droffilcal
26 posts
Sep 22, 2012
5:13 PM
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In my current playing situation --a reggae band -- I am playing straight to the PA, either the band's PA or whatever PA is supplied by the club or venue we are playing. I also play trombone and bass trumpet on this gig, and have a lot of junk to carry, so I really don't want to have to bring an amp for the harp.
It's a fairly new group and mostly we have played small places where the band is not too loud. We played a fairly large outdoor venue recently where the band was more cranked up and so I asked for more volume on my mic (a SM 57). With the increase in volume I realized that I wasn't entirely happy with the sound coming out of the PA -- it sounded a little shrill and altogether too present, like there was a sonic spotlight on the harp sound. I tried backing off the mic some, that helped, but what I took away from this particular gig is that I have no idea how to control or shape my sound when going straight into the PA (other than proximity to the mic and how much I cup the mic).
Does anyone have any tips for how to set up for this type of gig ? I like to think my acoustic sound is big and warm, but with the increased volume on stage I felt like I wasn't really hearing my real sound anymore. Feel free to speak in terms that a complete novice would understand, as I am not terribly conversant with the language of amplification (I spent many years playing trombone acoustically or with extremely competent professionals running the sound).
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Tuckster
1156 posts
Sep 22, 2012
5:53 PM
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See the thread "Going Ampless" for a lot of good info about this.
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Harptime
39 posts
Sep 22, 2012
6:22 PM
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Hearing yourself on stage is critical...even if you can hear it it doesn't necessarily mean that is what is the sound coming out of the main speakers.
Did you hold the mic or did you leave it on the stand? I prefer to leave it on the stand and use the space between the mic and the harp as a "volume control"... how you move in and out from the mic can really add texture to your sound... even though on the stand you can still really grab and cup the mic and hit it hard...sometimes that is the only way to cut through the volume if you are with a loud crew...ideally ...especially with reggae...there are wonderful places to "fill the holes" and not have to be on top of the mic... as far as mic settings...on the harp channel I like the bass up a little and the treble down a little...leave the mids in the middle...a little reverb is nice if you can get it or a short echo (slap back)... use your hands and "swell" your sound in front of the mic...
Just a few thoughts...best of luck to you...I love the reggae gigs....haven't done one in a while.
WB
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Warren Bee
Marketing & Harmonica Raconteur
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HarveyHarp
368 posts
Sep 23, 2012
1:54 PM
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When I find myself in that position, which is frequently, alway play through a RE10, coupled with a Heumann XLR volume control. It does the trick, pretty much all of the time, and I can sing through it too, and it cups nicely. Its easy to carry too.
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HarveyHarp
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harmonicanick
1733 posts
Sep 23, 2012
2:51 PM
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@droffical
I play a lot thro' pa systems
Guidelines:
Arrive early
Get good and loud on the mix
Not much treble, loadsa bass, a tad reverb
You MUST be the loudest then you can BACK OFF
Use technique to vary your volume by being loudest when completely cupping mic or softest when backing by playing with just left hand
Be confident and play as you feel..I love reggae on the harp
Last Edited by on Sep 24, 2012 1:04 AM
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