8
Positioning the Live Series
Microphone Positioning - How to Reduce Feedback
Feedback is the annoying howling and squealing that is heard
when the microphone gets too close to the speaker and the volume
is high. You get feedback when the microphone picks up the
amplified signal from the speaker, and then amplifies through the
speaker again, and then picks it up again, and so on and so on. In
general, it is always recommended that any live mic (a mic that’s
on) is positioned behind the speaker enclosures. This will give you
the best level from your system before feedback. One possible
exception is when you are adjusting the sounds of the microphones,
since you want to listen in front of the speaker to hear properly. To
do this, lower your mixers MAIN VOLUME while setting the EQ and
effect from in front of the speakers. Once you have the sound you
like, move the microphones to behind the speakers and raise the
Main volume.
Speaker Placement
Whenever possible, it is a good idea to raise the speakers above
the heads of the listening audience. The L612, and L615 enclosures’
feature standard 1 3/8” pole mount receptacles, which are
compatible with speaker stands from a variety of manufacturers. In
a smaller setting (like a school cafeteria, library, or a mall kiosk), you
can also use the LIVE series in tilt back monitor positions, which will
improve the projection of the speakers and may eliminate the need
for speaker stands. For larger settings (like clubs and parties), the
L1212 and L1215 can be placed directly on the floor which causes a
bass coupling effect that enhances the low frequency response. For
even more bass, place a LIVE series on top of a powered sub woofer
like the Samson dB1500a or dB1800a.
Positioning the L612M Floor Monitor
The L612M is an ideal solution for stage monitoring and
thanks to its unique low-profile design. In a large stage
monitor system, several L612M’s can be daisy-chained
together using the Line Output. When positioning the
monitor, be mindful of the placement of your microphones
to help reduce feedback problems. It’s a really good idea to
know your microphone’s pick up pattern to choose the right
spot. Some microphones, like super and hyper cardioid
models, offer a lot of rejection in the rear of their pick up
pattern and when the L612M is positioned at the same
angle as the rejection, you can set the monitor a lot louder
before it feeds back. In many instances when using several
L612M’s in a monitor system, you may choose to use an
external equalizer like the Samson S Curve 131 to increase
the volume and reduce the chance of feedback. In this case
be sure to set the HIGH and LOW EQ to the 12:00 or flat
position.
