Stage configuration for single instrumentalist

[Harper]

Hi, I have a Bose L1, play harp, and sing. I use a kna pick up attached to the harp mid-way on the soundboard, and use a Shure wireless digital clip on mic. I am getting some feedback and would like to know the best stage configuration. I haven't been able to increase the volume on the L1, even when I play harp alone without a mic. Adding the mic increases the feedback, especially on higher volumes. It was recommended that the L1 be in front of me, rather than behind. Is that the only way to reduce feedback or can I place it to the side? Or, is it just a matter of angling it away from me? Also, how much distance should be between me and the amp? Does anyone have a decent diagram of some stage options? Thank you!!

[ST - Pro]

Hi Harper,

Harper posted:

Hi, I have a Bose L1, play harp, and sing.

I looked back at your previous discussion: Static or hum on higher volumes

Is this your setup?

Harper posted:

Hi, I have a Bose L1 Compact, Portable Line Array System. I have an Yamaha MG06X mini mixer, with an analog reference microphone cable.? - ? - ? - ? - ? - ? - ? - ? - ?

A few more questions.

I use a kna pick up attached to the harp mid-way on the soundboard, and use a Shure wireless digital clip on mic.

Are you using the Shure wireless digital clip on mic for your voice? Where do you have it clipped on?

Please give us a link to the owners guide or specifications for the microphone.

I am getting some feedback and would like to know the best stage configuration. I haven't been able to increase the volume on the L1, even when I play harp alone without a mic. Adding the mic increases the feedback, especially on higher volumes.

It was recommended that the L1 be in front of me, rather than behind. Is that the only way to reduce feedback or can I place it to the side? Or, is it just a matter of angling it away from me? Also, how much distance should be between me and the amp? Does anyone have a decent diagram of some stage options? Thank you!!

You want to keep the microphone from picking up sound from the L1.  That's the cause of the feedback.  If the microphone is omnidirectional (picks up sound equally from all directions), it may be difficult to avoid feedback at higher volume. If the microphone is directional (cardioid or supercardioid or hypercardioid) the make sure it is not pointed at the L1 or something reflective (e.g., a music stand). 

Although convenient, clip on microphones can be problematic. One of the best ways to avoid feedback is to position a microphone as close as possible to the sound source. With a hand held microphone that might be less and 1/4 of an inch. With a clip on microphone we could be talking several inches. Clip on microphones are not great for live sound settings unless the microphone is very close to the source and the source is louder (at that point) than the powered loudspeaker. 

If you can get a directional head-worn microphone, you may get significantly better gain-before-feedback because the microphone can be aimed at your mouth, and positioned much closer.

Here are some general notes about microphone feedback.

Microphone Feedback

ST

[Harper]

Hi, thanks! I did in fact go to Guitar Center the next day, they recommended an ear headset. That seemed to resolve that problem.  Below is a list of what I purchased. I won't be using the condenser clip on that was included, but will continue to use the ear headset.

• Shure GLX-D Digital Wireless Headset System with PGA31 Headset Microphone Band Z2 (Condenser clip on included)
• Galaxy Audio ESM3 Single Ear Headset

The only other problem I noticed was a hum coming from the Bose L1 system when I set it up in my house. Without anything plugged into it (neither the kna pick up nor the headset were plugged in), there was a high pitched hum coming from the top speaker. We couldn't get rid of the hum, adding either the pick up or headset or both increased the hum. I'm not sure if there is a problem with the Bose. We noticed this the first time I used it as well. The hum is really coming solely from the Bose speaker itself, even without anything plugged into it. Could there be a problem with the Bose system itself?

Thanks.