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Sujet: How to talk on the mic?

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How do you talk on the mic at a gig? Does it depend on what type of gig it is, and what's happening at your gig? For example, the only time I'd think of saying anything is when I'm trying to hype people up, and when I'm changing the set. For example "Now it's time to head back to the 90's now people" or "Hope you're all having a good time tonight!!"

What do you say and play:

- At the start of the gig.
- During the gig
- And exiting the gig
 
Posté Tue 03 Apr 12 @ 2:56 pm
dickie100 wrote :
How do you talk on the mic at a gig?


With clear diction. Speak as if you are talking to someone across the room WITHOUT a mic. Speak from the diaphragm. Project your voice.

dickie100 wrote :
Does it depend on what type of gig it is, and what's happening at your gig?


Yes. The only rule that applies to ALL events is simple: Have something important to say. The genre of music I am planning on playing is none of anyone's business but me. People will frequently come up and ask, "What song are you playing next?" I tell them they will just have to wait and see just like everyone else in the room.

I don't play arenas where people pay for a ticket to watch me DJ. EVERY gig I do I am entertainment for people who are already gathered for something else, e.g. a wedding, a bar, a private party, etc. The people at these events are not there to listen to me talk. My job is to entertain. I do that by playing music that puts people in a good mood.

In some cases, I am MC'ing a contest or promotion. This is a completely different circumstance that involves a lot of mic work...obviously...lol.

Most of the time I use the mic to announce drink specials and upcoming events at bars and to announce the dollar dance, cake cutting, first dances, wedding party intros, etc, etc at private events. At all my events I also will give a shout out for birthdays, and other requests.
 
djnutz wrote :

With clear diction. Speak as if you are talking to someone across the room WITHOUT a mic. Speak from the diaphragm. Project your voice.


I agree on the clear diction part, but I don't see the need to project from the diaphragm. You can speak at a normal talking level. The mic is there to make it louder, you don't need to use a resonant voice.

You may be able to just use your normal conversation voice - if you have the right type of 'voice style'.

If not, think about how a newsreader speaks. Or listen to the way public speakers (the queen, the PM etc.) do it.

It's OK to leave gaps and speak slowly. Remember it's over a PA system and there is background noise. If you speak too quickly, the words blur into each other and then become indistinct.

Also, think about intonation. Don't speak in a monotone. Remember how a voice over for an advert sounds, or a movie trailer - "On Blu Ray & DVD Monday!". Inject a bit of enthusiasm in there, like you're excited about what you're saying.
 
 
groovindj wrote :

Also, think about intonation. Don't speak in a monotone. Remember how a voice over for an advert sounds, or a movie trailer - "On Blu Ray & DVD Monday!". Inject a bit of enthusiasm in there, like you're excited about what you're saying.


This is why it is good to speak from the diaphragm. It doesn't mean more volume, it means more control over your voice without straining your vocal chords.
 
Get a great mic, a Shure SM58 works well but I use a Shure Beta58. Speak into the mic, lower the music, so you don't have to strain. If you are at a lowlife party, use the same street language they understand (even though I can't do that). I speak clearly and with correct diction, because that is the way I speak. I do not know all the latest slang terms, so would sound silly trying to speak like a 20 year old. Have something to say, and never ever speak over vocals. Wait for an instrumental part and loop it if you have to. Then shut up.
 
if you have a mixer that the music dims like the djm 400, you don't need to drop the music. it does it it self when you speak.
 
For the gigs I do, I do very little mic work. Typically at a bar gig it is to announce drinks specials and birthday shouts outs!! For my club gigs, since people are there to dance and listen to music, its birthday shout outs and announcing last call.

However, I try to do as little mic work as possible. I personally hate DJs that talk and talk and talk. There is no need for that unless you are on the radio or MCing a contest. DJ = Disc Jockey. DJ does not mean announcer. An exception would probably be wedding DJs.
 
First, I compose, in my head, a concise, well planned message.

Second, I take a couple of deep breaths.

Third, I remind myself to take my time.

Fourth, I raise the mic to about 2 inches from my mouth

Fifth, I concentrate on not huffing my "H"s or, popping my "P"s

Sixth, I make the announcement.

Seventh, I smile at the audience, and thank them for their attention.

Eighth, I make sure the mic is off.

Ninth, I set the mic down.

Tenth, I walk away...
 
wow , coupla good bits for ya

TearEmUp's list was good , esp 1, 3, 5 ......

#7 works really well for me because of my "leading man" type good looks .........

AMaHM and his mics .... whatever .... he's fabulously well to do ..... Shure mics from the store ....

yeah right ......he puts up a Neumann one off from 1967 and Trump Taj Mahal casino comps him for

the next 3 years and extends his credit line ....as long as he brings the Brazilians.......


moral of the story .... a concise message , a little poise , a good mic , keep it real, and in my case, rugged good looks ....

will carry the day ....


my "old friends" used to like for me to make sure the mic was off, (#8) especially during announcements ........but

i've got a new set of friends now , and we insist on having the mic on usually ......

 
Yeah, but, AMaHM's Neumanns have spinners on them....
 
and they're powered by 600 9 volts ......
 
One thing to be aware of with mics is "proximity effect" - which means that the bass in your voice will be emphasised when the mic is close to your mouth.

Now that may be a good thing if your voice isn't bassy, but for most guys it requires the bass EQ on the mixer to be turned down in order for their voice to be intelligible.

I'm sure we've all heard the old cliche mumbling DJ, bingo caller, train announcement etc. at one time in our lives.

The problem is: a lot of these new fangled all-in-one USB controllers don't have any EQ on the mic. They add a mic input on as an afterthought, and just give it a volume control.

So then you have to bear in mind which mic you're going to use in order to avoid having too much bass when you speak....
 


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