MindTheGap
432 posts
Apr 17, 2014
7:18 AM
|
If I wanted to play amplified-acoustic with a vocal mic through a guitar or keyboard amp, what sort of thing do I need to get a similar volume/cut to a 5W amp played with a cupped mic?
I've tried vocals/acoustic playing through the 5W amp and it's weak, whereas cupped/distorted it's loud.
----------
mtg
|
chromaticblues
1563 posts
Apr 17, 2014
11:09 AM
|
Try an Akia DM-13 with a 3 watt amp (like the first version of the champ with a 6SJ7).
If you know how to work on amps I could tell how to build your own with cheap low voltage tubes.
|
Frank
4166 posts
Apr 17, 2014
12:43 PM
|
Try a 50 watter - it should suffice :)
|
MindTheGap
433 posts
Apr 17, 2014
1:30 PM
|
Thanks
----------
mtg
|
SuperBee
1922 posts
Apr 17, 2014
1:53 PM
|
I've only really done it with a PA I'm sorry.
|
jpmcbride
47 posts
Apr 17, 2014
3:24 PM
|
I played acoustic harp for years in a duo using a vocal mic on a stand, through a Harpgear Double Trouble 18W tube amp. I used a small inexpensive mic preamp and a Boss Reverb pedal between the mic and amp. The purpose of the mic preamp was to convert from low to high impedance, and boost the level so I could play well off the mic (maybe 4-6 inches) and still get a good strong signal. The sound was fantastic and WAY more than enough volume for coffee shops and restaurants.
----------
Jim McBride
www.bottleoblues.com
|
HarpNinja
3855 posts
Apr 17, 2014
3:57 PM
|
As many as you can afford. I use a 1000w K10 which is probably more like 400w in practical terms.
----------
Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
Rock Harmonica Lessons
|
isaacullah
2708 posts
Apr 17, 2014
7:02 PM
|
I'll agree with HarpNinja, and just add that you want a CLEAN amp- a "guitar" amp won't do. Any reasonably watted keyboard amp, "portable PA", powered speaker, or (in a pinch) bass amp will do. You will probably need at least 50-100 watts to equal a 5watter cupped and cranked. Remember that watts to sound level is not a one-to-one conversion:
"OK, here's the deal with power and how it relates to volume..
Double guitar amp output power - increase volume by 3 dB. The decibel, or dB, is the unit of measurement for audible sound volume. The more dB, the louder the sound. An increase in sound volume of 3 dB is generally considered to be the smallest change in sound volume that the average human ear can detect!! That's why the 36 doesn't produce much of a noticeable difference in volume compared to the 18.
Increase guitar amp output power 10 times - double the sound volume. It takes TEN TIMES the output power to double volume!! That means you have to play through a 100 watt amp to produce twice the volume as your 10 watt amp!!"
reference for quote: http://www.mackamps.com/articles-mack-amps/guitar-amp-power--how-much-do-i-need-/
----------
YouTube! Soundcloud!
|
MindTheGap
434 posts
Apr 17, 2014
11:29 PM
|
Thanks everyone. Just have to say that's quite a range of answers: 3W to 1kW :-) Although, Isaac, I appreciate the logarithmic nature means it will go like that 3, 30, 300, 3000. Off to try some then. At least there *are* shops where you can try these kind of amps/speakers. I'll start with 50W and see from there.
Certainly highlights what an odd, amazing, extraordinary thing the cupped/overdriven harp is.
----------
mtg
|
rockmonkeyguitars
63 posts
Apr 18, 2014
1:23 AM
|
Keyboard, bass, and acoustic amps are all good and so are PA's.
I use a Roland KC amp for acoustic harp and it's great. Keyboard amps tend to be the most bang for your buck but it's important to get a keyboard amp that has a mic level input. Some only have line level. Also, a keyboard amp is probably not going to have any hi z inputs so if you are using a hi z mic you will need an adapter.
Acoustic guitar amps have a distinct advantage because they usually have a notch filter so you can get rid of feeback and get more volume. Acoustic amps also frequently have a sweepable midrange which is very handy for getting rid of the upper mids you don't want yet keeping the rest of the midrange that you do want. They also usually have both hi z and mic level inputs so you can use a bullet mic or a regular dynamic mic
Bass amps tend to sound very similar to keyboard amps but only have hi z inputs. So if you are using a dynamic mic like an sm57 you will need an adapter
PA's kind of explain themselves. Most will have all the types of inputs you need and will amplify you harp without adding a lot of colour to your tone.
To get the same perceived volume from a clean amp as you get from an overdriven 5 watt valve amp you need around 15-30 watts. More would be better.
|
jbone
1592 posts
Apr 18, 2014
6:10 AM
|
I may be missing something here. How big a space are you planning to play in or is this more an open air deal?
Wife and I have matching 12w Silvertone 1482's and a Fender Passport 150 p.a. that suits our needs well. Other than that we just play total acoustic, no amps at all like at a farmers market or small venue.
I'm comfortable either acoustic with a lot of hand effect, or with the amp and a Lone Wolf Delay between my Shure 585s and the amp. For a different sound I will leave the harp rig to the side and play through my vocal mic here and there.
We do use Shure beta 58's for vocals. Great mics.
----------
http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
|
undertheradar
67 posts
Apr 18, 2014
10:40 AM
|
I searched, asked 100's of questions and found a tube amp worthy of clean off the mic playing and dirty cupped. BUT it was luck finding it. If I hadnt found it I'd a bought a nice PA. I tried alot of keyboard amps and acoustic amps, I thought the sound was subpar and needed an EQ...
|
