Shure MUSIC EDUCATORS Manual page 25

Music
Use an omni-directional mic if you have to
position it above the ear or in the hair line.
Educators
Guide
A side-effect of directional mics (cardioid,
supercardioid, etc.) is off-axis coloration, an
uneven pickup of the sound that results
when addressing a directional microphone
from the side or rear (off-axis). A mic placed on the head will, of course, always be
off-axis unless it is right in front of the mouth. Omnidirectional mics will sound more
natural when placed away from the mouth.
Consult the wig master on securing mics near the hair line. Mic cables can be
secured in the hair in several ways, including wig clips, comb clips, sewing them into
barrettes, bobby pins, and elastic headbands. Also, the mic can be mounted on the
temple of eyeglasses.
Never use "Gaffer" tape to secure a cable to the skin. The adhesive found on this
tape can cause skin irritation, as well as just being too sticky. Suggested alternatives
include surgical tape, spirit gum, medical adhesive, and clear bandage tape.
Be sure to provide strain-relief for the mic cable behind the neck. The point where
the neck bends needs to be the most secure. If no strain relief is present, a sharp neck
movement could tug the mic out of place. Again, surgical tape and elastic headbands
are good choices for securing the mic cable to the neck.
Be careful not to get make-up in the opening of the microphone element. Any
make-up that gets into the mic element will alter the frequency response, and could
destroy the element altogether.
If the mic cable is run inside clothing, tape the mic and cable to the fabric to
prevent contact noise. Contact noise is caused by clothing rubbing against the mic
capsule or cable. A little tape and some careful positioning can help eliminate this
problem. Also, tie a simple knot in the mic cable near the microphone. This will also
assist in blocking cable noise from getting into the microphone.
Consult the wardrobe master to help prevent clothing noise. Clothing noise is
caused by garments rubbing against each other. There is no practical way to shield the
mic from this noise, so it is a good idea to plan ahead with your wardrobe people.
Generally, synthetic materials make more noise than natural fabrics, such as cotton.
Also, ask wardrobe to tape or sew together multiple layers of clothing to prevent rustling.
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