Frank Sinatra, arguably the most iconic vocalist of the 20th century, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his smooth, velvety tone and unparalleled phrasing. While his remarkable talent and charisma played a significant role in his success, the microphones he used also contributed significantly to his distinctive sound. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of microphones and explore the tools that helped shape Ol’ Blue Eyes’ legendary voice.
The Early Years: Shure and RCA
During the 1930s and 1940s, Frank Sinatra’s career was on the rise, and he often performed with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and the Harry James Band. During this period, Sinatra primarily used Shure microphones, which were the industry standard at the time. The Shure Unidyne 55, introduced in 1939, was one of the most popular microphones of the era, known for its durability and ability to handle high sound pressure levels. It’s likely that Sinatra used this microphone during his early days with the big bands.
Another microphone that Sinatra might have used during this period is the RCA 44, a bidirectional ribbon microphone introduced in the late 1930s. The RCA 44 was a popular choice for vocalists, as it provided a warm, rich sound and was known for its ability to capture the subtleties of the human voice.
The Golden Age: The AWA and the Neumann U47
As Sinatra’s career progressed, he began to experiment with different microphones to find the perfect fit for his unique voice. During the 1950s, he frequently used the AWA (Australian Wireless Alicompany) microphone, a popular choice among vocalists of the time. The AWA microphone was known for its clear, detailed sound and was often used in recording studios.
However, it was the Neumann U47 that truly helped shape Sinatra’s signature sound. Introduced in the late 1940s, the U47 was a condenser microphone that quickly gained popularity among recording artists and engineers. Its smooth, detailed sound and ability to capture the nuances of the human voice made it an ideal choice for vocalists.
Sinatra’s love for the Neumann U47 was evident in his frequent use of the microphone in the recording studio. In fact, the U47 was often referred to as “Sinatra’s microphone” due to his fondness for it. Many of Sinatra’s most iconic recordings, including “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “Fly Me to the Moon,” were captured using the Neumann U47.
The Reprise Years: The AKG and the Electro-Voice
As the 1960s dawned, Sinatra’s career entered a new phase with the launch of his own record label, Reprise Records. During this period, he began to experiment with different microphones, including the AKG C12 and the Electro-Voice 665.
The AKG C12, introduced in the early 1950s, was a popular choice among recording engineers due to its clear, detailed sound and versatility. Sinatra often used the C12 in the recording studio, particularly during the early years of Reprise Records.
The Electro-Voice 665, introduced in the late 1950s, was another microphone that Sinatra used frequently during the Reprise era. This dynamic microphone was known for its ability to handle high sound pressure levels and was often used in live performances.
Live Performances: The Sennheiser and the Shure
When it came to live performances, Sinatra often relied on microphones that could handle the demands of a loud orchestra and a raucous audience. During the 1970s and 1980s, he frequently used the Sennheiser MD 421, a dynamic microphone known for its ability to handle high sound pressure levels and its clear, detailed sound.
Sinatra also used the Shure SM58, another popular dynamic microphone, during his live performances. The SM58 was introduced in the 1960s and quickly became a staple in the music industry due to its durability and versatility.
| Microphone | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Shure Unidyne 55 | Durable, able to handle high sound pressure levels, clear sound |
| RCA 44 | Bidirectional ribbon microphone, warm and rich sound, captures subtleties of the human voice |
| AWA | Clear and detailed sound, popular among vocalists of the 1950s |
| Neumann U47 | Condenser microphone, smooth and detailed sound, captures nuances of the human voice |
| AKG C12 | Clear and detailed sound, versatile, popular among recording engineers |
| Electro-Voice 665 | Dynamic microphone, able to handle high sound pressure levels, used in live performances |
| Sennheiser MD 421 | Dynamic microphone, able to handle high sound pressure levels, clear and detailed sound |
| Shure SM58 | Dynamic microphone, durable, versatile, popular among vocalists |
Conclusion
Frank Sinatra’s legendary voice was shaped by a variety of microphones throughout his career. From the early days with Shure and RCA to his experiments with the AWA, Neumann U47, AKG C12, Electro-Voice 665, Sennheiser MD 421, and Shure SM58, each microphone played a significant role in capturing the essence of Ol’ Blue Eyes’ sound.
While it’s impossible to pinpoint a single microphone as the definitive “Sinatra mic,” the Neumann U47 remains an integral part of his iconic sound.
As we reflect on the legacy of Frank Sinatra, it’s clear that his choice of microphones was an essential aspect of his artistry. By understanding the tools that helped shape his voice, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and dedication that went into creating some of the most timeless music of the 20th century.
Whether you’re a seasoned audio engineer or simply a music enthusiast, exploring the world of microphones used by Frank Sinatra offers a fascinating glimpse into the art of recording and the magic of the human voice.
What kind of microphones did Frank Sinatra use during his early career?
Frank Sinatra’s early career spanned from the 1930s to the 1940s, and during this time, he primarily used ribbon microphones. These microphones were popular among vocalists of the era due to their warm, smooth sound and ability to capture the nuances of the human voice. The ribbon microphone’s design, which features a thin metal ribbon suspended between two magnets, allowed it to produce a rich, full-bodied sound that was well-suited to Sinatra’s baritone voice.
One of the most iconic ribbon microphones of this era was the RCA 44, which was widely used by recording studios and radio stations. The RCA 44 was known for its warm, balanced sound and its ability to reduce sibilance and harsh high frequencies. Sinatra often used the RCA 44 in the studio, and it’s said to have played a significant role in shaping his legendary sound.
How did Frank Sinatra’s microphone preferences change over time?
As the years went by, Sinatra began to experiment with different microphones to find the one that best suited his evolving vocal style. In the 1950s and 1960s, he started to favor condenser microphones, which offered a brighter, more detailed sound than ribbon microphones. This change was largely driven by the emergence of new recording technologies and the desire to capture a more modern, sophisticated sound.
One of the most notable condenser microphones used by Sinatra during this period was the Neumann U47. This German-made microphone was highly regarded for its clear, detailed sound and its ability to capture the subtleties of the human voice. The U47 became a staple of Sinatra’s recording setup, and it’s said to have played a key role in shaping the sound of his iconic albums, such as “In the Wee Small Hours” and “Songs for Swingin’ Lovers!”
What role did microphone placement play in Frank Sinatra’s sound?
Microphone placement was a crucial aspect of Sinatra’s recording setup, and he was known to be very particular about how his microphones were positioned. He typically preferred to have his microphone placed about 6-8 inches from his mouth, slightly off-axis, which allowed him to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy in his recordings.
This placement technique also helped to reduce the amount of breath noise and mouth sounds that were picked up by the microphone, creating a cleaner, more polished sound. Sinatra would often work closely with his engineers to experiment with different microphone placements, finding the perfect spot that would capture his voice in its most flattering light.
Did Frank Sinatra have a favorite microphone?
Yes, Frank Sinatra did have a favorite microphone, and that was the Shure Unidyne III. This dynamic microphone was introduced in the 1950s and quickly became a staple of the music industry. Sinatra was particularly fond of the Unidyne III due to its clarity, warmth, and ability to capture the nuances of his voice.
The Unidyne III was also extremely durable and versatile, making it an ideal choice for both studio and live performances. Sinatra would often use the Unidyne III for his live shows, and it’s said to have been his go-to microphone for many years.
How did Frank Sinatra’s microphone choices influence other vocalists?
Frank Sinatra’s microphone choices had a significant impact on the music industry as a whole. Many vocalists, including legendary singers like Dean Martin and Tony Bennett, were influenced by Sinatra’s microphone preferences and would often emulate his setup.
Sinatra’s use of ribbon microphones, condenser microphones, and dynamic microphones set a new standard for vocal recordings, and many engineers and producers would study his techniques to create their own signature sounds.
Are the microphones used by Frank Sinatra still used today?
Yes, many of the microphones used by Frank Sinatra are still used today, albeit in modified forms. The RCA 44, for example, is no longer in production, but its design has influenced many modern ribbon microphones. The Neumann U47 has also been reissued in various forms, and its sound continues to be highly sought after by recording artists.
The Shure Unidyne III, although no longer in production, has been succeeded by later models such as the Shure SM58, which is still widely used in the music industry today.
What can modern vocalists learn from Frank Sinatra’s microphone choices?
Modern vocalists can learn a great deal from Frank Sinatra’s microphone choices. Firstly, the importance of experimentation and finding the right microphone to suit one’s voice cannot be overstated. Sinatra’s willingness to try different microphones and techniques is a valuable lesson in the pursuit of capturing a unique sound.
Secondly, the attention to detail that Sinatra brought to his microphone setup is something that modern vocalists can emulate. By paying close attention to microphone placement, distance, and angle, vocalists can create a more intimate and engaging sound that draws the listener in.