QuestionMy son and I like to jam in our small basement. He drums, I play electric guitar. Our style is Christian Rock, so heavier on distortion guitar and rocky drums. The problem I can't find a remedy for is getting a decent PA volume without feedback. He doesn't want to use drum muffling pads, and he used to drum with an electric set which was so nice because we could turn it down to a "comfortable" level. But he feels really cramped on that set, so we've gone back to the acoustic set, which is really loud down there, and forces me to bring the volume of my guitar (and hopefully PA) way up to get a decent mix.
I have a decent understanding of the causes of feedback, so I've tried every sort of tweaking imaginable: speaker placement and direction and distance; microphone direction and distance. I have blankets all over my walls and carpet on the floor. The sound reflects, apparently, off my face, because when I hold something absorbent in front of the mic, it doesn't squeal. Also, I have a higher voice and need high end eq--otherwise I sound muffled.
I've considered building clear walls around him, but I don't know. What do you think my options are? Thanks.
AnswerHumm..
If your ears are 'bad' at high freqs.. perhaps you just think you need that high EQ added because of your own perception.
That said, you may just want to sing through a fabric filter. If you must hear it correct (to yourself) and you feel compelled to add high EQ... DO NOT.
Always REDUCE (or attenuate) the other frequencies (lows and mids) to get the same resolve and without extra feedback or amplifier clipping! This is the number one mistake people make with an EQ.. they are not for adding anything. Equalize by tuning to the weakest link...always.
Do this for just every input on the PA and you will have much better results in practice and live. I doubt you are miking the drums (and they would be the exception to the above rule.. or they will end up sounding like cardboard boxes). Drums are about the hardest input to learn how to setup and EQ from a soundboard standpoint.
The acoustic drumkit WILL probably need a Plexiglas-cage around at least the front of them. This will do wonders for containing the meat of what he is playing. You can use 3-4 panels of it to surround the front and sides of his kit, just be sure they are at least as high as the cymbals and that they go all the way to the floor. You can use other materials, but it is pretty important to be able to see one another so try something clear. You may even want to angle them back towards the drummer a bit till you get the damping effect you are looking for. It may be easier to use 3 pieces and just use right angles. Some wood can make a good stand for them.
Once you play with setting the EQ as I specified above, you may find that your voice does not feedback. The cage is all about relative play levels so it is probably still needed.
Gl and thanks for the questions.
jm
