Message 2/13
Date: 17-Feb-05 @ 09:01 AM Edit: 17-Feb-05 | 09:15 AM -
RE: Vocal Processor for the Stage
well... dunno much about vocal processors, but the feedback is probably caused by two things:
a) extreme frequency peaks caused by the fx processing,
and b) residual noise of the fx which is probably present constantly, not only when he speaks, right?
ok, thats not hard to figure out... but the question is whats your pa setup? do you guys use your own pa? do you have monitor speakers? how are they positioned? graphic eq? any other tools available?
i guess you could try the usual methods of combating feedback: a) eq-ing the sound on the board to taste, then inserting a 1/3rd octave graphic eq into his monitor chain to filter out problem frequencies, and using a gate/expander on the input of his fx unit to stop the fx from triggering the whole time because of mic bleed from other sources. if its a multi-fx box, then it probably already has one built in anyway. you should take some time to set the threshold carefuly, to make sure its a) not opening when its not supposed to, and b) not cutting of his vocs. that can be a bit of a bugger, but it can be worked out... esp. if you take care about mic placement on the stage (e.g., pointing away from any obvious sound sources such as speakers, amps etc...
if you have your own pa, i cant stress importance of good graphic eq enough! (preferably something better than behriger, but even that will help as they have built in leds on each band which can help you identify the problem frequencies).
also... i'm afraid that prety much any fx box will be noisy when using distortion/ flange w. heavy feedback/ etc... its the nature of those fx isnt it.
and also... you may want to try a feedback supressor unit on him too... i'll be honest and say i dont know anyone in the live arena who would use them, but according to magazines they can get the job done. there are some cheaper models from dbx etc which got good reviews in the mags, so maybe try to borrow one from someone for testing.
well... hope some of this will give you an idea as to what you can do
it really would be nice to know what your live setup is tho!