Do you know somebody who loves to sing? Whether they are experienced vocalists or just starting out on their journey, there are several pieces of equipment that will prove useful - no, essential - to their musical life.
I’ll bring together some gift ideas for you today, all of which will be perfect for the special singer in your life…
Microphones
The microphone is the essential piece of equipment for the singer. It’s the primary means by which they bring us their voices, whether that is via a live performance or a recording.
Microphones come in a wide variety or styles, each with their own benefits. Choosing a microphone can be a complicated affair, but I’ll simplify it for you today with three choices: two all rounders of differing prices, and a third that is perfect for recording.
Microphones
SE V2 mic: sturdy, rugged and built for a life on the road, this is a quality mic at a fantastic price! Suitable for all situations both live and in the recording studio.
Shure SM58: this is the industry standard microphone for vocalists, and it’s used by more people around the world than any other mic! They last and last, and have a sound that all engineers will know how to work with. The classic choice.
Rode NT1 Signature Series: Rode are another highly reliable brand, and this mic is designed specifically for capturing detailed recordings. A great performer at this price, this is a mic for the studio, not for gigging!
Mic Stands
The need for a microphone stand is often overlooked in favour of buying more flashy accessories. This is a mistake, since it is easily one of the most useful and required additions to any singer’s equipment collection. They may all look superficially similar, but it’s important to get a sturdy one that’s up to the task. Here are a few for you:
Microphone Stands
Hercules MS432B: I’d recommend this for live performers. Hercules quality is consistently good, and this style - which is called a ‘boom stand’ - allows for greater versatility in terms of having you sitting, standing, using an instrument and so on. A very good all-rounder.
Gravity MS231HB: If your giftee tends to sing standing up and doesn’t play an instrument, this stand is excellent. Its round base takes up very little space, and it has a one-hand clutch for altering its height.
Ordo S-1SBS1: If they do their singing indoors or use a mic for podcasting or voiceover work, then this desk mountable stand is just what they need. It can be swivelled around for optimum positioning, and swung aside when it's not needed.
Cables
A mic stand and a cable together would make a very thoughtful gift for any singer. Although there are some exceptions to this rule, almost all microphones connect to cables via an ‘XLR’ connection. It’s a round connector with either three prongs (male) or three holes (female), and a mic cable will have one of each at either end.
As with lots of things in life, spending slightly more can net you a better quality cable, but there is a sweet spot beyond which you start getting into cork-sniffing territory. These choices I’ve suggested all stay on the ‘well priced but actually decent’ side of that conversation…
Microphone Cables
Ordo 20ft/6m Cable: a fine purchase for those on a budget. If your singer looks after it, it’ll do an absolutely fine job.
MXR XLR 25ft: the iconic effects pedal makers are very good at putting together cables too! This one is super-sturdy and is made with bullet-proof metal. Strength and reliability here!
Mogami 5m: extremely well made (in the UK!) cable with quality connectors and great conductibility. This cable shields from the unwanted noise but carries a near lossless signal from mic to speaker. An investment that absolutely pays for itself, and a cable for life.
Vocal Effects
Every vocalist can benefit from some effects. I don’t mean that they should sound like robots or Jabba the Hutt, but things like compression, EQ and reverb can turn a raw vocal into a pro vocal. Vocal effects can in vastly differing contexts, from floor units to compact boxes that fit onto mic stands. Here are a few that I’ve found success with, all of which would make a considered and thoughtful gift:
Vocal Effects Processors
Roland E-4 Aira Compact Voice Tweeker: runs on batteries or mains power so can be used anywhere, and offers pitch correction, harmony voices and a vocoder (sound like a robot after all) as well as reverb and delay. Very handy, very fun, very effective.
Mooer MVP1 Autotuner Vocal Harmonist: this pedal is so handy for upgrading the quality of any vocal. It has three control knobs: one corrects any out-of-pitch vocals, one adds reverb and the other adds echo/delay. Adjust to taste, and sound better. Huzzah!
BOSS VE-2 Vocal Harmonist: extremely easy to use, this one is great if your singer also plays the guitar, because it can use the guitar chords as a base for the vocal harmonies that come through. Sounds complicated? It’s not: you connect it, play a song on the guitar and sing. It does the rest, supplying a perfectly in tune harmony. Happy days.
Personal PA Systems
My last group of gift ideas is for personal PA systems. Microphones need to connect to something that has a speaker in order to work. Using a friend’s guitar amp is not ideal, and owning a full-on PA system with multiple speakers and a mixing desk is a big financial commitment. It’s not something you’d generally gift somebody, is it?
But a smaller, single speaker personal PA system definitely is! In fact, it’s a wonderful gift that isn’t just thoughtful and useful, it also tells the giftee that you believe in their singing abilities enough to provide them with the means to go and sing live. If a singer has a personal PA system, then they can plug in instruments, laptops or phones as well as mics, and their show will be on the road! Here are a few that I’d encourage you to check out:
Personal PA Systems
Yamaha Stagepas 100: the most portable and compact system that is still actually useful, this is good for solo vocalists in smaller venues. Get the version with the lithium battery and make your singer’s life that much easier!
Mackie Showbox: PA specialists Mackie have developed this useful speaker that contains 6 channels for mics and instruments, all with built in FX. You can put this on a stand or have it on the floor as an angled wedge. Very sturdy, very useful.
Bose S1 Pro Plus: Bose are the champagne of PA systems. Their innovations within the industry make them the leaders that other brands invariably follow. This Bose S1 is a 3 channel ultra portable PA with a rechargeable battery, automatic EQ and a fantastic sound. This is as good as personal PA systems get, with tone, volume and reliability built in.
Gifts For Singers
Singers all need different things for their goals, but the equipment suggested above should all prove to be useful and inspiring for them. This is tried and trusted equipment, and it’s the sort of gear we use ourselves when we record and play gigs. As always, we’re here for advice and problem solving, as well as leading you to your next piece of musical equipment. We want you to succeed, and remember: have fun!
