Tips on Sound Systems
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Microphones & Stands

Cost-wise they are a relatively cheap portion of the overall cost of a live system but it isn't worth skimping here.

Vocal Mics

The most common type, often called '58s' in relation to their 58mm diameter pickup or sometimes just Shure 58s after the popular brand. They're extremely versatile and robust (if you don't drop them on the floor). They have a 'cardiod' pattern which is like a balloon, ideal distance being 0 to 6 inches from the mic.

The simple rule is that you always need one more than you have because they're so useful. If you normally use 3 then you'll want 4 for that occasion when another singer turns up or you need to mic an amp. As they're quite hardy bits of kit get an extra if you can afford it.

Condenser Mics

There are many varieties of condenser mic, which range from the reasonable (paired for under £100 with a stand) to the studio-level ridiculous (£1,500+). 

Excepting specialist mics like for saxaphones a basic condenser set makes it much easier to capture sound from things like violins, drums and other instruments. The different sound pattern (more like a tube than a balloon) picks up the music in a more directional fashion. 

However the musician needs to be aware they can't be used for vocals, the number of times we've seen musicians singing into a sensitive instrument mic!

Stands

These come in a bewildering array, but again it comes back to purpose. A cheap stand might do all you need you just need to decide if it really needs the bending boom or if a straight stand will do (perfect for singers and simple to operate).

You may want to avoid boom joints that work on the tension of two plates coming together because they tend not to hold up when extended over a large distance (eg. over a keyboard or drums) and are hard to tighten. Also don't get a huge mic holder as you want the mic to be a snug fit. Likewise clip mic holders can be a big flimsy depending on the spring in it.

Stands that have the ability to independently tighten the joint just below the mic holder this can be helpful as heavier mics can cause sagging and you may not have a screw-driver on hand. Also legs that are joined in two positions to the centre tend to result in a stabler stand that is easier to put up.

Sometimes they come in packs, and if you can get a mic stand bag (holding up to 10 stands) it can be invaluable.