Working toward being a pro singer? You should have your own equipment for gigs and know how to use it all. At the very least, a singer should have a microphone. The most commonly used microphone for live performances is a Shure SM58. They retail for $99 to $119. They are common because of the price, the sound and the fact that they withstand a lot of wear and tear. The next step after getting a microphone is to get a mic cord, and a mic stand and clip. The cord should be ‘low impedence’ which, for all intents and purposes, is three pronged. These are the basics.
It’s a great idea to have a folding music stand and a clip on light. If you’ve got the cash and you are ready to invest in yourself, you could purchase your own wireless microphone, effects, or in ear monitors. Just make sure that you learn how to use everything and how to hook it all up. It’s a mistake to assume that the sound person will automatically know how to hook up your gear. Remember, if you have any of these pieces be sure to bring batteries and appropriate cords with you to a gig. I would suggest bringing your ‘regular’ mic and cord as well just in case.
Other:
If you have the opportunity for a sound check, do not miss it. This is your chance to communicate with the sound person and make sure your equipment is in place and working. You will also know where to stand in order to hear yourself on stage.
For a long time, I watched my band mates or the sound person set up all the equipment for our gigs, asked questions and took notes. It really made a difference for me to have that knowledge. I also earned some respect because I knew what was going on and didn’t just walk in at gig time.
