Vocal Mic Placement

Understanding how to treat the microphone is an important part of vocal performance. A standard vocal performance will have the vocalist approximately 5-7 inches away from the microphone, with the pop filter an inch away from the mouth. This will allow for a dynamic performance and suit most vocal styles. It is important to keep in mind that the microphone we use is directional — for your vocal to sound present, you must sing directly into the front of the mic. However, there are various way you can manipulate your delivery by changing distance and position to the microphone.

An important principle to understand is the proximity effect:

The proximity effect is the phenomenon in which the closer a sound source is to a directional microphone, the greater the low end response. This phenomenon is used strategically by voiceover artists to get the booming, encapsulating sound you hear in commercials. 

Check out the video to the right from Shure that demonstrates the proximity effect on an all-time best-selling performance microphone, the SM-58,

The microphone is like an ear. For an intimate delivery, decrease distance to the microphone and sing softly. This will give you that close sound heard on many of Billie Eilish’s songs. For a cutting, powerful delivery increase distance from the microphone and sing loud. You wouldn’t yell directly in someone’s ear.

In short, if you’re going to increase your volume during your vocal delivery, make sure the recording engineer is aware so that they can capture the take without distorting. Or, you can simply take a note from Fat Joe, and lean back from the microphone.