How do I find my own voice?
This is a question many beginners ask when they want to develop their voice, expand their expression, and improve their singing.
Just as every person is unique, so is their voice.
In our format “Vocal Magic with Melanie”, the well-known singer Melanie Heizmann shows practical ways to discover your individual sound, refine your technique, and gain more expression.
Maybe your musical journey starts right here—supported by tips that even pros appreciate.
Come along and find your personal timbre!
Intelligibility, presence, and feedback resistance are top priorities in live and PA applications. This guide helps you choose the right microphone type for vocals, speech, instruments, or installation—with practical examples and clear decision rules.
Before diving into the many types for PA and live applications, it’s worth looking at the fundamentals that apply to almost all models. These insights help you choose the perfect microphone for stage, studio, or presentations.
Popular manufacturers include:
Diaphragm size has a major impact on self-noise and overall character. Generally, you’ll find:
Tip: Large-diaphragm for vocals and studio, small-diaphragm for acoustic instruments.
Large-diaphragm in action: Shure SM27-LC
Both designs have strengths—your application decides which one fits best.
Tip: For the toughest live jobs, durability matters (dynamic). If sound quality comes first, a condenser model is the best choice.
Dynamic classic: Shure SM57
The polar pattern determines which direction a microphone “prefers” to pick up sound from—crucial for feedback resistance and tone.
The most common types:
Practical examples:
In modern setups this is usually not critical, because microphones & preamps are well matched. Still, the basics are:
Rule of thumb: input impedance ≈ 5× output impedance to avoid level loss and distortion.
Wireless means freedom of movement, cable means simplicity. Both have clear advantages.
Wired microphones:
Wireless microphones:
For small to mid-sized stages, wired mics are often enough. For large shows, wireless systems are essential.
XLR connection on a wired Sennheiser microphone
Microphones don’t like wind noise, sibilance and plosives (P/T sounds). The remedy: pop filters and windscreens.
Many models have an integrated pop filter in the grille. Alternatively, you can use slip-on foam windscreens or external filters mounted on a stand.
Simple and effective: pop/wind protection from MUSIC STORE
The voice is the most important “instrument” in almost every genre. When choosing a vocal microphone you shouldn’t compromise. A great vocal mic delivers clarity, presence, and cut—live and in the studio.
Two factors matter most:
A mic that sounds amazing but is fragile won’t last on stage. A rock-solid mic that sounds dull won’t impress either. The perfect combination of sound and durability is what makes the difference.
Instrument microphones capture sound the way musicians intend it— neutral, detailed, and with a full frequency spectrum. Depending on the instrument group, different choices are recommended.
With electric guitars, the amp or cabinet is usually mic’d up. Dynamic microphones are proven workhorses—rugged, easy to position, with punchy sound.
Trusted classics on guitar amps:
Also popular: ribbon microphones (e.g. Royer R-121) with smooth highs, as well as large-diaphragm condensers (e.g. Neumann U87) with wide frequency response and powerful bass.
Tip: Placement makes a huge difference—distance, angle, and position on the speaker shape the tone.
Ribbon example: SE Electronics X1 R
For acoustic guitars, condenser microphones usually shine with their wide frequency response & high sensitivity.
Diaphragm size vs. tone:
The polar pattern shouldn’t be too narrow—the whole guitar resonates. Cardioid is a safe pick, while omni also captures room resonance.
Loved for its full sound: AKG C414 XLS
Drum kits can be mic’d in many ways—from minimal setups to full close-miking. Ideally, each drum/cymbal element gets its own microphone.
What matters is that the mic captures the typical frequency spectrum of the instrument as accurately as possible.
For bass drum: sE Electronics V KICK
For brass and woodwinds, there are direct options (clip-on mic on the instrument) and indirect options (stand-mounted microphone).
Direct: clip mic on the bell (e.g. trumpet, sax), compact & unobtrusive.
Indirect: one or two mics in front of the section—for a wide, natural sound.
What matters for horns:
Gooseneck clip on trumpet: DPA d:vote CORE 4099 T Brass
Hands-free for a show, sports, or a presentation? Then a headset is ideal. The mic sits right in front of your mouth—different mounting styles ensure a secure fit.
Common patterns: omni (more room sound, quiet environments) and cardioid (focused speech, less spill).
Dual-ear headset: AKG C520L
The big advantage: the position stays consistent—even when you move your head. Most headsets run wirelessly via a bodypack, keeping you flexible on stage.
Lavalier microphones (lapel mics) are extremely compact and clip onto clothing—perfect for presentations, interviews, and content creation. Very discreet, yet with clear speech capture.
Especially discreet: RØDE Lavalier GO
Looking for a compact speech microphone? Both options have clear advantages:
Headsets are more visible, but they guarantee a consistent distance to the mouth, resulting in stable levels—ideal when moving on stage or for fitness/moderation. Lavalier wins on discretion and is a stylish, unobtrusive solution for talks, video interviews, or sermons.
Rule of thumb: the more movement, the more you should choose a headset. For static, discreet applications, lavalier is a great choice.
Not stage stars, but essential: installation microphones mounted on a lectern deliver clear, reliable speech for conferences, churches, and town halls.
Gooseneck microphones are especially common—slim, discreet, and flexibly adjustable for maximum intelligibility. The polar pattern hypercardioid is often used to reduce ambient noise. That means: speak directly into the mic for best results.
A low-cut (rumble filter) reduces low-frequency noise and improves speech clarity. Practical: gooseneck mics are also available with a desktop base—no drilling required and more flexible for changing setups.
Gooseneck with desktop base: AKG CGN 99 CS
Conclusion: Whether it’s a vocal mic, instrument mic, headset, or lavalier—at MUSIC STORE you’ll find the right solution for stage, studio, and presentations.
Quick answers for fast decisions in vocals, speech, stage, and live sound.