Based in Salt Lake City, Utah in the USA, Rob Ferre is a DJ, MC, Host, Speaker & also the owner of market-leading mobile DJ company Life of the Party Entertainment. A natural-born entertainer, Rob loves music and dancing, but he has also developed a passion & expertise for the business side of the DJ industry. 'T DROP THE MIC There’s a mic-related trend that’s been doing the rounds over the last few years and it’s not one that DJs love; it’s literally dropping the mic.
I’ve had this happen to me at weddings and even at corporate events. People think they are being clever when they drop the mic after making an epic toast or roast. But it isn’t funny if the result is damage to an expensive piece of equipment. I see it everywhere in pop culture; there was even an American reality TV music competition series called Drop the Mic.
So it’s hardly surprising that it has transitioned to our world of parties and events. When it happens at gigs the person dropping the mic thinks it’s funny, but I think the majority of us DJs would agree that it’s rude, stupid and overplayed. But microphones can also be dropped unintentionally, they can roll off tables and straight on to the ground. So how do we combat this trend?
How do we rescue our microphones from being destroyed? I have some simple solutions and some solutions that might even get you more referrals! Solution #1 Buy foam covers for all your microphones. I have them for most of my mics as they serve multiple purposes.
Firstly, they offer protection if a guest speaker does do the mic drop trick. But even aside from deliberate drops, mics can easily be damaged accidentally. I have other DJs who work for me and sometimes their perfectly spherical mic heads came back dented. A simple foam cover protects the head and also acts as a great wind shield.
Lastly, these inexpensive covers pick up all the debris and spit that may come from someone’s mouth when they speak. It might sound gross, but it’s true! You can easily replace a foam cover on a regular basis for just a few pounds, while significantly extending the life of your expensive mic head. Solution #2 Buy an anti-roll microphone ring.
This is a small rubber ring that you place around the top of the microphone that is often square-shaped on the outside. This shape prevents the natural rolling that occurs when a mic is placed on a flat surface which can easily lead to gravity taking over! Even if someone gently places the mic down after their speech, it could still roll off accidentally. I have witnessed this happening too many times.
I’ve seen a variety of different types of rings for sale, priced in the region of between £5 and £15. They also tend to be different colours, so can also be used to identify which mic corresponds to which channel on your mixer if you are using more than one. Solution #3 Have a wired microphone on a stand. I know this isn’t foolproof, but I’ve found it to be very effective.
My method was to purchase a Shure SH55 mic (the ‘Elvis’ retro style one) that has a screw-on stand attachment with a quick-release button. I’d say 9 times out of 10 the person speaking on the mic has no idea how to release the microphone from the stand if they wanted to. I sell this to clients by explaining that a person giving a speech may have notes in one hand and a drink in the other. By using a mic on a stand they have both hands free for their drink, notes and even props.
Not only does this prevent my mics from being dropped it has even won me referrals from photographers and videographers. They love the look of the microphone as well as the fact that the speaker is planted behind the mic and therefore isn’t wandering around. Videographers hate having to follow those people who just wander all over the place. Sure, there are limitations when you have a large room and running out long cables isn’t practical, but when it works, it looks and sounds great.
Solution #4 Bring a pillow or a burner microphone. If you can’t beat them, join them! If you know in advance the best man wants to drop the mic, why not let him have some fun? If you bring a pillow and place it behind the head table where no one can see, you can have a fun visual gag with him dropping the mic.
Make sure you have a pillow with plenty of give, so the microphone doesn’t roll off. Alternatively, I’ve also heard of fellow DJs charging their clients to purchase a microphone they can keep after it is dropped. Find an inexpensive microphone and let them drop it all they want! You might sacrifice audio fidelity but let them know that in advance and it’s likely that the lower quality won’t prove to be a problem.
I have had my fair share of mic drops and moments of frustration. However, my solution is to get creative and not mad. Accidents will happen, so think about ways to prevent damage and avoid getting angry and having to send someone a bill for a new microphone! 41DON'T DROP THE MIC How Inner Trust's Spencer Hickson combined his love for music with traditional counselling techniques to bring joy, self-expression and confidence to the people who need it most.
IN THE POWER OF MUSIC WE TRUST Photographer: Paul Bell
