He got everyone's attention and quickly demonstrated how the mic would hide his voice by moving it to/from and side to side while he talked....Then he restarted the show....did it help?...I dunno, I was only there that one show....He would be the one to answer that.

you might consider adding a page to the back of each songbook that contains your rules and a few tips for singers where you address proper mic tech.

I have done that same kind of demo at nearly every one of my gigs... until I had a base of regulars... and then, it was quite easy to teach newbies as they got there and I could tell they were karaoke virgins!

I have a found litttle comedy works really well getting my point acrss.  Often it is a female who's voice is very weak and she doesn't hold the mic close enough.  After she's through I give my speach:

"Folks, I have to share something with you.  First these misc work best if if hold them about a half inch from your mouth.  The strange thing that I have noticed over the years is that; and i know it's kind of a messed up sexual thing.  You see, women tend to hold the mic (and I demonstrate) way out here.  Like they are afraid to get it any where near their mouth.  Almost like they are afraid the thing is going to go off.  (laughter is usually going on strong at this point.)  But yet, you get a guy up here and he almost eats the damn thing! He can't seem to get it close enough!"  

Sometimes I'll whisper to the girl singing, "Get it really close; pretend it's your boyfirend."  They'll laugh and then move it closer.

Kelly

I find a good slap upside the head works very well.    

Since you're a girl, you could use a nice sized whacking stick.  :O  :shock:

Yes I keep a horse whip for just these occaisions  LMAO

_________________
"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."