How to Hold a Microphone (Without Killing Your Sound)

One of the biggest reasons church vocals sound bad has nothing to do with the soundboard—it’s how the mic is being held.

Here’s what happens when singers or pastors get it wrong:

❌ Hand over the capsule → muffled, muddy, zero clarity. (EQ can’t fix this.)

❌ Mic down by the chest → weak, thin, no presence. You crank gain = feedback city.

❌ Mic swinging side to side → inconsistent volume, every word sounds different.

Now here’s the right way:

✅ One to two inches from the mouth (close = strong, clear signal).

✅ Pointed directly at the mouth, not the chin or nose.

✅ Firm but relaxed grip on the handle—never the capsule.

✅ Consistent position (don’t pull away when you sing louder).

⚡ Pro tip: If you’re leading worship and like to move, keep the mic locked in the same spot relative to your mouth. Your sound tech will thank you.

💬 Question for you: In your church, what’s the most common “bad mic habit” you see—cupping the capsule, holding too far, or wandering mic position?

— Nate

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