Best dynamic mic placement for recording vocals?

[zip]

What would be the best way to position a dynamic mic (Shure unidirectional) for recording vocals? Below my chin pointing up - above my nose pointing down ? What distance should I have between the mic and me as I sing etc??

Are there any guidelines or is it all experimentation?? I do have a decent mic pre w/ the Presonus Blue tube but my current mic is less than ideal...how can I get the most from it until I can affort at least a decent condenser??

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

zip

 

[John Sayers]

Two schools of thought here.

1) pointing up at your mouth about 2" away so your pops go over the top. Standard.

2) Pointing down at your mouth same distance. Also standard.

The difference. 2) tends to make you lift your head a bit thus freeing your chest(breathing) and openning your throat.

I prefer 2)
cheers
john

 

[zip]

Thanks John!

I guess #2 would be a better option for me as well because I tend to point my chin up as I sing higher passages...or do I have it all wrong and it will pop if I do so??

Don't know if it matters but my voice can become quite loud as I sing...do I take this into account or stick to the two inches and use the preamp / soundcard mixer gain and volume?

zip

 

[John Sayers]

Put a compressor over the mike chain and set it up so you can see the gain reduction. As you sing keep an eye on the compressor and try to learn how to back off slightly when you kick the system too hard. It's often called mike technique.

Cheers
john