Let’s be honest: feedback is terrible. No one likes it when a squeaky microphone takes over the show. When you’re new to the stage, feedback can seem like a mystery, but once you know what causes it, it’s not hard to stop it. Here, we’ll talk about a few simple, obvious mistakes that lead to feedback on stage.
Bad house speaker placement
In case it isn’t clear, feedback is just what happens when an audio input and output are connected in a loop. Also known as when a mic picks up the sound coming from the speaker it’s already connected to.
The most common way this happens may seem obvious to experienced sound engineers: both the mic and the speaker are pointed at each other. This means that house speakers should never be put behind microphones. Instead, put them in the front.
Holding The Mic Wrong
Some speakers/singers like to hold the microphone by its end, which is called “cupping the mic.” This changes the sound of the space around a microphone, which can make any leftover signal from the stage louder, or “feedback.”
The same thing happens when you put your hand over the microphone, like when you rest your palm on the mic while a solo is being played.
Bad Monitor Placement
When monitors are put in the wrong place, they can cause feedback. This isn’t always clear before it happens because the polar pattern of the microphone can change how feedback from the monitors looks. If your vocal microphone has good side rejection, you might be able to get away with putting a monitor at an angle in front of you.
But if your mic still picks up sound on the sides of the capsule, you probably want your monitor right in front of you.
Stage Volume Too Loud
If you haven’t set up the stage volume right, starting with the drums, you may have to turn up the vocal monitors so that the singer can hear.
At some point, you’ll turn them up so loud that they’ll feedback no matter where you point them. This may be the most common reason why full bands get feedback.
Compression
Last but not least, too much compression can be bad for feedback. Compression can be a great tool on stage, especially for vocals, but if a signal is about to feedback, compression might push it over the edge when the make-up gain is added.
As a general rule, don’t use too much compression on stage, especially if you’re already close to feedback.
Take Professional Help to Avoid Problems
Feedback isn’t fun, but as you can see, it’s not always that hard to stop, even without drastic EQ changes or automatic feedback removers. Even if you end up having to turn a few knobs, make sure you get rid of the obvious mistakes first.
However, if you are hosting an event and do not have the slightest idea about how sound works, it may be better to let experts handle your sound setup. What I would suggest is that you look for the right Miami speaker rentals company, rent sound equipment from them, and let them take care of the setup.
A professional knows how to set up sound systems to get the best output in a venue. Also, a reliable audio rental service will offer up-to-date and top-quality equipment so that your event is a success.
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