Microphones: Wrong Microphone Dilemma

Imagine you are the sound operator for the annual musical. Several microphones are on the platform. After the opening group song, a soloist picks up a microphone and starts to sing (Figure 1). You confidently turn on the microphone used during rehearsal. The soloist starts singing, but, to your horror, there’s no sound. Sweat breaks out as many thoughts race through your mind: Is there a bad microphone cable? Did I turn up the wrong microphone channel? Is the microphone broken? Or did the microphone get put back on the wrong stand and the microphones are now mixed up? Quickly you check the other microphones. Yes, the microphones did get switched. However, in the pressure of the moment, the correct microphone is turned up too loud and a sudden feedback squeal fills the room. More sweat breaks out as it seems everybody is now looking at you. Here are a few ideas to prevent this embarrassment.

Figure 1
What would you do?

TRAINING

First, train the musicians or actors to always use the same microphone during rehearsal and the actual performance. If a microphone is taken off a stand, the microphone needs to go back to the same stand.

COLOR IDENTIFICATION

Color coding the individual microphones can help you and the users keep the microphones properly identified. Several methods work well. Pick a method you like and implement it.

Figure 2
Color Coded Cables and Windscreens

Windscreens

Windscreens or pop filters are available in many colors (see Figure 2). A windscreen is placed over the microphone grill screen. The windscreens are very visible and assure easy microphone identification at a distance. Be sure to choose the correct type and size for your microphones.

Cables

Microphone cable is available in at least eight colors. A few colors are shown in Figure 2. Some manufacturers even have neon colors. Using color cables versus windscreens may be more acceptable for some people. It keeps the color away from the performer’s face. However, color cable is probably less noticeable, so it is harder to identify at a distance.

Connectors

Another option is to use microphone cable connectors which have color strain relief boots. This method is much harder to see at a distance, but it is easy for the performer to identify the correct microphone.

Plastic Tape

Simply wrapping the microphone or the cable with electrical plastic tape of different colors can provide a quick method of identification. However, this method can be a bit messy after the tape ages. There is often a gummy mess when the tape is removed.

Choose a method that will work for you. It may prevent an embarrassing moment!

by Ron Huisinga © 1996 Internet Sound Institute (www.soundinstitute.com). This article is for personal use only. Any commercial reproduction is not permitted without permission. To obtain permission, contact ISI at hopi@soundinstitute.com

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