Individual, pre-assembled microphone cables are readily found in a wide variety of styles and quality. In addition, multiple cable assemblies, called “snakes”, are available for carrying many microphone signals from one location to another, such as from the sanctuary to the sound booth.
The use of only high-quality cables and their proper maintenance are absolute necessities in any successful worship facility sound application.
Range Of Accessory Options
Finally, the use of microphones for particular applications may be facilitated by microphone accessories. These are mechanical and electrical hardware items that are often used in mounting and connecting microphones.
Mechanical accessories include various kinds of acoustic devices such as windscreens and directionality modifiers. Windscreens, usually made of special foam or cloth, should be used whenever microphones are used outdoors or subjected to any air currents or rapid motion.
“Pop” filters are employed when the microphone is used close to the mouth, such as on lecterns or for handheld vocals.
These minimize noise caused by explosive consonants such as “p”, “b”, “t”, or “d”.
Although such filters are usually supplied with microphones designed for these applications, additional protection may be needed in some cases. Use only high-quality screens and filters to avoid degrading the sound of the microphone.
There are also directional or “polar” modifiers available for certain microphones that can change the pickup pattern form cardioid to supercardioid, for example, or from omnidirectional to semi-directional in the case of some boundary microphones.
Consult the manufacturer for proper use of these accessories.
Mounting accessories are of great importance in many worship facility sound applications. Stands, booms, and goosenecks should be sturdy enough to support the microphone in the intended location and to accommodate the desired range of motion.
Overhead hardware, to allow microphones to be suspended above a choir, for example, must often include a provision for preventing motion of the microphone due to air currents or temperature effects.
Stand adapters or “clips” may be designed for either permanent attachment or quick-release. “Shock mounts” are used to isolate the microphone from vibrations transmitted through the stand or the mounting surface, such as a lectern.
In addition, there are a variety of signal processors which may be used directly in line with a microphone. These can range from simple low- or high-frequency filters to complete preamp/equalizer/limiter units, though most of these functions are normally provided by the mixer and subsequent elements of the audio chain.
Creative use of these accessories can allow microphones to be placed almost anywhere, with good acoustic results and with acceptable aesthetic appearance.
(Copyright Shure Incorporated, used by permission.)