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Setting up Bonza as a Vocalist, Acoustic Instrument player or Wired Instrument player

Bonza works with a wide range of microphones and instruments - you don’t need a complex studio setup to get started. However, choosing the right microphone or input can make a noticeable difference to sound quality, noise levels, and how clearly other musicians hear you.

Choosing the right microphone

Different microphones are designed for different jobs. A higher price doesn’t automatically mean a better result - what matters most is how well the microphone suits your sound source.

Condenser microphones

(Recommended for most vocalists and quieter sound sources)

Condenser microphones are more sensitive and detailed, which makes them well suited to:

  • Singing
  • Spoken voice
  • Acoustic instruments (guitar, strings, woodwind, piano, etc.)
  • Quiet spaces with not much background noise

They capture subtle dynamics and quieter sounds more easily, helping your performance come across clearly in Bonza.

Things to know:

  • Condensers are usually more expensive than dynamic microphones
  • Most modern condensers can handle high sound pressure levels (SPL)
  • A higher price does not necessarily mean a better match for your voice or instrument

Dynamic microphones

(Recommended for louder instruments and high-energy sources)

Dynamic microphones are less sensitive but very robust, making them ideal for:

  • Brass instruments
  • Loud amplified sources
  • Close-mic’d drums
  • Noisy environments
  • Using live on stage

They’re widely used in live performance because they reject background noise well and are difficult to overload.

 

Phantom power (important for condenser microphones)

Most condenser microphones require phantom power (48V) to operate.

  • Phantom power is supplied by most audio interfaces and some mixers
  • It’s usually enabled using a button labelled +48V
  • Without phantom power, a condenser mic will be extremely quiet or produce no sound

Dynamic microphones do not require phantom power.

If you’re unsure whether your microphone needs phantom power, check the manufacturer’s specifications.

 

Using wired instruments

If your instrument has a built-in pickup or line output (for example electric guitar, bass, or electro-acoustic instruments), you can usually connect directly to:

  • An instrument (Hi-Z) input on an audio interface
  • A DI box feeding an interface or mixer

For acoustic instruments without pickups, using a microphone - often a condenser - is usually the best approach.

 

Key takeaways

  • You don’t need expensive equipment to use Bonza effectively
  • Condenser microphones are generally best for vocals and quieter instruments
  • Dynamic microphones are better suited to louder sound sources
  • Phantom power is required for most condenser microphones
  • Choosing the right microphone for the job matters more than price

Please drop us an email at support@bonzamusic.com if you would like further support in finding the right microphone for you and your voice, instrument or setup.

Equally, if you feel some microphone technique sessions would be of value to you, let us know too – we’re here and happy to help.