smwoerner
40 posts
Feb 26, 2012
5:50 AM
|
So, can a mic be too hot? I have a couple of 545’s I play through. One is 545SD with the original Shure transformer and the other is a 545L that has been fitted with a high Z transformer. I love the fit and function of the SD and it’s my main mic. The L is a back up or some times used for vocals or other applications.
If I switch between the mics I have to turn the volume down to less than half on the SD. If I start with the SD and switch to the L I have to crank up the volume on the amp or PA.
The SD also just seems to be more feedback prone. I’m sure this is a volume issue but, the volume always seems to be on the edge with this mic.
My bullet is also far more at the volume level of my 545L. I’m just wondering from the more experienced if there’s an advantage or disadvantage to a hot mic. Also, should I maybe invest in some type of feedback / noise reducer?
|
hvyj
2218 posts
Feb 26, 2012
6:13 AM
|
Your perception is, IMHO, very accurate. MY 545 Ultimate is lo-z. I ordered it lo-z for exactly the reason you talk about. The output is not as hot and so it's easier to control feedback when I plug it into an amp using an IMT. So, yeah, I definitely think it's an advantage, but others may disagree.
Having to turn a tube amp's volume control up is not a bad thing. Many tube amps sound better when driven harder.
|
billy_shines
117 posts
Feb 26, 2012
2:38 PM
|
i like the unidyne 515 you can eat it grab it sing in it everything.
|
smwoerner
41 posts
Feb 26, 2012
8:19 AM
|
Thanks, Hvyj. I've already got my set up and don't really want to change. I guess I could take the transformers out but, I don't really want to go that route.
Billy, the 545 can also be used as a vocal mic and to mic an amp. It may not be the best mic to do so but, it does the job.
|
Greg Heumann
1502 posts
Feb 26, 2012
9:01 AM
|
A volume control helps. Yes - a mic can be too hot for some amps. Other amps CRAVE a hot mic. That's why it is good to own multiple mics!
----------
/Greg
|
jbone
805 posts
Feb 26, 2012
10:46 PM
|
it depends also what you are looking for in a mic and amp or p.a. if you want a straight up clean tone, then yes a mic can definitely be too hot, it will break up and sound more warm and rounded, not to mention feedback, at higher volumes. gain can affect a mic's performance a lot as well esp if you run a cm element or a high z dynamic.
my vocal mic, i have to cut the low end since i have a pretty deep voice. i like a standard sm58 or a good clone for vocals. i also tend to eat the mic so gain goes down as well. my harp mic on the other hand, and i think most harp mics, like more bottom end on an amp or p.a. channel. if i use a p.a. and mic to amp up i drop the highs way down and the gain down too, push the effects a little more, and up the lows.
the reason they make all those knobs and dials on amps and p.a. heads is so we can tailor our sound. it's a good idea to get a basic knowledge about how these things work. at minimum i had to learn what to tell a sound man, which was to drop highs and gain and bring up bass and effects for my harp channel on a p.a.
depending on your voice you will have different needs in a mic and amp or p.a.
----------
http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
|
