Re: problem w/live looping using mic

[Per Boysen <perboysen@gmail.com>]

On 21 sep 2007, at 09.29, Chris D'Errico wrote:

> When looping vocals/harmonica in live performance-- through a PA,  
> or guitar amp, or both-- the microphone picks up the sound of the  
> PA/amp & starts to record itself recording loops-- sort of like a  
> "mirror looking into a mirror" effect... At low volume it's not  
> much of a problem, but at the higher volume necessary to push the  
> sound out to an audience in a decent size room, I can't stop the  
> sound from the PA/amp from bleeding into the mic. It gets worse the  
> more layers I try to add to the loop, with the live mic rerecording  
> the sound, it eventually causes a thin, tinny, high pitched  
> feedback sound that destroys the process & performance. I never use  
> monitors because that just makes it worse-- the mic picks that up  
> also.
>
> Other singers out there who create live loops must be familiar with  
> this problem, it's got be very common. Is there any possible way to  
> counter this? Any ideas on a workable set-up?
>
> I use an old Shure mic into a few stompbox pedals into an Akai  
> Headrush loop pedal & out to an old tube amp which has a line-out  
> that I run into the PA system when needed.
>
> Thanks for your time & attention,
>
> Chris D.
> Las Vegas, Nevada


Hi Chris,

I sometimes play flute at my live looping concerts and have had the  
same problem you're describing. I'm fighting it with a combination of  
as close mic positioning as possible and a volume pedal to turn down  
the mic when not needed.

And then there's the looping technique. Only overdub into the loop  
when you are making sound to layer. Never leave the loop in  
overdubbing mode when not particularly playing or singing something  
to add to the loop.

Well, sometimes I also set up my system to automatically lower the  
feedback just a bit as I'm overdubbing or substituting. This can be  
achieved with the Gibson Echoplex looping device and the Mobius  
looping software (there are more details to this technique).

Greetings from Sweden

Per Boysen
www.boysen.se (Swedish)
www.looproom.com (international)