Microphones can be a wonderful tool for your wedding and for so many parts of it as well, but it can also cause a range of issues at your wedding for a variety of reasons, so here are some things to watch out for AND some tips to get the best out of your mics. But before I do PRO TIP: if you hire an audio specialist or a DJ like myself, you don't have to worry about ANY of this because we will choose the best solution for you based on the conditions on the day.
Wired vs Wireless
Firstly, there's pros and cons with both. Wired microphones have a near guaranteed chance of working every single time (provided the receiving equipment is all working well). BUT you are limited to the length of the cable as to how far you can wander away (which photographers and videographers love, because they don't like chasing the microphone to get the best angle and lighting). Unfortunately this means the cable can also get twisted or stuck on things ... much like hoses and extension cords, running a lengthy cable can cause a few issues - and while it's easier to hide with today's technology - few brides want to have a black cable dangling in front of their dress.
One thing to note about wireless systems, they can never be guaranteed to work 100% of the time and depending on what technology they use, some are more reliable than others. Microphones that use the 2.4Ghz band are notoriously less reliable than those on legal UHF bands and that's because 2.4Ghz is the same frequency as most WiFi and all Bluetooth systems - so it might work one minute, but could also be interrupted by someone's device in their pocket.
Regardless of the wireless solution, if handheld mics are held in the wrong spot (usually the very bottom end of the microphone) you will block the transmitter and the signal will cut out.
Handheld vs Lapel Mics
Now that you've probably chosen wireless microphones, you now have to work out whether to have lapel mics or a handheld. Now lapel mics are great because they can hide on the collar of a shirt, or even be attached to the end of your celebrant's folder and reading notes and you don't have to do anything else. You don't have to think about how close it is to your mouth or how easily you are heard. The reason being, they pick up EVERYTHING. That includes, rustling clothes. Sniffles. Coughs. Farts. Kids whimpering in the second row. Wind. Lapel mics will pick up all the ambient noise and amplify them. I will always recommend NOT using a lapel mic if there is even the slight chance of a good breeze because the extra noise can detract from your ceremony.
Handheld mics don't pick up anywhere near the same amount of noise so they are great from that perspective, especially if the audio is also being used by your videographer to capture audio - but you will have to deal with them appearing in pictures.
Bonus Microphone Tips
- If when holding the microphone, the sound keeps cutting out - try moving your hand up or down the microphone to see if that helps. You may be inadvertently blocking the mic signal.
- Hold the microphone as close to your lips as possible, it doesn't work very well if you hold it at your waist
- NEVER DROP THE MIC - they are expensive, easily damaged and you can potentially also damage the speaker in the process from the sudden impact sound blowing a speaker cone - as well as creating an almighty loud bang sound that everyone will dislike you for.
Add comment
Comments