Here's a topic that comes up frequently - especially among folks who are just getting their feet wet with narration: how do I properly position my microphone? Thankfully, there are knowledgeable and generous folks like Steven Jay Cohen in the world. The following article can be found on his website (see the link below). I have copied the first few steps here for the sake of convenience to community members. I encourage you to click the link to finish reading.

When most audiobook narrators are setting up a booth, one place they tend to get stuck is understanding how to find the optimum position for their microphone.

The 2-Fist or Hang-10 approach is the most common thing that people will say. Unfortunately, often, it’s just plain wrong. In this post, I walk through some steps (and try to explain the reasoning behind each) so you can learn how to find the optimum positioning for your LDC (Large Diaphragm Condenser) microphone.

Step 1

First, remove all pop filters, socks, and windscreens from your microphone. It is going to get in the way while you are doing the next few steps. And, hopefully, once you are done, you won’t be needing it anyway.

Step 2

Next, look inside and see the circular disc. This is the diaphragm (and capsule) of the mic. Think of that circle as an eye. When we are done, the “eye” needs to be looking into your mouth. Remember, your mic is a Side Address microphone, not an End Address microphone.

Step 3

Also, make sure you aren’t looking at the back of the diaphragm. Using your fingernail, lightly scratch the metal basket on both faces of the mic. The one that sounds louder is the front.

Step 4

Next, position the front of the flat circle only about 4 inches from your mouth (Yes, this is too close).

Step 5

Start to talk. Pay attention to your voice. You will hear the mic over-emphasizing the deeper colors within your sound (lower frequencies). Get used to what this sounds like.

Step 6

Now, move the mic all the way out to 12 inches but maintain everything else (Yes, this is too far).

Step 7

As you talk, first you will note the differences in the low frequencies.
Next, you will note that between your words, we hear more of the room around you.

Step 8...visit Steven's website