PA Basics: Microphones and Stands
There are two main types of microphones, those for voice (often called Shure 57s) and those for instruments, often called Condenser Microphones.
Voice Microphones
The common microphone that we all know, whether wired (with an XLR cable) or wireless they have a pickup area like a balloon. This basically means that anywhere from 6 inches to right up against the microphone works best.
You'll only need a foam cover in the case of being outdoors or if the user spits a lot. The main thing you'll need to do is encourage closer use of the microphone so you don't have to turn up the sensitivity/gain too high and get feedback.
Instrument Microphones
In many cases you can get away with using a voice microphone on an instrument like an acoustic guitar that doesn't move much or a saxaphone.
However other instruments like violins need a different kind of mic, a condenser which has a different pickup pattern, allowing it to pick up more subtle sound and to be more directional.
Stands
This is often neglected but a really important part of things. You may have seen mics slowly falling over or being so difficult to remove from a stand that it makes all kinds of sensitivity noises.
Keep it simple, for stands that are needed for singers don't have big booms (bendy bits), rather just go straight up and down. For those who needs boom mics (acoustic guitar players and keyboards) use booms which close tightly, screw versions work better than those with two plates.
