Handheld Microphones

Anyone who's set up audio components for a recording session or show knows that miking is an art form in and of itself. Your mic choice and placement can dramatically alter a sound and can undoubtedly make or break a performance. There are any number of reasons you might choose a handheld mic as part of your setup, such as sound quality, versatility, portability or to create stage presence, but one thing is for sure: the only way to choose the right tool is to understand the specific demands of the job.

For live speaking, vocals at amateur shows and learning about home recording, a solid choice is the Nady Microphone Package. This package includes a Nady SP-5 Dynamic Cardioid Microphone, a heavy-duty mic clip, tripod and a 20-foot XLR cable. Its versatility and price make it a solid starter microphone for practicing, jamming and taking the stage for the first time.

To achieve a clear vocal sound in most conditions with minimal environmental disturbance, the Rode Microphones Reporter Omnidirectional Interview Microphone is an excellent option. Designed to achieve optimal intelligibility during interviews and presentations, this sleek mic is perfect for capturing broadcast-quality sound. The multi-layer mesh basket even decreases interfering noise, so you don't have to use a wind shield.

If what you're searching for is something truly special to enhance your live vocal performances, however, you'll want to take a look at the Rode Microphones S1 Pro Vocal Condenser Mic. It uses a condenser transducer to bring studio-quality sound to live applications with a frequency response designed to minimize handling noise. To top it off, the unidirectional pickup even reduces background noise and feedback for the clearest possible sound.

There's no one-size-fits all handheld mic, so it's important to know what you want to get out of it. You'll be amazed at the effect the right mic can have on the quality and the impact of any performance, both in terms of sound production as well as the freedom for movement and expression that comes with the portability of a handheld microphone.