Re: [Callers] Microphones and/or technique for a deep voice.

On 2016-05-18 1909, Darwin Gregory via Callers wrote: Hullo Darwin, Congratulations. Getting out there is the difficult bit. Then it's kind of, "let the learning begin." Deep voice is generally a description of frequency. It does not equate with volume. Pitching, as mentioned, is working in another frequency range, typically up or higher. This is quite different from projecting as it appears someone at the dance has suggested. Projecting is generally about volume. Unless they're a caller or singer with lots of experience, or a sound person or equivalent, be cautious of taking all feedback as something one must deal with. Not all feedback is a useful "truth". Both volume (gain) and frequency may be controlled by those in charge of the sound board. Often the Too Loud or Too Quiet (clarity) issues are dealt with through equalisation, the adjustment of frequencies. On arrival at a gig I tell those doing sound that I'm a baritone and without a monitor I'll leave it with them to let me sound both human/normal/like me and to clearly get some useful upper frequencies through the mix/balance. This is where much of the information content is in western languages. Feedback about sound, like everything else, may be tough to deal with socially. Callers are so often at the focus of feedback, requests, information holders, etc. Add a desire to help and we can try to do too much. If one can't (re)direct suggestions from the audience to the sound folks, take them a bit of it. However let it go too. I generally agree with Jeff, Don and Aahz. Steady distance, steady volume range, good orientation of the mic (speaking at it along the longitudinal axis, not the "ice cream cone" hold) will set one up for a state the sound folks can work with. Folks with low voices sometimes get used to rumbling along. We can do a bit to help out the situation. Like any dance caller good word choice and pace help. One may be able to find another frequency range, however one needn't over-compensate. That can hurt! However a bit of practise using an upper register can make it more interesting, add some colour. (Stories: 1. A crappy "shortwave" radio on a ship I worked in required one pitch one's voice up an octave to get any attention at the receiving station. 2. A regional calling colleague found himself in the range of a musical instrument and seemed to be getting lost in the mix. He's tried adjusting where he speaks to get away or separate himself from it.) -- If you wish to talk gear and technique (either mic or sound board) ask the friendly folks on the Contra Sound Forum. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/contrasf/info -- A fine sound resource is a book by Bob Mills, called All Mixed Up. It's available in paper form via CDSS and is also on-line. It's on-line now at http://bobmills.org/amu/ see http://bobmills.org/amu/microphones.shtml "A Guide to Sound Production for Folk and Dance Music Basics for Beginners - Exotica for the Experienced" -- Colin has a good bit on his site: http://colinhume.com/callers.htm#Microphone -- In general there are quite a few bits of useful advice one may find from a search on the topic(s) using one's favourite search engine. Cheers, John -- J.D. Erskine Victoria, BC