How to Sing with a Microphone: 10 Mic Techniques for Singers

Let’s face it:

Singing in the shower is completely different from singing in a microphone!

And many beginners are shocked by how weird their voice sounds when amplified.

But here’s the thing:

Learning how to sing with a microphone is just as important as learning proper vocal technique.

Why?

Because what’s the point of developing an amazing voice if no one can hear you?

Or worse, if the microphone makes your voice sound bad?

The truth is, microphone technique is one of the most overlooked aspects of becoming a great singer.

Just look at any open mic night and you’ll see beginners making the same mistakes:

Standing too far from the mic… 

Holding the mic incorrectly… 

Moving around inconsistently… 

And worst of all—having no idea how to prevent feedback!

But what if I told you that there are some simple microphone techniques that can make your amplified voice sound professional, even if you’re just starting out?

Sound too good to be true?

It’s not.

Today, I want to show you the exact step-by-step process to sing with a microphone like a pro. 

And for each step, I’ll give you practical tips you can apply immediately at your next performance.

Ready to transform your amplified sound? Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Need

Before we jump into technique, let’s make sure you have the right equipment.

Keep in mind that the cost of equipment is part of becoming a better singer.

But make sure that the equipment you buy is within your budget.

Often, you don’t need the very best here. Just the starter equipment should do just fine.

You can always upgrade later.

Here’s what you need…

• A dynamic microphone – Your first microphone purchase is one of the most fun because it’s the start of a new relationship with your voice and its power! For beginners, I recommend the Shure SM58. It’s the industry standard for a reason and they run about $99.
• A microphone stand – You don’t want to ALWAYS be holding the microphone. In fact, it’s often helpful to practice with the mic in a stationary place first, then work on holding it. The stand will help you keep it steady in one position while you hone your skills.
• Optional (but encouraged): PA system, Monitor and Mixer – This is where things can get a bit pricey (from $100s to $1,000s of dollars for a pro setup). You can go down the rabbit hole of getting a state of the art mixer, monitor and PA, but there are lots of affordable “portable PA” systems that combine the PA, Monitor and Mixer into one kit (usually a few hundred dollars).
• Your voice!

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way…

Let’s dig deeper into mic technique for singers and the equipment you’ll need before we jump into the specifics.

Microphone Technique Step #1: Hold the Mic Correctly

Proper mic technique for singers starts with how you hold the microphone.

This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many beginners get this wrong. 

So let’s get it right!

Here’s how to hold a microphone properly:

1. Grip the microphone in the middle of its handle – Not at the very top (where the ball with the grill is) or at the very bottom.
2. Use a firm but relaxed grip – Hold it firmly enough that it won’t slip, but don’t squeeze it like you’re trying to crush it.
3. Keep your fingers away from the mesh grill – Your fingers can block sound and cause unwanted noise if they touch the mesh.

Pro tip: If you’re new to singing with a mic, practice in front of a mirror until holding it correctly feels natural.

You’d be surprised how many singers who don’t check their hold in the mirror aren’t following this advice!

So don’t make that mistake, and at the very beginning, watch yourself hold the microphone in the mirror.

Microphone Technique Step #2: Find the Perfect Distance

Microphone distance is crucial for getting a good sound.

Too close, and your voice sounds boomy and picks up every breath. 

Too far, and your voice sounds thin and might get lost in the mix.

So what’s the perfect microphone distance?

For most situations, start with the microphone about 3-6 inches from your mouth.

This is where every singer should start!

But here’s where it gets interesting:

As you get comfortable, you may need to adjust this distance based on several factors.

Distance Adjustments for Different Vocal Dynamics:

• For soft passages: Move the mic closer (1-3 inches)
• For loud passages: Move the mic further away (6-10 inches)
• For belting high notes: Move the mic significantly away (10-12 inches)

This technique of adjusting the distance is called “working the mic,” and it’s what separates amateur singers from professionals.

Try this simple exercise:

1. Sing a phrase that starts soft and gets progressively louder
2. As you get louder, gradually pull the microphone away from your mouth
3. As you get softer again, bring it closer

With practice, this movement will become smooth and automatic.

As always, start simple!

If you’re not sure whether you’re too close or far, LISTEN to yourself in the monitor and see if you’re getting a clear sound.

Microphone Technique Step #3: Find the Right Angle

Can I tell you something crazy?

The angle of your microphone can drastically change your sound!

Most beginners make the mistake of singing directly into the top of the microphone.

But here’s a pro secret:

Position the microphone at a 45-degree angle to your mouth.

Why does this work better?

When you sing directly into the mic, some consonant sounds like “P” (as in “peanut”) and “B” (as in “beetle) create bursts of air that cause popping sounds. 

Angling the mic reduces these pops.

Plus, singing slightly at an angle of the microphone gives your voice a more natural tone.

Here’s a quick exercise to find your best mic angle:

1. Start by holding the mic directly in front of your mouth
2. Say “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”
3. Notice how the P’s pop and create unpleasant sounds
4. Now angle the mic 45 degrees and repeat
5. Hear the difference? Much cleaner!

As always, let the sound of your amplified voice be your guide!

If you’re still hearing tons of strong “P” and “B” sounds (what vocal coaches call “plosives”, like “explosive” bursts of air), adjust the angle of your mike.

Microphone Technique Step #4: Control Your Consonants

When you’re singing without a microphone, you need to project your voice to be heard.

And often, you need to exaggerate consonants so the audience can understand your lyrics.

But with a microphone, everything changes.

Hard consonants like “P”, “B”, “T”, “D”, “K”, and “G” can cause popping and distortion when amplified.

So how do you keep your words clear without distorting your sound?

Here’s my three-part approach:

1. Soften explosive consonants – Don’t hit your P’s, B’s, T’s and K’s as hard as you would when singing acoustically.
2. Focus on the vowels – In amplified singing, vowels carry your tone, while consonants provide clarity. Practice singing some simple words like “Bee” or “Gee” in the microphone so you can find the balance.

Try this exercise:

1. Record yourself singing a verse from your favorite song normally. 
2. Then sing it again with a focus on softening your consonants and emphasizing the vowels while maintaining clarity. 
3. Compare the recordings. 

You’ll be amazed at the difference!

Microphone Technique Step #5: Manage Your Breath Sounds

In an ideal world, when you sing without amplification, no one hears your breathing. 

Although some singers do need to work with a “silent breath” even when they’re singing acoustically.

But a microphone picks up EVERYTHING—including every breath you take (The Police pun intended).

This is where advanced mic technique for singers becomes especially important!

Now, breathing is natural, and some breath sounds are appropriate in singing. 

But excessive or harsh breathing can be distracting for listeners.

Especially what I call “Darth Vader Breathing”.

Just like the dark Sith lord, you don’t want to make loud breathing noises as you’re singing.

Here’s how to manage your breath sounds when singing with a microphone:

1. Take controlled, quiet breaths – Practice taking quick, silent breaths through your mouth.
2. Turn your head slightly away for big breaths – For dramatic breaths, you can briefly turn your mouth away from the mic.
3. Practice breath control – The better your breath support, the less desperate your breaths will sound.
4. Use the microphone distance trick – Move the microphone slightly away during breaths, then back for singing.

Remember: Some breath sounds are stylistically appropriate, especially in emotional songs. 

The goal isn’t to eliminate all breathing sounds, but you want to be sure you’re aware of any excess breathing sounds.

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Again, the monitor is your friend here.

If you listen to yourself singing and hear big gasps of air, you probably need to control your breath or microphone position more.

Microphone Technique Step #6: Prevent Feedback

Nothing is quite as embarrassing as stepping up to the mike, getting ready to hit a powerful high note and then..

“eeeeeeeeeeeeek-”

That ear-piercing squeal of feedback can kill a performance.

So what causes feedback, and how can you prevent it?

Feedback happens when the sound from speakers loops back into the microphone, creating an ever-amplifying cycle of noise.

Here’s how to prevent feedback when singing with a microphone:

1. Cup with caution – Never cup your hand around the microphone ball (the mesh part). This causes feedback and muddies your tone.
2. Stay in front of the speakers – Position yourself in front of the main speakers, not behind them. This avoids the microphone pointing directly at the speaker.
3. Know your monitor position – If you’re using monitors, be aware of where your floor monitors are and avoid pointing the microphone directly at them.
4. Control your volume – Work with your sound engineer to find the right volume that gives you enough monitor level without causing feedback. Too much volume and the mic will pick up the sound of the speaker.
5. Bonus: Use in-ear monitors if available – These eliminate the need for floor monitors and drastically reduce feedback problems.

A certain amount of feedback is normal during rehearsals and even (gasp!) some shows.

But do your absolute best during sound-check and practice to eliminate feedback.

Remember, preventing feedback isn’t just the sound engineer’s job—it’s yours too!

Microphone Technique Step #7: Adapt to Different Microphones

Now that we’ve discussed some important mic techniques and you even possibly have your starter microphone, it’s time to tell the truth:

Not all microphones are created equal!

There are 4 general types of microphones.

They are:

• Dynamic
• Condenser
• Headset
• Lavalier (sometimes shortened to “lav mikes”)

A club might have a standard Shure SM58, while a recording studio might use a more sensitive condenser microphone, and a local theatre production may use a wireless headset. 

Now here’s where things get tricky:

Each different microphone requires different techniques.

Before we get into each of the different techniques you need to know, here’s a quick overview of how these microphones are different from each other.

Dynamic Microphones (like the SM58):

What makes them different: Dynamic mics use a simple diaphragm, coil and magnet to convert sound into electrical signal. They’re rugged, affordable, and can handle high sound pressure levels without distortion.

When they’re used: Live performances, loud environments, and situations where durability matters.

Technique adjustments:

• Standard 3-6 inch distance works well
• Can handle louder volumes without distortion
• Less sensitive to room noise and feedback
• Requires more presence and projection in your voice

Condenser Microphones:

What makes them different: Condenser mics use a charged diaphragm to create a signal. This makes them much more sensitive and detailed than dynamics, capturing subtleties in your voice.

When they’re used: Studio recording, broadcasting, and quieter performance environments.

Technique adjustments:

• Stand further back (6-10 inches)
• Be more careful with plosives
• Expect more detail in your breath sounds
• Sing with more nuance since every subtle detail will be captured

Headset Microphones:

What makes them different: Headset mics mount a small condenser or dynamic mic on a wearable mount that positions the mic at a fixed distance from your mouth.

When they’re used: Theatrical performances, fitness instruction, and situations requiring hands-free operation.

Technique adjustments:

• Cannot adjust distance, so modify your volume instead
• Turn your head slightly away for very loud notes
• Be extra careful with breath control
• Practice consistent head positioning to maintain sound quality

Lavalier (Clip-on) Microphones:

What makes them different: These tiny condenser microphones clip to clothing and are designed to be as small and invisible as possible.

When they’re used: TV interviews, presentations, and situations where the microphone should be invisible.

Technique adjustments:

• Project more consistently since the mic distance is fixed
• Be aware that head movements can change your volume
• Avoid clothing rustling against the microphone
• Speak and sing with more projection since the mic is further from your mouth

The best singers can adapt to any microphone they’re handed. That versatility comes with practice!

Microphone Technique Step #8: Record Yourself

Here’s the truth:

Unlike any other instrument, with singing, you sound totally different to yourself than to everyone else.

Think about it!

The voice is the only instrument that you can really see or touch. 

And it sounds different to you than everyone else.

The bottom line?

You probably don’t sound the way you think you do when singing with a microphone.

The solution?

Record yourself regularly.

This is the only way to hear yourself objectively.

Record your practices and performances regularly, then listen with these questions in mind:

1. Is your voice clean and clear throughout?
2. Are breath sounds audible?
3. Does your voice sound consistent as you move?
4. Can you hear consonant pops or other technical issues?

You’d be surprised.

Even a simple smartphone recording can reveal microphone technique issues you never knew you had.

Microphone Technique Step #9: Practice, Practice, Practice

Like any skill, great microphone technique takes practice.

But here’s the good news:

You probably don’t need a professional PA system to practice. 

Often, just a simple SM58 dynamic microphone and a portable PA can help you incredibly!

But even if you can’t afford a microphone setup yet, here are some ways to work on your microphone technique at home:

1. Use a prop microphone – Practice movements and distances with an object similar in weight to a microphone.
2. Record into your smartphone – Most phones have microphones that will reveal basic technique issues (Beware: even basic voice memo apps on your phone will have compression and other EQ tools to minimize plosive consonants and adjust for poor microphone distance).
3. Practice in front of a mirror – Watch your microphone position as you sing.
4. Sing along with recordings – Match the microphone technique of singers you admire.

Even 10 minutes of deliberate practice each day can dramatically improve your microphone technique over time.

The Best Mics for Singers: What You Should Know

This is where things get really exciting!

After learning some basic mic technique, you’re ready to invest in your first real microphone.

But where do you start?

Because let’s face it:

The microphone you use makes a huge difference in how your voice sounds.

With thousands of options available (many of them poor or substandard), how do you choose the right mic for your voice and situation?

Here’s a breakdown of the best mics for singers in different scenarios:

For Live Performance:

1. Shure SM58 ($99) – The industry standard for a reason. Durable, reliable, and forgiving for beginners.
2. Sennheiser e935 ($199) – Offers clearer high frequencies than the SM58, making it great for cutting through a mix.
3. Shure Beta 58A ($159) – The supercharged version of the SM58 with more presence and detail.
4. Audix OM5 ($179) – Excellent for singers who need help controlling proximity effect (bassiness when close to the mic).

For Home Recording:

Looking for mics for singing recording sessions at home? Here are my top picks:

1. Audio-Technica AT2020 ($99) – The best budget condenser mic for beginners.
2. Rode NT1-A ($229) – Incredibly quiet with a flattering sound for most voices.
3. Shure SM7B ($399) – The secret weapon for rock and pop vocals (Michael Jackson recorded Thriller on this mic!).
4. Neumann TLM 102 ($699) – Professional quality without breaking into the $1000+ range.

What Microphones Do Famous Singers Use?

If you’re influenced by your idols (who am I kidding, you wouldn’t be a singer if you weren’t!), here are some of the microphones used by today’s biggest stars.

If you’ve ever wondered what your favorite artists are singing into, here’s a sneak peek:

• Adele – Neumann U87 in the studio, Sennheiser wireless mics live
• Ed Sheeran – Telefunken M80 for live performances
• Beyoncé – Shure KSM9 wireless for most live performances
• Bruno Mars – Telefunken U47 in studio, Sennheiser SKM 5200 live
• Billie Eilish – Neumann TLM 103 for many of her recordings

But before you go running to purchase one of these incredibly expensive mics for your home studio, remember: 

A great microphone won’t fix poor technique.

As a vocal coach, I can recommend that when you’re first starting out, rather than plunking down $1,000s for a fancy mic, remember to budget some of your money toward private voice lessons.

Because here’s the truth:

At the end of the day, the right mic for your voice will enhance your natural sound – for better or worse!

The Bottom Line on Singing with a Microphone

Congratulations!

At this point you’ve learned some of the most important skills in mic technique.

Remember, singing with a microphone is a skill separate from singing itself—but just as important for performing artists.

The best microphone technique is the one you DON’T notice. 

What does that mean?

When done correctly, the audience focuses on your performance, not the microphone in your hand.

Remember these key points:

• Hold the mic 4-6 inches away, adjusting for volume
• Angle the mic 45 degrees to avoid pops
• Control your consonants and breath sounds
• Move with purpose while maintaining consistent distance
• Prevent feedback by staying aware of your surroundings
• Adapt to different microphone types
• Record yourself to improve objectively
• Practice until good technique becomes second nature

And most importantly—be patient with yourself. Even professional singers took time to develop great microphone technique.

Ready to transform your amplified performances? Start applying these techniques today, and you’ll be amazed at how much more professional you sound at your very next performance.

Want to Nail Those High Notes?

Every singer wants to expand their range. Expand Your Range Fast will show you how to finally hit high notes in your voice without straining. Expand your range by 5 notes or more!

Learn More