Sharing Microphones is a health risk.

Then Why do we share microphones on stage?

Singing on stage is a great experience.  It is up lifting and spiritual.  Being on stage makes us all performers.  This is also true for ministers and lay people.  The instrument of choice to project your voice to a large room of people is a microphone that is connected to a sound system.

Microphones come in all kinds of shapes and sizes.  They are used in one of several common ways.  Microphones are either static, hand held or worn on the body.  There is also another type of microphone use as pickups for guitars and piano’s.  A microphone is nothing more than speakers in reverse.

In general microphones used for singing or talking are mounted in a barrel or rod. Depending on the size of the microphone capsule between the output of the mic and the output of the barrel, there are circuits that are either passive or active to boost the output and created the desired frequency response.  Some mics are so small that they go from mic to barrel and out to a wire right away.  Then within 10ft or so, a balancing circuit is placed into the barrel of a mic connector before the signal is sent to a mixer or recording device.

The three most common microphones used are handheld and static microphones on lecterns or microphone stands and body mics. Many of these microphones have foam windscreens that are replaceable.  Did you know that every microphone has a personality?

Some mics are ideal for bass singers.  Some microphones are great for people who scream out their music.  Every professional quality microphone model has unique characteristics and within each model there are subtle differences. Just as when you play 3 piano’s that look the same, one of them will be better for that performer.  This is the same with Guitars, Violins and so on.  It is also true with microphones.  (Try sitting in on a recording session at a high end recording studio. Some studios have every type and model of microphone that has ever been made to meet the artist’s needs.)

Sadly, there are only a few performers who travel around with personalized microphones.  Performers like Crystal Gale or Wayne Newton have personal mics and they also have custom finished colored sleeves and windscreens to match the clothing they wear.  Many people who see these custom microphones often think the performer as having a big ego.  What’s wrong isn’t the microphone the sound company supplies not good enough?

But wait, microphone are musical instruments.  They are an extension of the singer or minister.  People don’t say much when musician customize their guitars and drum sets.  In fact, people try to get copies of such instruments.  So what is so wrong with people doing the same with microphones?  In fact, singers should have personalized microphone they bring from show to show.  Here is the reason why.

How often do you hear of concerts that are cancelled because the main performer had a bad flu, cold or throat problem?  I am sure we all have heard of such events.  Did you ever wonder how they might have gotten sick?  Do you ever wonder how ministers who travel from church to church get sick or why they get sick so often?

All microphones are used in front of our mouths. People spit on them, sneeze on them and handle the microphone from the top down.  If the person before you is sick, all of those germs and viruses can be passed on, even up to 48 hours after it was last used.  It can be longer too – depending on how wet the windscreen gets or how old the windscreen is.  Did you know that there is no way to clean a microphone for germs except to replace the windscreen?

At my church, there has been a number of times where everyone on the praise team would get sick.  This most often happens where there are worship services back to back.  It seems that one week one person has strep throat.  The next week 3 members of the team are sick with the same problem until everyone get sick who uses a microphone.  For some churches it seems like there is someone always getting sick in the worship team.

Here is some info about viruses and bacteria and how there are transmitted.   These are excerpt from the Mayo Clinic.

 Flu viruses tend to live longer on surfaces than cold viruses. Also, it is generally believed that cold and flu viruses survive for longer periods on nonporous surfaces — such as plastic, metal or wood — than they do on porous surfaces — such as fabric or paper.

 Although cold and flu viruses primarily spread from person-to-person contact, they can also spread from contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. The best way to avoid becoming infected with the cold or flu virus is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

 Other tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season include:

• Get a flu shot. This is the one of the most effective ways to prevent influenza.
• Regularly clean your desk, phone and computer keyboard and mouse — at home and at the office — with disinfectant sprays or wipes.
• Stay home if you’re sick. Don’t expose others to your germs by dragging yourself to the office, theater or PTA meeting.

 The cause of strep throat is bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus.

 Proper hand cleaning is the best way to prevent all kinds of infections. That’s why it’s important to clean your own hands regularly using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  In addition, don’t share drinking glasses or eating utensils. Wash those items carefully in hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.”