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Forums :: General Discussion

Playing through the PA

1 reply [Last post]
Thu, 03/17/2016 - 08:18
doctom
doctom's picture
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Joined: 07/19/2015

Hi Everybody

So I'm having the age old problem of not getting enough volume when playing with a loud band.  I would say the band is about as loud as an average bar-band....maybe a bit louder than most.    I prefer playing through a Bassman but even when miced through the PA I am not getting the volume I need.

I have tried going straight through the PA and that essentially solves the volume issue but the tone is thin and tinny to my ear.  I have a LW Harp Attack and tried playing through that and while it certainly gives me better tone I start feeding back when I approach that "critical mass" volume.    I'm not the least bit tech savvy but I've read about using a DI box down-chain from the HA.   Would that help me get better volume before feedback?  I've never used one.

I was using a bullett which Greg installed his element in for me and have switched to a SM57 because I get more volume with it...is this something to be expected or is something wrong?   I am using an impedence matching transformer so that aspect is under control.

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks,

Tom

 

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Thu, 03/17/2016 - 18:39
#1
jgwilks
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Level 5
Joined: 07/23/2013
The common issue

i have also experienced this volume problem more often than I expected. When I asked local experienced harp players, the response was always the same. You must mic the Amp. I use a 5 watt Epihome Valve Special which is heavy, feedback prone with my 520DX and less than ideal. Micing it in certain environments has helped but only with a good mic on the amp and placed directly against the grill. Often I go Directly into the PA with an EV635A (similar to the SM57) which, like you, solves the volume issue. i have discovered tone can still be achieved quite well if I dial up the bass and drop the hi and midrange settings. As well and more importantly, cupping correctly and developing my tone in my mouth/throat has made all the difference. 

Recently I played in an acoustic setting with 5 acoustic guitars in an open bar with 3 powerful singers. Again a struggle for volume and I blew out a 4 draw for me feeble attempts at being heard. Last week I brought a very small fender 5w practice amp. Volume set at 2 and I was borderline too loud. 

So to conclude, the advice I was given that I still find very challenging is too experiment a lot with different things at your disposaL Like you, I find it quite a challenge but also part of the journey. I have also been enjoying the different sounds created using different methods for volume. Mostly l have realized my tone originates within me.

 

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