It sounds better when you sing as you aren't so close to the mic. When FG speaks into the other mic, it is more understandable.

I often "eat the mic" when I sing-- singing with my lips actually touching it. The difference is not the microphones or the closeness to them. It's mostly Hardiman's strong carryng voice even away from the amp, from the center aisle, unobstructed by pews. (My speaking voice is not nearly as strong as my singing voice.) And it's the placement of the amps-- we are on two different amps and without amp stands, speech does not cross the pew barriers well. The amps are aimed, also, to eliminate feedback. Since you have not worked with sound systems (not needing one for the fiddle), you would not know this.

Some people who sit elsewhwere in the church hear me just fine, BTW. We do the best we can within the limitations we've been given to work with.

~Susan