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Topic: Need some quick help with using mic on a dobro |
Jana Lockaby
From:
Kaufman, TX
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Posted 27 Jan 2015 8:39 am |
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| Usually, if playing amplified, I use a clip on mic for my dobro. The guys don't like what I'm using, and, I agree, with the volume they play at, it picks up too much other noise. Tonight, they want me to use a mic on a stand. I think this mic is a Shure 57 mic. My question is how close to my dobro, and hand does the mic have to be? They are setting it up right over my right hand. If I'm not careful, when I move my hand, I hit it. I think it's too close to the guitar, and don't, particularly, care for the sound I'm hearing. They tell me it sounds fine, better than my clip on mic, and my ears are just to sensitive. Maybe I'm just not accustomed to playing this loud, and need to get used to it? Any advice, help? |
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Rob Anderlik
From:
Chicago, IL
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Posted 27 Jan 2015 9:10 am
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If you experiment a little bit by varying the distance between your right hand and the microphone you will find the sweet spot. If you get too close the bass frequencies will go up and you'll start to feedback. Too far away and your guitar won't cut through the mix. Some microphones are better than others but all microphones will feedback when pushed beyond a certain point.
I'm a little surprised that the clip on mic you were using was not working for you. Clip-on mics usually work pretty well. But again, any microphone – I don't care what brand or model – will feedback if pushed beyond a certain point
Last edited by Rob Anderlik on 27 Jan 2015 12:58 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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Jana Lockaby
From:
Kaufman, TX
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Posted 27 Jan 2015 9:51 am
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Thanks, Rob. I knew it wasn't just my imagination. I'm hearing that feed back just, exactly, like you described.
With the clip on mic, I couldn't get the volume up enough to be heard without getting major feedback. I'm not sure why. Maybe it just needs some adjusting. Anyway, whatever makes the guys happy.
Thanks. You were right on with your post. Ha, I knew it wasn't me. Sensitive ears my behind. lol |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 27 Jan 2015 12:29 pm
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| the sm57 should work fine about around 5inches above the right front of the coverplate. |
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Jack Aldrich
From:
Washington, USA
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Posted 27 Jan 2015 12:39 pm
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Thinking that the neck is the 12 o'clock position, I point the mike at the 4 o'clock position at the edge of the resonator. I go from backup to lead by lifting my right knee to bring the instrument closer to the mike. Works like a charm, IMHO.
_________________
Jack Aldrich
Carter & ShoBud D10's
D8 & T8 Stringmaster
Rickenbacher B6
3 Resonator guitars
Asher Alan Akaka Special SN 6
Canopus D8 |
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Jana Lockaby
From:
Kaufman, TX
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Posted 28 Jan 2015 9:33 am
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| Thanks you guys. You've been very helpful. I brought the mic home with me, so I can play around with it. |
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Jana Lockaby
From:
Kaufman, TX
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Posted 29 Jan 2015 11:46 am
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I’m getting my mic issues worked out, and things are sounding pretty good. I’ve been playing around a bit with my amp, which brings up another question. I would just like some opinions on using chorus and/or reverb. I just, usually turn all that off, but after having experimented a bit, well, sounds kind of cool. I didn't want to take up more space with a knew post, so:
Do you ever use chorus, reverb, or both? When? Where? How much? Really just curious, I’m sure it’s, probably, one of those personal preference things? |
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Howard Parker
From:
Maryland
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Posted 29 Jan 2015 11:57 am
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As a general rule if the room is "dead" I'll use just a touch of reverb to warm up the sound a bit.
The only time I've ever used chorus was when I was playing 60's-70's soul and R&B music. Yes, on dobro! 
Just remember:
A little bit goes a long way.
What you hear on stage isn't what the audience hears.
See you soon.
Howard  |
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Jana Lockaby
From:
Kaufman, TX
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Posted 30 Jan 2015 7:02 am
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| Thanks, Howard. Can't wait. |
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Tom Middleton
From:
Austin, Texas, USA (deceased)
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Posted 30 Jan 2015 7:44 am
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From the Jerry Douglas web site Forum:
Topic:How to be heard on stage live?Date: 01/23/15 04:06 AM
RickMifflin
Member since:
11/1/09
I've used the AKG C1000S condenser mic for 20 years,it's the best mic I've found. It comes with a plastic cap that fits over the capsule and shortens the pickup pattern to supercardoid,so feedback is much reduced. Rob Ickes used one forever, I bought mine after playing a show opening for Blue Highway back in '96 and hearing his. Great tone and a very similar pickup patern to the sm57 when the cap is installed.You can pick up the new improved model for less than $200 most places.Also runs it's own phantom power via a 9v battery if needed. Great mic,give it a look, though the Aura system is really outstanding. |
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Greg Booth
From:
Anchorage, AK, USA
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Posted 30 Jan 2015 8:33 am
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I'm confused...I was ok until you mentioned your amp. Are you using the mic plugged into a guitar amp? That sounds like a feedback machine and not the best for tone. A 57 should sound fine and plenty loud in the house PA, but if stage volume is loud you probably need a pickup like the Fishman Nashville and a good acoustic amp.
_________________
Greg
Kathy Kallick Band
www.youtube.com/user/aksliderdobro |
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Jana Lockaby
From:
Kaufman, TX
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Posted 30 Jan 2015 12:14 pm
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Thanks Tom.
Greg, the a mic plugged into a Marshal Acoustic AS D50 amp, not a pa. Small café, in a very small town, open mic/free for all jam kind of thing, the guy that plays base ask me to do. It’s not an actual band, more of a free for all, whoever plays the loudest wins. The band thing is coming, I think, with me , the base player and, one of the lead guitar players, as soon as the base player gets everything together, so I was looking at this as practice with them, and more experience, which I need. Somehow, over the past few months, since I joined in, my role in this event has grown. I don’t really want to put a pickup in either of my dobros. I think the mic and my amp will be fine, for what I do, and want to do. Most of the places I play are small, and not quite this loud or chaotic. I have no intention of joining in the “whoever plays loudest wins†game, not my thing. I, usually, just turn off my amp, just sit back, and let the boys have their fun, but I do plan on making a point soon. I’d put one of those smiley faces here if I knew how.
Lots of nice people come in to listen, and I’ve gotten some invitations to sit in at some other places. as loud, and sometimes, bad as it is, it’s still a good thing for now. This was a lesson learned, and one I should have already known. Always saddle your own horse, and always set up your own amp. Live and Learn? Thanks, for always helping me out. I always appreciate your opinion. Ha, you know, there’s a good chance a little while from now, you’ll be telling me, “I told you so. Should've had a pickup put in." lol |
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