How much do you know about sound systems?

You do a lot of events at the chamber and you probably know what to do with a microphone, but maybe you don't know as much as you could. And just because you know what to do with a microphone doesn't mean your members do and if you're going to put your members on stage, it's good know some tips that can help them to be heard on your sound system. 

Here are three steps to help you sound better on any microphone, along with a little bonus tip. 

1. Never cup the microphone. Rappers think it's cool to cup a mic, but you'll lose vocal range. If you don't know what that means, that's ok. I hosted and produced a Live Band Karaoke Show for 15 years and that qualifies me to say, "don't cup the fucking mic!"

2. Hold the mic just below the grill with a firm but not too tight grip. A tight grip can cause a shaky voice, but too loose of a grip can cause what's called "handling noise." 

3. Point the mic at your mouth from your chin at a 45 degree angle -not zero degrees or 90 degrees... 45. this will allow you sound great and people can see your beautiful smile as you speak. 

And here's a bonus tip. If you use a microphone weekly, carry a spare nine volt battery in a plastic bag in your car or purse... Wireless mics chew through batteries and if you're following the steps to sound great but you don't, it's most likely due to the battery. And if you're attending an event where the mic battery goes out, you'll be the HERO when you hand them a fresh nine volt. 

Sound systems can quirky, with technical terms like condenser, directional, phantom, channel, feedback, gain, volume, balance and much more. These tips can help you be heard on a microphone.