Simple vocal mic setup

Here is a basic setup to record a vocalist.

(there is no pop shield in the picture but there was one during recording)

The microphone is a Neumann U87 using a figure 8 polar pattern. Which means it picks up sound from the front and the rear of the mic, but rejects sound from the sides.

Ideally the pop shield wants to be 2-4 inches from the front of the mic and the singer again 2-4 inches from the pop shield. This isn't an absolute final figure. It is just what was found to be the best in the situation, try different spacings to suit your sound.

The space used was not a totally dead environment and we also used the vocal shield you see in the picture. The mic was placed in line with the edges of the shield and in the centre of the shield (the camera angle makes it
Look off centre)

The picture isn't greatest quality as it is from my iPhone.