controlling feedback

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at_leo_87

Posts: 3055
Joined: Aug. 30 2008
From: Boston, MA, U.S.A

controlling feedback

for one of my dance classes, i use a mic hooked up to a preamp and then into a keyboard amp. it works okay but there's a lot of feedback, especially when i turn it up. i sit up against the wall with the mic pointing at me and the amp is 6 feet to my right with it's back towards the wall. i can't get it loud enough without horrible feedback. if i keep this up, the dancers will start to bleed from their ears.

does anybody have any tips on how to handle the feedback? should i adjust the gain or output on my preamp a certain way? should i try to sitting in another part of the room?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 31 2009 14:59:45

Ricardo

Posts: 14897
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: controlling feedback (in reply to at_leo_87)

Only two choices IMO.

1. Get a proper PA system where you can control frequencies or even use monitor plus speaker for the dancer. (The monitor will cancel the feedback that might come from the main speaker when you crank it up for the dancers).

2. Use a guitar with a pick up, preferably a piezo under the saddle type thing so you can really crank it up with no feedback and control the levels on your guitar as you play. (say boost it for the falseta and pull back the level when you strum compas only.) Sure it won't sound "flamenco" but you will be HEARD which is important for dance class. I don't recommend it for a performance but for class or rehearsal I think it is totally acceptable and helps everybody including you.

Ricardo

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 2 2009 18:32:34

Andy Culpepper

Posts: 3025
Joined: Mar. 30 2009
From: NY, USA

RE: controlling feedback (in reply to at_leo_87)

If it's a cardioid pattern mic, you can put the amp directly in front of you facing away, with the mic pointing towards you. The mic will basically ignore anything that's in that dead zone directly behind it which should cut down on feedback.
When the amp is next to you, the mic is still picking it up from the side.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2009 6:02:58

at_leo_87

Posts: 3055
Joined: Aug. 30 2008
From: Boston, MA, U.S.A

RE: controlling feedback (in reply to at_leo_87)

thanks for your replies, guys.

ricardo, both your options requires spending MORE money than i already did. i just bought an audio interface, a preamp, an amplifier, and two condenser mics. i also have to buy another ipod because i lost mine.

when is music going to bring me money instead of taking my money?!!?

andy, that's a good idea. i wonder if the mic is picking up reflections from the wall as well. i'm using a dynamic mic, do you think a condenser would be better?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2009 13:28:02

Andy Culpepper

Posts: 3025
Joined: Mar. 30 2009
From: NY, USA

RE: controlling feedback (in reply to at_leo_87)

well, dance studios are very ringy environments.
You could bring a rug or some foam pads to hang behind you

I would stick with the dynamic mic, condensers would tend to pick up more of that room noise I think.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2009 14:20:16

at_leo_87

Posts: 3055
Joined: Aug. 30 2008
From: Boston, MA, U.S.A

RE: controlling feedback (in reply to Andy Culpepper)

quote:

well, dance studios are very ringy environments.
You could bring a rug or some foam pads to hang behind you

maybe i'll bring my bed because if i keep buying equipment i'll be broke and homeless anyways.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2009 17:56:29

Ricardo

Posts: 14897
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: controlling feedback (in reply to at_leo_87)

quote:

ricardo, both your options requires spending MORE money than i already did. i just bought an audio interface, a preamp, an amplifier, and two condenser mics. i also have to buy another ipod because i lost mine. when is music going to bring me money instead of taking my money?!!?

Well put the speaker up high as you can and FAR AWAY from you as you can. That is the best you can do, and still be loud enough to be heard. Put the mic as close to the sound hole as you can stand (the most volume you can get from the guitar) and reduce Bass until it doesn't go WOOOOOOO. You may need to increase mids and trebs together if you can depending on where you place the speaker relative to YOU, if it is still too bassy once you have cut ALL the bass out.

Ricardo

_____________________________

CD's and transcriptions available here:
www.ricardomarlow.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 4 2009 12:51:52

at_leo_87

Posts: 3055
Joined: Aug. 30 2008
From: Boston, MA, U.S.A

RE: controlling feedback (in reply to Ricardo)

quote:

Well put the speaker up high as you can and FAR AWAY from you as you can. That is the best you can do, and still be loud enough to be heard. Put the mic as close to the sound hole as you can stand (the most volume you can get from the guitar) and reduce Bass until it doesn't go WOOOOOOO. You may need to increase mids and trebs together if you can depending on where you place the speaker relative to YOU, if it is still too bassy once you have cut ALL the bass out.

that's great advice, thanks ricardo! i'll try it out this weekend. i have a feeling the dancers are starting to associate ear pain with seeing me.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 4 2009 20:04:03

Ricardo

Posts: 14897
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: controlling feedback (in reply to at_leo_87)

quote:

that's great advice, thanks ricardo! i'll try it out this weekend. i have a feeling the dancers are starting to associate ear pain with seeing me.

Also tell em not to stomp and clap so damn loud!!!