I highly recommend practicing with an amp and microphone if you intend to perform live in public.  There are many reasons for this, such as getting accustomed to REALLY hearing your voice, and learning to manipulate and manage your breath mechanics in conjunction with your microphone axis mechanics. Learning to do all of these things together to create a smooth visual and auditory performance is your goal as a performing vocalist.   Another huge benefit of practicing regularly with a microphone is to become accustomed to the lower vocal pressures required while singing on a mic. It is simply easier to produce sounds and volumes with the smaller end point of the microphone diaphragm, as opposed to pushing volume and air to the end point of an entire room. Learning to adjust your breath and phonation pressure while on the mic is a monumental skill that will serve you well and keep you healthy.

If you play an instrument, and plan on singing at the same time as playing that instrument, then I suggest practicing half the time with the instrument while singing, and the other half the time standing and vocalizing. You need to be adept at both physical positions.

Do you have to use an electrified set up? No.  Should you if you are seeking to improve the consistency of your live performances? Yes! Vocalists should capitalize on having tools that make working with their voice and style easier.  Unless you are a classical singer (and a few other exceptions), you should be practicing with a microphone on a regular basis. Period. For a detailed list of microphones, and detailed information on microphones and microphone patterns, please see our microphones page, which was created to help you navigate and understand the basics of modern handheld mics.

So what does all this mean?  You need a microphone, an amp to plug your microphone into, a microphone stand to hold your microphone, a microphone cable (15ft-20ft), and that’s it. 

Specific Equipment Recommendations: For Students, I’ll start by saying the best equipment is the equipment you can get your hands on, or that you can afford. There are so many choices on the market right now that you can find several quality choices in your budget range. For professionals, who are making a living performing, I recommend investing a bit more time and money, so that the quality of your voice and performance is never hampered by lack of quality gear. Gear purchase for pros is all about longevity and sound quality. I’ve listed what I personally use below, along with equipment I have tested, or have had the chance to hear. Stay away from amps that are really made for guitars or bass, and have tons of effects. You don’t need them. You really only need reverb in most circumstances, so look for an amp that has reverb built in. You can also get a stand alone amp, that will allow for an effects unit to be plugged into it, similar to the set up I list below. When starting off with gear (unless you have an unlimited budget), it’s helpful to purchase equipment that has dual function, or will have a function for years to come. For example, purchasing a small practice amp that can later be repurposed as a stage monitor. A mic stand that can be used with or without a boom attached. This type of circular purchase will save you money in the long run, and fill out your equipment needs faster. Keep in mind, this section is just a guide to help you navigate the endless websites of musical equipment, not a complete listing of what’s available.

*A note about links and recommendations: I am not endorsed nor do I receive any financial incentive for any of the products on this site.

My personal equipment set up for home practice: I use a Bose L1 Compact System with the T4S Tonematch Mixer (this allows for vocal effects and total EQ control for up to 4 instruments).  This system is perfect for practicing on your own, or with a small ensemble. I have used this little set up in public performances in small rooms, up to 100.  Sometimes, if I want a smaller set up for playing the piano and singing, I’ll use the Bose S1 Pro portable system, as it’s super small and lite. This is a great option for vocalist who use tracks to practice, as it has a bluetooth connection from streaming from your phone or computer. Otherwise, it is useful as a personal stage amp or monitor if needed. My full PA system that I use for up to 500 people is two Bose L1’s with Two Bose Bass Cubes and the T4 ToneMatch Mixer.  If I need a PA for larger than 500, I will use a professional sound company.

Vocal Amps:  There aren’t a ton on the market that are of good quality.  For years, singers, have suffered through using adapters for XLR microphone cables and going directly in an instrument 1/4 jack input.   But luckily, there are now several on the market, that do have decent vocal sounds.  Primarily you want an amp 60 Watts or so, that has reverb and EQ control.  Most amps will have low, mid, and highs, and maybe an additional gain or master volume control.  You will also want an XLR input and some EQ control, reverb, and a 1/8” or 3mm input jack (for iPhones, and iPads etc), so you can also practice with recorded tracks.  Amps can run into the thousands, but that is not necessary for a quality practice or small ensemble amp.  Keep in mind you have to LUG this amp around, so choose wisely.  Below are a few choices on the market that have the right mix of tools.  Keep in mind you might be able to find a used version on Craigslist, or even in your local music store.  Many companies bundle these same products with a microphone, mic stand, and mic cable.  Online Vendors:  sweetwater.com, musiciansfriend.com and bhphotovideo.com

Bose S1 Pro System, $599.00 This amp is light (15lbs), can run on battery, has a complete EQ with Reverb, and all the right inputs.  It slants so can be used as a monitor, or for pointing toward the ensemble.  It also has a stand mount, so if later on you want to hoist it higher (say for a small coffee house or concert room), you can use this amp.  So in short, it’s professional grade, and has expandability for work outside the home studio. Note: this amp does not have phantom power, for microphones that require additional power, unpowered mics only. Link for more information.

Boss Acoustic Singer Live Acoustic, $499.00: This amp is marketed to the singer songwriter crowd, and Boss makes good products.  It weighs in at 23lbs.  It does have all you need to play an instrument and sing, or to use primarily as a vocal amp.  But at this price point, unless you’re just in love with the sound, I would get into the pro Bose series, as it is expandable later on.  However, if you love the sound of the amp, and your voice in particular going through it, than that’s what you go with, always.  Most of these are available somewhere to listen to, at a local music shop.  I would suggest going and hearing the amp in store.  If you want to buy sight unseen, once again, Bose would win that race for me personally.  But everyone has their favorite brands so hearing the amp is the best way to make a decision.  More information. Tip: If you are going to a store to shop amps, ALWAYS bring your own mic, so you know what it should sound like.

Fishman Loudbox Mini, $296.00 Fishman has great products in general, especially for guitar and voice combination.  This is a nice starting price point, perfect for your first amp.  This amp has everything you need for inputs, reverb, woofer and tweeter.  Just under 20lbs. Link for more information. There are also several versions of the Loudbox. The next one up from the mini is the Fishman Loudbox at $329.  There are also $500 and $700 versions.  For me personally, I would either do one of the two lower end versions up to the $329.00 price point.  Above that, I would purchase the Bose S1 instead, for it’s added flexibility and expandability.

Behringer Eurolive B205D, $199.00 This is the only amp the I would recommend that does not come with Reverb.  It is really designed to be a onstage monitor.  With that being said, it is a high powered amp/monitor, that can be very flexible, as it will fit nicely on top of a piano or directly on a mic stand.  It does have EQ, so you can mix very nicely to your room.  This would be what I would recommend, if you don’t have a practice amp, but really want a useful addition to your stage gear (a monitor).  If you are just starting out using amplification, and your main instrument is voice, I would recommend one of the other units that has reverb built in.  Link for more information.

As I mentioned, this is is just a guide to get you started, and suggestions on brands that have held up well for me.  My first practice amp was a giant fender guitar amp.  I made it work.  Since then smaller, lighter quality amps have come on the market.  It’s all about getting the best quality in your budget.  There are many amps and brands I have not mentioned, in the $100 price point.  I just find that they aren’t worth the money, because the vocal reproduction quality is too low.  You would be better off to buy an XLR adapter and plug into your friend’s amps at rehearsal, and spend that money on a better mic.  There are also several “mini” pa systems by Peavey and Yamaha  which I would just stay away from all together.  They aren’t good PAs and they are average at best amps.  That being said, if you find one you really like the sound of, go for it.  It’s all about what you like, and how it makes you sound. Gear should make you sound better.

Other Equipment:
Microphone Stands: In general, I like a mic stand that is weighted at the bottom, as there is less chance of it tipping over and smashing your microphone (as opposed to the tripod base).  A U-shaped weighted bottom that has a removable base is even better.   Everything else beyond that is style choice.  If you are playing an instrument you’ll want a microphone stand with the boom attachment, so you can have flexibility with instrument set up and angles.   I personally like a grip on my stand for live performance that makes height adjustments fast.  If this is just for home, go with what’s inexpensive and the right type for your vocal application.  I have personally used and purchased K&M and Gator brand stands on the higher end and On-Stage on the lower.  The current stand I use is stackable, and has an adjustable handle for height ( K&M 26075 - Konig & Meyer, 6lbs).  Again, it doesn’t matter, which price point if it’s for home use. Get what you can afford, that is the right style, boom, or straight, and go with that.  The higher end is if you have an unlimited budget, are on the verge of being pro, or are already pro and are looking for a quality replacement that will last.  Gear purchase for pros is all about longevity and sound quality.

Microphone Cables: I like Monster (because they have a good warranty), and Mogami (cheaper than Monster, but excellent quality).  The better the wiring, components, and shielding the better the signal, so higher quality cables matter for pros.  For home use, any mic cable that is in your budget is fine.  No need to spend big money on your cable. They do wear out.  When it comes to cables you’re spending extra money, as with all equipment, for durability (wear and tear), and clarity of the vocal reproduction.