The "Mic Drop" has become a popular way to end a speech in recent months. I'm sure that if you ask most people what their opinion on the mic drop would be, they probably wouldn't have an issue with it. I mean it seems pretty harmless right..? Wrong! For any AV person, sound board operator, crew member, or DJ, this is a very big NO-NO!
As a professional sound op & DJ for the past 16 years, I'd like to share some of my knowledge on the subject. The key purpose for a microphone is to amplify something, or someone. Typically, a professional microphone will start at $99, and you would end up with a wired, Shure SM-58 microphone. When thinking about wireless mics, the cost for a professional handheld (transmitter) starts at about $250. This price can rise quickly depending on brand and series. For a touring wireless system like the Shure UR series, the cost for a wireless Beta-58 handheld transmitter can cost upwards of $950.
Now imagine that you are having a wedding... You've invited 150 of your closest friends & family. You have asked your best man to give a toast to you & your new spouse. At the end of the best man's speech, he decides to do a mic drop. He does it for the effect. He had seen Bryan Cranston's mic drop at Comic Con 2015 and thought it was hilarious. The unfortunate thing is that the microphone is most likely ruined. Mics are very delicate pieces of equipment, and are not meant to be dropped 5 or 6ft directly onto the floor. Another unfortunate side effect from a mic drop is a very loud piercing noise that you and your guests will hear. Depending on the level in which the mic is set at, the noise could reach well over 100db.
The moral of the story is, if you or someone you know is going to be giving a speech, please DO NOT do a mic drop. The joke will not be that funny, and you will potentially be charged hundreds of dollars for the equipment that you damaged.
