So what kind of mic to use while singing and playing the drums…
I started out doing a lot of background singing using a headset mic. The original band I was in at the time was trying hard to be a rock band. So the show portion of it required a lot of movement on my part. Spins and throws, a lot of head and body movement, etc. The only way I could really sing was to use a headset.
I started out with a really crappy Shure. I can’t remember what the model was, but it had like an open back headphone speaker over one ear. It must have been meant for an operator or something. I was a kid, and I dealt with salesman who saw a sucker.
The next was an AKG C410. It sounded ok, not great. But it sat great on my head, didn’t move around, just stayed put. It was really comfortable to wear. But, it did have it’s drawbacks.
It required phantom power. Today that is no big deal, but back then, the band ended up buying a board that supplied phantom power bc of that mic.
It was corded. We were kids and wireless back then was even more expensive than it is now, or so it seemed. But it definitely wasn’t as reliable .
It required me to use the windscreen all the time. If not, my breath would even come through the mic loud and clear. Bumping or brushing the side of my face would sound like a tear in the fabric of space and time (at least to the sound guy).
Then, I stopped singing from behind the drums for a long time. I was either singing lead with a handheld or out front with a guitar and a stand (don’t worry, I am no guitar player. A hack if there ever was one…). After trying several models, I tested the Beta 58A. I thought it sounded great. For me, it was my mic. I have continued to sing through one ever since. That’s been about 10 years now I think.
So today, being back behind the drums, I have that 58A on a boom, over my head. I can swing back and fourth when needed. I also have a 90° cord on it, to reduce the length of the whole package. I still whack it from time to time though, sound guys love that! (NOT)
But with the main project I am in, Madwagon, I am moving around a lot. And I mean a lot! I jump up from behind the drums any chance I can. Back to the spinning, flips and tricks again. Head-banging, the while nine yards. So, the boom stand/mic approach is definitely holding me back.
So back on the hunt I go for a headset mic that will sit comfortablely, stay in place, and most importantly, sound great…
Wireless will also need to be considered. As will it fittting properly with my in ear monitors (which I didn’t have back in the day). So there is a lot to consider.
Since I am just starting this blog, I am hearing up to do videos. The cameras just came in and I am waiting for clearance to update the studio for proper filming. As soon as I can I will be posting pics and videos of whatever I come up with.
If you have a suggestion, or a comment, I’d love to hear about it. We all can learn from each other right? I have heard some great sounding mics from a Sweetwater demo video, so I’ll be looking at all those models. I’ll be posting some videos soon.
Thanks!!! Take a second and follow me, like a post, forward it, share… All that stuffs!!
Play with passion, sing with heart
