We’ve all been there before. You arrive on location in a school gymnasium to perform and you use the school sound system and the school microphone (a wired handheld) – and you can’t perform your show right. The microphone is terrible and you can’t figure how to talk and perform your magic. This is where having your own sound system (and in particular – your own microphone) comes in handy. “What are the different types of microphones and what are the features of each?” you may ask. Well, let’s lay it all out!
Wired handheld mic – Just a regular old mic. You don’t have to worry about wireless interference, the mic sounds good, and you can leave it on a stand when you don’t need it. However, try performing a card trick with it. It’s not hands free. Try going all over the stage with it – you need a lot of wire.
Wireless handheld – just like the mic we just described, but with no wires. Again, how are you going to do that false shuffle and talk at the same time?
Wireless lavalier – A clip on mic. This is the device you see newscasters wearing. It simply clips on your collar or lapel and works – completely hands free. Try using one when your outside and need some serious sound power – you don’t have much power behind it without getting feedback.
Headset microphone – the type you see (or can you?) me wearing in the picture. A headset is wireless and totally hands free. The advantage over lavaliers – it has probably twice the amplifying power since the microphone is only inches away from your mouth. Like the one I am wearing in the picture, these microphones can be very tiny and flesh tone – making them almost invisible.
Some things to think about when it comes to having your voice heard!
Sammy
