How to Eliminate Microphone Feedback - As Fast As Possible

Attaway Audio

10 Jan 201902:36

Summary

TLDRThis video script offers seven practical tips to minimize or eliminate sound system feedback, emphasizing the importance of gain before feedback for better sound quality. Techniques include microphone positioning, speaker placement, utilizing the microphone's polar pattern, choosing the right microphone type, 'ringing out' with an equalizer, and limiting open mics on stage. The video encourages viewers to subscribe for more sound-related content and offers a free guide for church sound teams.

Takeaways

🔊 Feedback in a sound system occurs when sound from a speaker is picked up by a microphone, creating a loop.
📢 Increasing gain before feedback is crucial for better sound quality; it refers to how loud you can go before the sound starts to ring.
🎤 The first method to increase gain before feedback is to position the microphone closer to the sound source.
🔉 The second method suggests moving speakers further away from microphones to reduce feedback.
👉 The third technique involves pointing speakers away from microphones to minimize the chance of feedback.
🎚️ For monitor wedges, it's recommended to point the microphone away from the speakers to align with the microphone's polar pattern.
🎙️ Using a moving-coil or dynamic microphone can help increase gain before feedback due to their heavier diaphragm assembly.
🎛️ 'Ringing out' the system involves using an equalizer to reduce frequencies that are prone to feedback.
🚫 Limiting the number of open microphones on stage at any time can also prevent feedback, by muting unused channels or using a noise gate.
👍 The video encourages viewers to subscribe and engage with the content for more sound-related tips and guides.
📚 A free guide titled 'How to Lead Your Church Sound Team' is offered for those interested in improving their sound management skills.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?
-The main topic of the video script is how to reduce or eliminate feedback from a sound system.
What causes feedback in a sound system?
-Feedback occurs when sound from a speaker is picked up by the microphone that is feeding it, creating a loop that can lead to a high-pitched squeal.
What does 'gain before feedback' mean in the context of sound systems?
-'Gain before feedback' refers to the volume level that can be achieved before the sound system begins to produce feedback or ringing.
Why is having more gain before feedback considered better?
-Having more gain before feedback is better because it allows the sound system to be turned up to higher volumes without causing unwanted noise or distortion from feedback.
What is the first method suggested to increase gain before feedback?
-The first method suggested is to move the microphone closer to the sound source.
How can speakers be positioned to reduce feedback?
-Speakers can be positioned further away from the microphones or pointed away from them to reduce feedback.
What is a monitor wedge and how does it relate to feedback?
-A monitor wedge is a type of stage monitor speaker that faces the performer. It can contribute to feedback if not positioned correctly in relation to the microphone's polar pattern.
What is the polar pattern of a microphone and why is it important for feedback reduction?
-The polar pattern of a microphone describes its sensitivity to sound from different directions. It's important for feedback reduction because it helps in positioning the microphone and speakers to minimize pickup of unwanted sound.
What type of microphone is recommended to increase gain before feedback according to the script?
-The script recommends using a moving-coil or dynamic microphone due to its heavier diaphragm assembly which provides more inertia and resistance to feedback.
What is the process of 'ringing out' a mic and speaker combination?
-'Ringing out' involves using an equalizer to identify and reduce the frequencies that are most likely to cause feedback.
How can limiting the number of open microphones on stage help with feedback issues?
-Limiting the number of open microphones reduces the chances of sound from one microphone being picked up by others, thus helping to prevent feedback.
What additional resource is offered for those interested in improving their church sound team's capabilities?
-A free guide titled 'How to Lead Your Church Sound Team' is offered, with a link provided in the video description.

Outlines

00:00

🔊 Eliminating Feedback in Sound Systems

This paragraph introduces a video tutorial on reducing or eliminating feedback in sound systems. The speaker promises to deliver seven methods quickly and encourages viewers to subscribe and enable notifications for more sound-related content. Feedback is explained as the phenomenon where sound from a speaker is picked up by the feeding microphone, creating a loop. The goal is to increase the gain before feedback, which is the volume level before the sound starts to ring. Gain is described as any stage of amplification, including the preamp, fader, EQ, or compressor.

🎤 Microphone and Speaker Placement for Better Sound

The paragraph outlines the first three methods to increase gain before feedback. The first method suggests moving the microphone closer to the sound source for better pickup. The second method recommends moving speakers further away from microphones to reduce the chance of feedback. The third method advises pointing speakers away from microphones, with a practical suggestion to place speakers in front of the stage where microphones are not directly facing them. An exception is noted for monitor wedges used by musicians, which requires careful positioning to avoid feedback.

🚫 Avoiding Feedback with Microphone Positioning

This section introduces the fourth method to increase gain before feedback, which is to point the microphone away from the speakers. It explains the importance of understanding the microphone's polar pattern, which typically picks up sound from the front and rejects it from the back. Positioning the monitor wedge correctly in relation to the microphone's polar pattern can significantly improve gain before feedback.

🔊 Choosing the Right Microphone Type

The fifth method discussed is the use of moving-coil or dynamic microphones to reduce feedback. These microphones have a heavier diaphragm assembly, which provides more inertia and makes them less susceptible to feedback compared to condenser microphones. The paragraph humorously references the usefulness of a physics class in understanding this concept.

🎛️ Utilizing Equalization to Prevent Feedback

The sixth method for increasing gain before feedback is 'ringing out' the mic and speaker combination. This involves using an equalizer to identify and reduce the frequencies that are most likely to cause feedback. By lowering these frequencies, the sound system can operate at higher volumes without feedback issues.

🚫 Limiting Open Microphones to Minimize Feedback

The final method presented is to limit the number of open microphones on stage at any given time. This can be achieved by muting unused channels or using a noise gate to automatically manage open microphones. This approach helps in reducing the overall potential for feedback on stage.

👍 Engaging with the Sound Community

The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to engage with the content. It encourages viewers to like the video, subscribe, and enable notifications for more content. Additionally, it offers a free guide titled 'How to Lead Your Church Sound Team' for those interested in improving their sound management skills, with a link provided in the video description. Viewers are also invited to comment and suggest topics for future videos.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Feedback

Feedback in the context of sound systems refers to the unwanted phenomenon where sound from a speaker is picked up by a microphone, creating a loop that can lead to a high-pitched squeal. In the video, feedback is the central issue being addressed, with the entire theme revolving around how to reduce or eliminate it to improve sound quality.

💡Gain Before Feedback

Gain before feedback is a measure of how loud a sound system can be turned up before feedback occurs. The higher the gain before feedback, the better, as it allows for more volume without the risk of feedback. The video discusses various methods to increase this parameter, which is crucial for optimizing sound system performance.

💡Microphone

A microphone is a device that converts sound into an electrical signal. In the script, the placement and direction of microphones are discussed as key factors in preventing feedback. The video suggests moving microphones closer to the sound source and pointing them away from speakers to reduce the likelihood of feedback.

💡Speakers

Speakers are devices that convert electrical signals into sound. The video script mentions speakers in relation to feedback, advising to move them further away from microphones and to point them away from microphones to minimize the sound picked up by the mics, thus reducing feedback.

💡Polar Pattern

The polar pattern of a microphone describes the directionality of its pickup. In the video, it is mentioned that most live sound microphones pick up sound from the front and reject it from the back, which is an important consideration when positioning microphones and speakers to avoid feedback.

💡Moving-Coil Microphone

A moving-coil microphone is a type of dynamic microphone that uses a heavy diaphragm assembly. The video suggests using this type of microphone because of its heavier diaphragm, which requires more energy to vibrate and thus can help in reducing feedback due to its inertia.

💡Condenser Microphone

A condenser microphone is a type of microphone that is more sensitive and typically used in studio settings. The script contrasts it with moving-coil microphones, noting that because of their lighter diaphragms, they may be more prone to feedback, which is why the video recommends using dynamic microphones in live settings.

💡Equalizer

An equalizer is a device that allows for the adjustment of the balance between frequency components within an electronic signal. In the script, the equalizer is used to 'ring out' the system by turning down frequencies that are prone to feedback, thus helping to increase gain before feedback.

💡Noise Gate

A noise gate is a device that automatically mutes a signal that falls below a certain volume threshold. The video mentions using a noise gate to limit the number of open microphones on stage, which can help in reducing feedback by ensuring that only needed microphones are active.

💡Muting Unused Channels

Muting unused channels on a sound mixer refers to the practice of turning off the sound from channels that are not in use. The video suggests this as a method to reduce feedback by limiting the number of active microphones, thus reducing the chances of sound being picked up by unintended mics.

💡Sound Ninja

While not a technical term, 'Sound Ninja' is used in the script as a call-to-action for viewers who understand the content. It serves as a playful term to engage the audience and is used in the context of mastering the techniques to reduce feedback, implying a level of skill and expertise in sound management.

Highlights

Feedback occurs when sound from a speaker is picked up by the microphone, creating a loop.

Seven methods are presented to reduce or eliminate feedback in sound systems.

Increasing gain before feedback improves sound system performance.

Gain refers to any stage where sound is amplified, including preamp, fader, EQ, or compressor.

Moving the microphone closer to the sound source can increase gain before feedback.

Positioning speakers further away from microphones helps to reduce feedback.

Speakers should be directed away from microphones for optimal sound.

Understanding microphone polar patterns is crucial for feedback reduction.

Proper positioning of monitor wedges in relation to microphones can enhance gain before feedback.

Using moving-coil or dynamic microphones can reduce feedback due to their heavier diaphragm assembly.

Ringing out the mic and speaker combination with an equalizer is a technique to prevent feedback.

Limiting the number of open microphones on stage at one time can decrease feedback.

Muting unused channels or using noise gates can automatically manage open microphones.

A free guide, 'How to Lead Your Church Sound Team,' is available for download.

Engagement is encouraged through comments and subscriptions for more sound-related content.

The video aims to quickly educate viewers on eliminating feedback in sound systems.