OK, here's my dumb question: What is a mic check?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

I thought I knew, but I guess not.

At least not the current, political meaning...

:shrug:

[Orrex]

1. It's what you pay with when you're buying a personal voice-amplifying device

[dionysus]

2. the human microphone. when denied or without electric devices like PAs or bullhorns, the human

microphone is used in lieu of these.

someone yells "mic check" in a call and response fashion. after the crowd is in synch, the speaker will shout a phrase or sentence, and the entire crowd will repeat it. a very effective amplification device.

[NRaleighLiberal]

3. Check this link - good discussion by Rachel Maddow on Mic Check

http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/737526/mic_check!_maddow_on_how_ows_techniques_are_used_to_protest_politicians/

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. Thanks, everybody!

I had heard about this, but had forgotten.

I appreciate your help!

:hi:

[WiffenPoof]

5. It is sort of...

...taking the whole flash mob concept and putting it to good use.

-P

[Electric Monk]

6. He's (also) a radio DJ syndicated in 60+ cities, fwiw

http://giantsarise.com/artists/mikeczech/

[WillyT]

7. For You, My Dear CP...

Link: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x2375160

:D

:hi:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. That was great, my dear WillyT!

I appreciate your help!

:D

:hi:

[hootinholler]

9. And now that you know, I'm curious about your misperceptions

It's not an euphemism for oral sex ;)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

13. My dear hootinholler!

I thought it was some sort of musical thing. Don't musicians do some sort of check before they play? Balance or some such?

I was thinking mic check was something like that...

I certainly didn't think oral sex!

:P

:hi:

[hootinholler]

14. Generally it's a sound guy

and yes that's where it came from. It's done to set gain levels on the mic and to set volume levels on the monitor speakers and to discover frequencies that 'ring' in the room being played causing feedback, all of which is basically a balancing act.

Having been a sound guy once or twice, I have a friend who tells me mike check as an offer ;) It's an inside joke of sorts.

[Frank Jameson]

10. They use to spell is "mike". Laziness won over again

[Juneboarder]

11. It is a MICrophone... nt

[trof]

12. I know, but mic reads/sounds like 'mick' to me.

I Like Mike.
;-)

[Posteritatis]

15. "Mic" has been the common spelling for that for eons. (nt)

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

16. Politicians' income for voting for military projects?