I’m really not even sure where to begin with this thing–it’s really that much fun! I had a good time playing with it while it was in my possession. I did, however, decide to gift it to my nephew ultimately.

I didn’t give it away because it wasn’t any fun–I gave it away because my nephew is a budding musician and was really fascinated when I brought it to his house to show him how it worked. His dad is a musician, being versed in more than one musical instrument, and he’s recently started playing the guitar. When he saw the T Pain microphone, he was asked and fascinated and wanted to know how it worked and how he could use it to record his own music.

Before I continue with this story however, let’s talk a little bit about just what this microphone accessory does and how it does it.

T Pain Microphone Basics

 

If you’re familiar with T Pain, then you know that his groundbreaking musical style has been adopted by many in the music industry. This was accomplished with the help of autotune technology, which transforms his voice in that popular and inimitable style. The microphone accessory itself does not use autotune–it’s a separate technology, but it produces the same effect.

Originally, T Pain had an app developed for the iPhone and it took off in popularity immediately. Being technically savvy, as well as business setting, T Pain recognized the opportunity to bring his unique musical style to a whole new audience.

Enter the T Pain microphone: technology and fun intersect in an all-new way with this entertaining and ultimately very impressive microphone accessory.

Resembling an actual microphone, this device allows you to record, save and modify sound files that you make with the device itself. Out-of-the-box, I was so excited to use the thing that I tore it right out of its packaging without giving a thought to reading the instructions.

What I found, was that there was no T Pain effect even while pressing the button that is supposed to produce the effect. Remember that I said I didn’t look at the instructions. I have a bad habit of not looking at instructions with many things. Most of the time, it’s not even an issue. It was this time, however.

Upon being a little bit frustrated with the microphone, I decided it might be a good idea to read the instructions like you’re supposed to do. Once I had taken a minute to read them, I discovered that there’s more to producing this musical effect than simply pressing the button and speaking.

You have to alter the pitch of your voice in order to accurately reproduce the fact that T Pain uses in his music. It does take a little bit of getting used to, but once you get the hang of it the effect is really pretty impressive.

You can record what you saying, save it to your computer and even modify it/include it in tracks you have been working in a program such as GarageBand.

The base of the microphone serves as a speaker and is detachable. Beneath the speaker is a sheathed USB port. You can plug the microphone directly into your computer in order to upload your sound files, modify them or share them with friends and family.

The T Pain Microphone: Why My Nephew Loves It

Speaking of friends and family, let’s get back to my nephew.  As I mentioned, he’s an enthusiastic young musician.  His father’s love of music served as encouragement to learn to play the guitar.  While visiting one day, I brought the microphone with me to see what he thought of it.

It was an instant hit, especially once he learned how to record what he had sung and overlay it with his guitar music.  I think it’s really helped to cement his interest not only in music, but also in music production.

But back to the mic:

There are several versions of this available in different colors. The standard version simply looks like a microphone with a few graphics included related to T Pain. You can also get it in red or white.

Most chain stores stock this popular item, or you can get one online and avoid the hassle of shopping for one after work or when you have time. The advantage to buying online, is that many vendors keep track of what stores are charging and will price match, as well as offer free shipping. Often, you’ll find a better deal online because there is much less overhead with a web-based business than with a traditional brick and mortar store.

Whether you decide to get it online or you decide to shop for it in person, you’re sure to have endless fun with the T Pain microphone. I know my nephew loves it!