UPDATE: Took these tips with me to a gig yesterday and my mics have never sounded better than yesterday. Had absolutely ZERO feedback and had get volume out of my mics. Thank you again so much Nick and thank you for explaining things out that are easy to understand
@@NickSpinelli No bro dont thank me. All thanks go to you for real. You've literally made me so confident with my new DJ business. If you see this I just have one question for you. I know you hate on skrims. What woukd be an alternative to skrims to help with cable management? I'm not at the point yet where I can go battery powered.
Nick, interesting video. One major flaw is your last bit about the right microphone. The SM58 having a cardoid pattern doesn't mean it picks up from all directions. It's actually the total opposite. It'll reject from the rear and pick up from directly the top. I have d&b audiotechnik subwoofers and those are cardoid pattern subs. There's two subs in one box, one facing forward and one facing to the rear. Why? So that the low energy behind the sub cancels out with the front. The result, no low energy going to the rear. The same concept applies to cardoid microphones. The beta58 is a super-cardoid microphone so the polar pattern is even more aggressive than the SM58. An omni-directional mic is really the mic to avoid so you don't get feedback. Your message is great, the facts are just jumbled up. Cardoid is not omnidirectional. Omnidirectional mics like the Shure SM63 are the type that pickup from all directions. The SM58 is just not as directional as the Beta58.
I think he's trying to show the pattern if you're looking directly into the mic. In which case, his explanation about the difference between SM58 and Beta58A is sort of correct. The radius of the pickup pattern would be smaller on the Beta58A. But it discounts the roll-off difference to the sides, and completely ignores the rear of the mic. Either way, not a great explanation of the mic patterns and how they affect things.
He was talking about looking at it from the top, in which case cardioid does pick up from all directions horizontally like his diagram showed. The only place cardioid rejects is from the handheld portion behind the diaphragm. And the pic he showed was an SM58 capsule on a wireless transmitter body.
Yoooooooo i have NEVER been able to have anyone explain Gain in a way that makes sense!! Maaaan the way you explained it makes so much sense!!! I have been fighting feedback at my dj gigs for a minute. Mow I feel armed with knowledge!!!
Sorry, the gain is not the “door” as the guy in this video states. If you run your gain very low, then make up for it in later gain stages you end up with more circuit noise, not some sort of elimination of sounds you may not want. Running low low gain levels and higher “volume” levels does not give you higher net volume levels at the speaker. What you get is a volume knob that is turned up further, which may look like it’s louder but not sound any louder!
Ya. The idea that the gain control somehow filters out sounds based on anything other than loudness is incorrect. There are protocols for setting the imbalance between the gain knob and the volume fader, but I am certain no one at RCF told him what he said in the video. It’s a shame that his friend at RCF has this video now attached to his name.
Nick, thanks for that awesome tutorial! I'm a drummer in a band, and I recently became more involved with managing our overall sound. I'm a newbie when it comes to this, so I'm gathering up as much info as possible. Your explanations were the most clear and easy to follow. Your approach is awesome! I'm now a subscriber. Thanks!
Hi Nick! We had a gig last night which required mic announcements by us and attendees to make speeches / toasts / prayers / announcements. We don’t usually book gigs with a lot of mic usage from people outside the DJ booth but a recent booking which was a fitness concert resulted in mic feedback . The person who booked us and performed decided to move our speakers during the show to face each other and the mic he was holding 🤦🏻♀️ There were other performers and I could not get to him fast enough. This time, we sat and watched your video and developed a plan on speaker placement and height and education for our mic users. We had one tiny second of feedback because the hostess turned and walked straight towards a speaker and pointed it up and at the speaker. When she came to the booth, I used your mirror analogy and I saw an instant lightbulb! I am a baby DJ, learning the craft and my partner has years of mostly backyard and bar experience. We enjoy your videos / content and have learned SO much. We just wanted you to know that we appreciate you, your knowledge, and your ability to give practical application in your “tutorials”. I do have a question for you regarding song requests but I’ll find that video and ask there to give a boost to another video and help that algorithm 😊
the polar pattern of the 58 is cardioid, your diagram was omni, cardioid is more rejection from the handle area, and super cardioid is more rejection from the sides of the rear. i agree the supercardioid is a tighter polar pattern, its better to use when using 2 monitor blocks. for mono, cardioid is better for rejection
Except a supercardioid has a stronger pickup directly from the back than a Cardioid - so can be bad in front of monitors. Cardioid is much better for live sound, and a supercardioid is better for a studio or recording environment.
Your gain advice help me so much I am the sound tech at church and I have been fighting with feedback for over 10 years and now I know how to fix it I always look at gain as power or force and velocity at volume but now looking at as a door is way different
Great audio on your video! Surprised you didn't mention two of THE most important things to eliminate feedback. Distance of the microphone from the sound source and volume of the sound source. The louder a person's voice is and the closer it is to the microphone, the less gain you will need to achieve the same volume out of the speakers. Before I give anyone a microphone I look them in the eye and physically show them how close to put it to their mouth. I usually recommend what I call the 'thumb up" method. Grasp the microphone just below the windscreen, put your thumb up and place the tip of your thumb to the tip of your chin. The mic will stay an inch from your mouth and there won't be a Doppler effect if they start turning their head to look at people.
Great work!! I'm new but true to this game & you just helped out a lot!! I'm not too proud to admit that I've been sitting here for hours trying to figure this feedback thing out.
I use a Sennheiser e935 wired mic and an Audio Technica System 10 wireless mic. Never had any problems with them. Also have a Shure SM-58 as a backup. This was a great video, always entertaining.
Super helpful video Nick! I never understood what feedback was before, and you just made it so simple and clear! I have so far only had one feedback faux pa in one of my MCs, so now will back into it soon after the Christmas and New Year lull, and my calendar is starting to fill up, i'll know never to make the mistake of stepping into the dispersion patterns of the speakers. 👍🏼🎤
Furthermore- the Beta version has a hotter output as well than the normal Shure 58. This means that you get, all around- a total better microphone. You get a more narrow pick up pattern (supercardiod) and more output from the microphone. On the 87A- you even get a more high frequency output which adds sizzle and sparkle on the vocals. So for the application of usage- I usually give my Beta 58 to males and Beta 87 to female vocalist to use.
Thank you very much for all of the tips to prevent microphone feedback, I always wondered if a microphone with a super cardioid pattern would help and you have answered my question plus you mentioned gain structure so I have definitely learnt something from your video.
Well sometimes if the volume is not loud enough it doesn't always mean you need better speakers or mics. Sometimes it means you need more speakers. Hence the Ampeg 8x10 was designed based on that concept, because the more speakers you have the more air you push. Granted having great name brand speakers and mics can contribute a lot.
Me and my cousins do Metallica covers, this explains a lot. I'm pretty familiar with a lot of technical things. This one I never picked up on, but the way you explained it in such a simple manner made a lot of sense. Now I see where we made these mistakes. So simple. Learn something new everyday
This was SUPER helpful! I'm just getting started and played my first show a couple days ago (I do live vocal looping & singing) and we had a crappy sound setup for my rig, and no engineer present to help fix things so I got MAD feedback during my set. Your explanation of GAIN vs VOLUME will stay with me forever -- I love the image of gain as a doorway! Thank you!
exactly the issue i was facing and it resolved. I was planning to do game streams with commentary. And this works perfect. Thanks for for your tips and guide. liked and subbed
Thank you for this lively and informative video! I do have a couple of comments though, :) It is pronounced Cardee-oid and not Car-doid! :) It originates from the word Cardiac, pertaining to the shape of the heart, which is the shape of the mic pickup pattern. Most people will strongly disagree with you that the Cardioid pattern allows sound from, well, all over. It does not. But yes, a Supercardioid is even more directional. I have both an SM58 and a Beta 58A. Yes, I'll ways set aside the SM58 when I have a Beta 58A in my hand! One other thing, that I tested a few days ago: BASS FREQUENCIES cause more feedback. On my Bose S1 Pro, I turned up the bass in the microphone input equalizer, and sure enough, the feedback got a lot worse. It is known and proven that bass frequencies are OMNIDIRECTIONAL which is why people can hide their home subwoofers out of sight. But your point about keeping the GAIN DOWN is a GREAT POINT, thanks!
I also use the beta58 and the sm58. The mic that picks up sound from all directions is called an omni-directional mic. The SM is not that. The SM has a cardioid pattern. This is a heart shaped pattern and rejects sound when you aim the bottom at it. Such as aiming it at your monitor speaker. I use it when I have a singer that is very loud or likes to speak close to the mic at less than 2 inches. The Super Cardioid patter is similar but has an even tighter pattern. In the case of the beta, it is a much more sensitive mic and is best for someone with a normal volume of speech such as myself the DJ. You don't have to hold it as close to your mouth. It was not mentioned but EQing the mic can also help with feedback. I always eq out the very low freqs at 80hz or lower. A device called a feedback eliminator will find and eliminate the offending frequencies and can be used when things get really bad.
Short version of this video: Buy the "Behringer Feedback Destroyer (various models and prices applicable)" and set it to "Auto" mode. Will painlessly, seamlessly, and automatically kill feedback in your entire mix without you ever worrying about it once. I personally own the Behringer FBQ1000, works flawlessly with small set ups like most DJ's have. Regardless, this video still has solid points that even a Feedback Destroyer would be hard pressed to kill. Maxing out your volume and gain on a channels with funky EQ settings will almost always strain your speakers to the max, or having someone stand in front of a speaker and be unaware of the feedback effect. Solid video and principles.
RCF speakers being the best? I'll have to agree to disagree my man. The QSC and JBL 3 way mains are a force to be reckoned with, especially paired with Mogami Gold XLR's connected to a UPS....but I digress. Still good video.
@@NickSpinelli Well worth the investment. I'm a wedding DJ myself and there is nothing, I mean *nothing* that will mangle your reputation in the wedding industry worse than a shrieking, howling, feedback during a speech or vows. Your video is a solid presentation on what to do if you don't have such a device, but when someone's big day is on the line I personally wouldn't leave it to chance. The FBQ1000 automatically targets 24 different hot spots for feedback and actively searches for feedback while plugged in. Rack mountable, less than $200, a life saver.
@@CoyTheobalt Interesting.....usually I only put my microphone channels as an FX Send to the unit, not the entire mix. Did you route every signal through the Behringer? I've never actually routed the main mix to the FBQ that's a fascinating plot twist you've discovered.
Hey Nick I never really enjoyed using Active speakers until I went to one of my ex friends gig he was doing. and used Alto TS215, even then I still wasn't convinced. until I picked up a pair of Alto Ts310 for 600GBP brand new. Honestly mate when I stood in front of the speakers with my wharf dale wireless mics, not one once of feedback and I was literally 3 foot away. with the speaker cones at head level, TRUST ME pick up a pair of Alto TS3's and try them yourself. I actually set the volume at the 2pm position and the main out on the board at 0DB, so I can have more control over every single channel.
The Gain vs Volume discussion is on point! thanks! Side note. I'm using the Bose L1 Pro 16 (180 degree dispersion)... the feedback is definitely worse than my QSCs that have about a 70 degree dispersion.
@@BillyLydon Decrease the microphone input gain (volume) down low and increase your system volume. So, when you are at the same functional volumes, the mic sensitivity is much lower. Having an external mixer helps in adjusting the input gains. I use a Yamaha MG06x which is reasonable priced. Using a good microphone helps too. I use a Shure BLX2/B58.
@ It gives feedback even when I have the music turned off and increase the mic volume from low to where I need it as well? I think it’s something to do with they are 360 degree speakers? It sux whatever it is! I don’t talk on the mic because of it! 😩
Thanks for the amazing video!!! How do you place speakers behind you? I have a small rectangular room where speakers can only be hanging on walls either behind me or other walls. It is only for vocal speeches, no instruments involved.
Pro tip, use microphone foam 1-it protects your microphone, 2-Is a popfilter so your going to sound better 3-less sound coming in hence, less feedback You are welcome
There are another way to prevent feedback. You can use an feedback cancellation algorithm inside your mixer. For example, use an adaptive filter to identify the transfer function between your speaker and your microphone, and then substruct the upcoming noise signal from the captured microphone signal. However, the constraint is that you are not gonna to move.
Helpful info. Just want to add tone control for your mic. Most djs with mic feedback have too much bass in their mic. Turn the bass for the mic down to 8 or 9 oclock.
The gain vs volume idea is nice a little incorrect but okay. The Gain is not an EQ you don't get more frequency as you move the gain. Gain vs Volume is more like a large volume and a small volume. Both are measured in dB you set your gain first and if your volume is at 0 dB then your output is equal to your gain. So gain + volume = output + master volume equals what comes out your mains. It's That simple. You have a gain of +10dB + (-20dB)= -10dB going to your master output. As for the mic 🎤 description. I see a lot of feedback for people with bad microphone skills like the Djs he mentioned the polar pattern doesn't show the rejection pattern from the underside of the microphone which acts like a noise canceling device do to the diaphragms air movement. You cover it up with your hand the microphone becomes less responsive leading to feedback. You yell with a microphone on your lips it's less responsive. Because you aren't allowing the microphone air to do its job. Talk normally hold it a fist or two away from your face and pointed at your mouth. You going to belt out "my heart will go on" then hold it out more.
Interesting! I never thought of it like that…🤔 Very good info! And I like the vinyl wall art! Nice touch! 👍🏾 Also, I was wondering if you could help me out. I just got this mixer, DJM S7, and I calibrated the turntables inside the Serato software. But for some reason I can constantly hear the tone playing, no matter what functions I have it on. I can still hear it even when I play the music. Even when the music is not playing and the needle is still going around the control vinyl, I can still hear the tone nonstop! Is there a reason why this is???
SM58 is cardiod not Omnidirectional. Best if monitors are right in front of you. Beta58 needs monitors angled from the side because it will pick up directly in back of mic.
Great ideas... but the the easy and only way to avoid feedback is to turn the volume down on the reciever. set the volume at lease half way on the reciever and that will work better.
How to do prevent feedback from behind the speakers? and where do you have your speech/toasting guest stand? I've had the issue with guest dropping a hot mic on a table after a speech.
:) I finally understand the GAIN vs VOLUME thanks to this video! Now I have to locate the gain knob on my mixer to get the best sound from the microphone.
great video nick. I've been a DJ for over 20 yrs and have a good handle on the dj mic feedback part, however, now I'm in a band and I can not get rid of the feedback when the harmonica guy is playing thru the mic. I realize it's very high pitched. I've turned down the gain and turned the down the highs on the equalizer, he is using a bullet type mic with the 1/4" output. any suggestions where to start, is appreciated ..
Hey man... I love your video and awesome explanations! One question. What would you recommend for a congregation type setting? In our Hall, we have like 15 ceiling mounted speakers. Most of the time, there's no issues, but for some members, when they comment, instant feedback. We have to lower the volume pretty much all the way down making it hard to even hear their comment. Something about their voice tone or frequency that causes feedback, I don't know. Most of the time, it happens with the soft-spoken members. Anyway, we're using a TOA 900 series amplifier for the volume control. We're using the Shure SM58 wireless mics with a Shure BLX4R receiver. What would you recommend we do to help avoid that feedback?
I definitely enjoyed that video from the very first moment to the end. But...in the 75% of speed (because I'm not native speaker) and still sound normal...😆Thanks any way.
Bro it's content like this is why I sub. I started my DJ business right before covid and I've been killing it since. The only I didn't have confidence with is my mics. Now after watching this dime I already feel 100xs more confident. Thank you Nick for the great videos and thank you for helping to shape me into a better DJ. Now, I just need to figure out how to do karaoke and I'm set. 😎
🆒 cool ✅👍.... Super helpful....lol I used to use gain on my vocals with those apps but I really didn't know what I was doing now I understand. I feel like a pro just from watching this already 😂
Exciting video. I do PA system design and installation for churches where the culture is set and forget - no board operator most times. The video made me revisit the use of the SM58 as my standard. Only thing is that you drew an omni pattern for cardioid - or perhaps you were drawing the pattern looking directly into the mic? If so, the super-cardioid will also have a circular pattern around the mic. That said it certainly will be a tighter pattern. I am still not comfortable with the explanation of how gain structure reduces susceptibility to feedback. If you look at 1 mic to 1 speaker, what everyone says is balance the gain - reduce it in one place(s) and boost in others so that essentially everything clips at the same time. But feedback is a function of overall gain. Its not a signal issue, whether its ambient noise or the vocal content. So if gain stays the same after gain structuring, then how does this impact on feedback?
So with the gain/volume door analogy, would you start with the volume fader all the way up, then slowly open the gain? Or how do you "set the right level of gain"?
Awesome job Nick per usual.. However when you get to someone like me that runs a Behringer X32 Rack mixer I have a few more bells and whistles that help as well such as a limiter, adjustable Low Cut Filter and DeEsser. Sure most djs won't use that stuff however I find if I set those just right and have my gain at -18 dB it's the best I can get without any feedback
My problem is both bands I play in play in are loud bands that play in small venues and we are all micd up cramped in small spaces, not much we can do about it. Usually wind up getting a crappy monitor mix in order to get rid of the feedback.
Additional very helpful tricks I can add is to use an additional equipment feedback destroyer. It costs a little more though. A sound engineer showed me how to kill and completely eliminate feedback is to use a 32 channel graphic equalizer or higher, the sound engineer showed it using the mackie app in the ipad then there is one specific frequency that kicks the feedback, all he did was slide it all the way down, it did not alter the sound quality from the mic and speakers like you litterally hear the sound from the person being choked or kinda like pinching the persons nose, it worked like magic
another good point is focusing on the mic's Mhz frequency. Todays cellphone frequency is changing meaning cellphone feedback & illegal use of frequency. The FCC has deemed all microphones using 600mhz transmission illegal. My mic.?.shit an innopow wm-333 & wm-333b (lapel). Great budget wireless mic
UPDATE: Took these tips with me to a gig yesterday and my mics have never sounded better than yesterday. Had absolutely ZERO feedback and had get volume out of my mics. Thank you again so much Nick and thank you for explaining things out that are easy to understand
Love this!!! Thanks bro!!
@@NickSpinelli No bro dont thank me. All thanks go to you for real. You've literally made me so confident with my new DJ business. If you see this I just have one question for you. I know you hate on skrims. What woukd be an alternative to skrims to help with cable management? I'm not at the point yet where I can go battery powered.
Nick, interesting video. One major flaw is your last bit about the right microphone. The SM58 having a cardoid pattern doesn't mean it picks up from all directions. It's actually the total opposite. It'll reject from the rear and pick up from directly the top. I have d&b audiotechnik subwoofers and those are cardoid pattern subs. There's two subs in one box, one facing forward and one facing to the rear. Why? So that the low energy behind the sub cancels out with the front. The result, no low energy going to the rear. The same concept applies to cardoid microphones. The beta58 is a super-cardoid microphone so the polar pattern is even more aggressive than the SM58. An omni-directional mic is really the mic to avoid so you don't get feedback. Your message is great, the facts are just jumbled up. Cardoid is not omnidirectional. Omnidirectional mics like the Shure SM63 are the type that pickup from all directions. The SM58 is just not as directional as the Beta58.
Yeah, he kind of lost me there... if you don't understand how this works, I really have issues with anything else you might say you "know" about. :/
Lol and when he showed a mic while talking about the "SM58" it was definitely NOT an sm58
I think he's trying to show the pattern if you're looking directly into the mic. In which case, his explanation about the difference between SM58 and Beta58A is sort of correct. The radius of the pickup pattern would be smaller on the Beta58A. But it discounts the roll-off difference to the sides, and completely ignores the rear of the mic.
Either way, not a great explanation of the mic patterns and how they affect things.
He was talking about looking at it from the top, in which case cardioid does pick up from all directions horizontally like his diagram showed. The only place cardioid rejects is from the handheld portion behind the diaphragm. And the pic he showed was an SM58 capsule on a wireless transmitter body.
@@therobbobchannel6561 that’s a wireless mic body with an SM58 capsule.
EQ the feedback out, Ring your system out and pull out the prob freq.s and THATS how to not get feedback. you also gave good tips.
Awesome, simple explanation and can do it immediately without adding any devices. Good job bro.
Yoooooooo i have NEVER been able to have anyone explain Gain in a way that makes sense!! Maaaan the way you explained it makes so much sense!!! I have been fighting feedback at my dj gigs for a minute. Mow I feel armed with knowledge!!!
I've just started watching your videos and I want to say that you have a great online personality for the topics.
20 years doin this shit and im still learnin watching your videos. Thank you bro 🖖🖖
I appreciate you Shaka!!
Sorry, the gain is not the “door” as the guy in this video states. If you run your gain very low, then make up for it in later gain stages you end up with more circuit noise, not some sort of elimination of sounds you may not want. Running low low gain levels and higher “volume” levels does not give you higher net volume levels at the speaker. What you get is a volume knob that is turned up further, which may look like it’s louder but not sound any louder!
Ya. The idea that the gain control somehow filters out sounds based on anything other than loudness is incorrect. There are protocols for setting the imbalance between the gain knob and the volume fader, but I am certain no one at RCF told him what he said in the video. It’s a shame that his friend at RCF has this video now attached to his name.
Nick, thanks for that awesome tutorial! I'm a drummer in a band, and I recently became more involved with managing our overall sound. I'm a newbie when it comes to this, so I'm gathering up as much info as possible. Your explanations were the most clear and easy to follow. Your approach is awesome! I'm now a subscriber. Thanks!
Hi Nick! We had a gig last night which required mic announcements by us and attendees to make speeches / toasts / prayers / announcements. We don’t usually book gigs with a lot of mic usage from people outside the DJ booth but a recent booking which was a fitness concert resulted in mic feedback . The person who booked us and performed decided to move our speakers during the show to face each other and the mic he was holding 🤦🏻♀️ There were other performers and I could not get to him fast enough. This time, we sat and watched your video and developed a plan on speaker placement and height and education for our mic users.
We had one tiny second of feedback because the hostess turned and walked straight towards a speaker and pointed it up and at the speaker. When she came to the booth, I used your mirror analogy and I saw an instant lightbulb!
I am a baby DJ, learning the craft and my partner has years of mostly backyard and bar experience. We enjoy your videos / content and have learned SO much. We just wanted you to know that we appreciate you, your knowledge, and your ability to give practical application in your “tutorials”.
I do have a question for you regarding song requests but I’ll find that video and ask there to give a boost to another video and help that algorithm 😊
Best videos !! A Dj of 20 yrs and I’m learning so much !!! Thank you ‘ nick S. !!!
the polar pattern of the 58 is cardioid, your diagram was omni, cardioid is more rejection from the handle area, and super cardioid is more rejection from the sides of the rear. i agree the supercardioid is a tighter polar pattern, its better to use when using 2 monitor blocks. for mono, cardioid is better for rejection
Except a supercardioid has a stronger pickup directly from the back than a Cardioid - so can be bad in front of monitors. Cardioid is much better for live sound, and a supercardioid is better for a studio or recording environment.
Your gain advice help me so much I am the sound tech at church and I have been fighting with feedback for over 10 years and now I know how to fix it I always look at gain as power or force and velocity at volume but now looking at as a door is way different
Great audio on your video!
Surprised you didn't mention two of THE most important things to eliminate feedback. Distance of the microphone from the sound source and volume of the sound source.
The louder a person's voice is and the closer it is to the microphone, the less gain you will need to achieve the same volume out of the speakers.
Before I give anyone a microphone I look them in the eye and physically show them how close to put it to their mouth. I usually recommend what I call the 'thumb up" method.
Grasp the microphone just below the windscreen, put your thumb up and place the tip of your thumb to the tip of your chin. The mic will stay an inch from your mouth and there won't be a Doppler effect if they start turning their head to look at people.
This is awesome, thank you! As a singer & DJ, feedback makes my skin crawl, I'm implementing this immediately!
Cardiod polar pattern rejects sound from the back. You confused it with omnidirectional, which picks up sound from a 360 degree direction
Great work!! I'm new but true to this game & you just helped out a lot!! I'm not too proud to admit that I've been sitting here for hours trying to figure this feedback thing out.
I use a Sennheiser e935 wired mic and an Audio Technica System 10 wireless mic. Never had any problems with them. Also have a Shure SM-58 as a backup. This was a great video, always entertaining.
Super helpful video Nick! I never understood what feedback was before, and you just made it so simple and clear! I have so far only had one feedback faux pa in one of my MCs, so now will back into it soon after the Christmas and New Year lull, and my calendar is starting to fill up, i'll know never to make the mistake of stepping into the dispersion patterns of the speakers. 👍🏼🎤
What kind of microphone do you use? I rock the Shure SLX-D with the Beta 58 heads and LOVE THEM.
I got the Shure GLXD24 .. its trash!! i have been receiving alot of cutting off lately... I am looking into getting the QLX
Audix ap41 series, love them! I use their om2, om5, and lav’s. Crisp clean sound and dependable.
Shure PGX I’ve had for 15 years it’s a beta 58 - has never failed me
@@djshinski been using a QLX for about 2 years. Honestly the best mic I’ve ever used.
Furthermore- the Beta version has a hotter output as well than the normal Shure 58. This means that you get, all around- a total better microphone. You get a more narrow pick up pattern (supercardiod) and more output from the microphone. On the 87A- you even get a more high frequency output which adds sizzle and sparkle on the vocals. So for the application of usage- I usually give my Beta 58 to males and Beta 87 to female vocalist to use.
You’re fantastic Nick! Love all of this and your humor of course is on point 😁😁
Thank you very much for all of the tips to prevent microphone feedback, I always wondered if a microphone with a super cardioid pattern would help and you have answered my question plus you mentioned gain structure so I have definitely learnt something from your video.
Well sometimes if the volume is not loud enough it doesn't always mean you need better speakers or mics. Sometimes it means you need more speakers. Hence the Ampeg 8x10 was designed based on that concept, because the more speakers you have the more air you push. Granted having great name brand speakers and mics can contribute a lot.
Dude, thanks for explaining all this in such clear language...
Man this’s a great video. I’ve been fighting this for years. Thanks so much man!!!
Great info.. thank you but do you have one for line array tops?
Me and my cousins do Metallica covers, this explains a lot. I'm pretty familiar with a lot of technical things. This one I never picked up on, but the way you explained it in such a simple manner made a lot of sense. Now I see where we made these mistakes. So simple. Learn something new everyday
Finally, someone made some sense of this issue. Thanks!
My pleasure!
Thank you so much. I didn’t know anything about the cause of feedback.
great info! tx man! i'll try this tips at my next gig. i salute you from Romania
Question : The only reason you setup speakers behind you is because you don’t bring a monitor?
Great Video btw! Thanks!
This was SUPER helpful! I'm just getting started and played my first show a couple days ago (I do live vocal looping & singing) and we had a crappy sound setup for my rig, and no engineer present to help fix things so I got MAD feedback during my set. Your explanation of GAIN vs VOLUME will stay with me forever -- I love the image of gain as a doorway! Thank you!
Wow this is a complete game changer, thank you!
exactly the issue i was facing and it resolved. I was planning to do game streams with commentary. And this works perfect. Thanks for for your tips and guide. liked and subbed
You described an omnidirectional pattern when you were covering the sm58
Well thought out and detailed video that even dummies can understand. you've helped me tons and taught me a thing or two!!
Thank you for this lively and informative video! I do have a couple of comments though, :) It is pronounced Cardee-oid and not Car-doid! :) It originates from the word Cardiac, pertaining to the shape of the heart, which is the shape of the mic pickup pattern. Most people will strongly disagree with you that the Cardioid pattern allows sound from, well, all over. It does not. But yes, a Supercardioid is even more directional. I have both an SM58 and a Beta 58A. Yes, I'll ways set aside the SM58 when I have a Beta 58A in my hand! One other thing, that I tested a few days ago: BASS FREQUENCIES cause more feedback. On my Bose S1 Pro, I turned up the bass in the microphone input equalizer, and sure enough, the feedback got a lot worse. It is known and proven that bass frequencies are OMNIDIRECTIONAL which is why people can hide their home subwoofers out of sight. But your point about keeping the GAIN DOWN is a GREAT POINT, thanks!
This has been the most helpful video for me concerning feed back ❗🔥
Most dj's do not use advanced techniques like compression......but they should.
Cool video
I also use the beta58 and the sm58. The mic that picks up sound from all directions is called an omni-directional mic. The SM is not that. The SM has a cardioid pattern. This is a heart shaped pattern and rejects sound when you aim the bottom at it. Such as aiming it at your monitor speaker. I use it when I have a singer that is very loud or likes to speak close to the mic at less than 2 inches.
The Super Cardioid patter is similar but has an even tighter pattern. In the case of the beta, it is a much more sensitive mic and is best for someone with a normal volume of speech such as myself the DJ. You don't have to hold it as close to your mouth.
It was not mentioned but EQing the mic can also help with feedback. I always eq out the very low freqs at 80hz or lower.
A device called a feedback eliminator will find and eliminate the offending frequencies and can be used when things get really bad.
I was hoping someone would correct him lol
I totally agree with you about the SM58. I used one as a Dj and always held it on my chin but touching close to my mouth
What is the best way to set up speakers, a microphone, and an amplifier in a rectangular room? can you please give an example image🙏🙏
Great information, Nick. I appreciate it
I agree RCF is the best brand of speakers hands down!
Thank you ! ❤ it changed my my gig !
Thank you for making this video. It’s instructional, simplified and you are funny/entertaining ❤loved it
Short version of this video: Buy the "Behringer Feedback Destroyer (various models and prices applicable)" and set it to "Auto" mode. Will painlessly, seamlessly, and automatically kill feedback in your entire mix without you ever worrying about it once. I personally own the Behringer FBQ1000, works flawlessly with small set ups like most DJ's have.
Regardless, this video still has solid points that even a Feedback Destroyer would be hard pressed to kill. Maxing out your volume and gain on a channels with funky EQ settings will almost always strain your speakers to the max, or having someone stand in front of a speaker and be unaware of the feedback effect. Solid video and principles.
RCF speakers being the best? I'll have to agree to disagree my man. The QSC and JBL 3 way mains are a force to be reckoned with, especially paired with Mogami Gold XLR's connected to a UPS....but I digress. Still good video.
I ordered that destroyer to try out.
@@NickSpinelli Well worth the investment. I'm a wedding DJ myself and there is nothing, I mean *nothing* that will mangle your reputation in the wedding industry worse than a shrieking, howling, feedback during a speech or vows.
Your video is a solid presentation on what to do if you don't have such a device, but when someone's big day is on the line I personally wouldn't leave it to chance. The FBQ1000 automatically targets 24 different hot spots for feedback and actively searches for feedback while plugged in. Rack mountable, less than $200, a life saver.
Feedback destroyer does destroy feedback but also my mix, and my pride
@@CoyTheobalt Interesting.....usually I only put my microphone channels as an FX Send to the unit, not the entire mix.
Did you route every signal through the Behringer? I've never actually routed the main mix to the FBQ that's a fascinating plot twist you've discovered.
Hey Nick I never really enjoyed using Active speakers until I went to one of my ex friends gig he was doing. and used Alto TS215, even then I still wasn't convinced. until I picked up a pair of Alto Ts310 for 600GBP brand new. Honestly mate when I stood in front of the speakers with my wharf dale wireless mics, not one once of feedback and I was literally 3 foot away. with the speaker cones at head level, TRUST ME pick up a pair of Alto TS3's and try them yourself. I actually set the volume at the 2pm position and the main out on the board at 0DB, so I can have more control over every single channel.
Thanks brother great information and really needed. Also thanks for explaining the difference on both shure mics!
I have found your video very helpful indeed and you are so entertaining. Fabulous!
You are a fabulous sound instructor bro; great just great!
The Gain vs Volume discussion is on point! thanks! Side note. I'm using the Bose L1 Pro 16 (180 degree dispersion)... the feedback is definitely worse than my QSCs that have about a 70 degree dispersion.
I have those! How do I fix this problem? Please, HELP! Thx!
@@BillyLydon Decrease the microphone input gain (volume) down low and increase your system volume. So, when you are at the same functional volumes, the mic sensitivity is much lower. Having an external mixer helps in adjusting the input gains. I use a Yamaha MG06x which is reasonable priced. Using a good microphone helps too. I use a Shure BLX2/B58.
@ Thx bro! You have Bose L1 Pro 16 speakers as well?
@ It gives feedback even when I have the music turned off and increase the mic volume from low to where I need it as well? I think it’s something to do with they are 360 degree speakers? It sux whatever it is! I don’t talk on the mic because of it! 😩
Thanks for the amazing video!!! How do you place speakers behind you? I have a small rectangular room where speakers can only be hanging on walls either behind me or other walls. It is only for vocal speeches, no instruments involved.
Pro tip, use microphone foam
1-it protects your microphone,
2-Is a popfilter so your going to sound better
3-less sound coming in hence, less feedback
You are welcome
Thanks so much very clear explanation. Also explained how to use the Shure 58👏🏾
There are another way to prevent feedback. You can use an feedback cancellation algorithm inside your mixer. For example, use an adaptive filter to identify the transfer function between your speaker and your microphone, and then substruct the upcoming noise signal from the captured microphone signal. However, the constraint is that you are not gonna to move.
Thank you bro, you left me no choice but to subscribe!
Helpful info. Just want to add tone control for your mic. Most djs with mic feedback have too much bass in their mic. Turn the bass for the mic down to 8 or 9 oclock.
any professional mixer has a low cut filter at 100Hz, just activate it and no problem anymore with the bassy voice or breath sound
I’m using fbq 1000, and have nothing problem with feedback 😊
Really awesome video and way of expressing things with compact informations.
Nick. Good job. You explained a couple things in a more logical way that I didn't get in similar vids.
The gain vs volume idea is nice a little incorrect but okay. The Gain is not an EQ you don't get more frequency as you move the gain.
Gain vs Volume is more like a large volume and a small volume. Both are measured in dB you set your gain first and if your volume is at 0 dB then your output is equal to your gain. So gain + volume = output + master volume equals what comes out your mains. It's That simple. You have a gain of +10dB + (-20dB)= -10dB going to your master output.
As for the mic 🎤 description. I see a lot of feedback for people with bad microphone skills like the Djs he mentioned the polar pattern doesn't show the rejection pattern from the underside of the microphone which acts like a noise canceling device do to the diaphragms air movement. You cover it up with your hand the microphone becomes less responsive leading to feedback. You yell with a microphone on your lips it's less responsive. Because you aren't allowing the microphone air to do its job. Talk normally hold it a fist or two away from your face and pointed at your mouth. You going to belt out "my heart will go on" then hold it out more.
Killer info, thanks for the heads up on hat mic head.
Interesting!
I never thought of it like that…🤔 Very good info! And I like the vinyl wall art! Nice touch! 👍🏾
Also, I was wondering if you could help me out. I just got this mixer, DJM S7, and I calibrated the turntables inside the Serato software. But for some reason I can constantly hear the tone playing, no matter what functions I have it on. I can still hear it even when I play the music. Even when the music is not playing and the needle is still going around the control vinyl, I can still hear the tone nonstop! Is there a reason why this is???
SM58 is cardiod not Omnidirectional. Best if monitors are right in front of you. Beta58 needs monitors angled from the side because it will pick up directly in back of mic.
Great ideas... but the the easy and only way to avoid feedback is to turn the volume down on the reciever. set the volume at lease half way on the reciever and that will work better.
How to do prevent feedback from behind the speakers? and where do you have your speech/toasting guest stand? I've had the issue with guest dropping a hot mic on a table after a speech.
:) I finally understand the GAIN vs VOLUME thanks to this video! Now I have to locate the gain knob on my mixer to get the best sound from the microphone.
great video nick. I've been a DJ for over 20 yrs and have a good handle on the dj mic feedback part, however, now I'm in a band and I can not get rid of the feedback when the harmonica guy is playing thru the mic. I realize it's very high pitched. I've turned down the gain and turned the down the highs on the equalizer, he is using a bullet type mic with the 1/4" output. any suggestions where to start, is appreciated ..
Hey man... I love your video and awesome explanations! One question. What would you recommend for a congregation type setting? In our Hall, we have like 15 ceiling mounted speakers. Most of the time, there's no issues, but for some members, when they comment, instant feedback. We have to lower the volume pretty much all the way down making it hard to even hear their comment. Something about their voice tone or frequency that causes feedback, I don't know. Most of the time, it happens with the soft-spoken members. Anyway, we're using a TOA 900 series amplifier for the volume control. We're using the Shure SM58 wireless mics with a Shure BLX4R receiver. What would you recommend we do to help avoid that feedback?
i loved ur video! not only very informative and useful, youre also really funny xD
"Let's Prevent Feedback Around the World." Love it Nick!
I don't need a monitor and I like to blow out my ears... LOL love it
An excellent, clear, description of feedback.👍👍👍😁
I definitely enjoyed that video from the very first moment to the end. But...in the 75% of speed (because I'm not native speaker) and still sound normal...😆Thanks any way.
Could you do a video on EQ and checking your sound levels for your speakers and getting the most out of them
Thanks mang!!!
Bro it's content like this is why I sub. I started my DJ business right before covid and I've been killing it since. The only I didn't have confidence with is my mics. Now after watching this dime I already feel 100xs more confident. Thank you Nick for the great videos and thank you for helping to shape me into a better DJ. Now, I just need to figure out how to do karaoke and I'm set. 😎
Haha did he pay you for this "review"? 😂😂😂
I find this very helpful. Thanks
Awesome presentation Nick
🆒 cool ✅👍.... Super helpful....lol I used to use gain on my vocals with those apps but I really didn't know what I was doing now I understand. I feel like a pro just from watching this already 😂
Exciting video. I do PA system design and installation for churches where the culture is set and forget - no board operator most times. The video made me revisit the use of the SM58 as my standard. Only thing is that you drew an omni pattern for cardioid - or perhaps you were drawing the pattern looking directly into the mic? If so, the super-cardioid will also have a circular pattern around the mic. That said it certainly will be a tighter pattern.
I am still not comfortable with the explanation of how gain structure reduces susceptibility to feedback. If you look at 1 mic to 1 speaker, what everyone says is balance the gain - reduce it in one place(s) and boost in others so that essentially everything clips at the same time. But feedback is a function of overall gain. Its not a signal issue, whether its ambient noise or the vocal content. So if gain stays the same after gain structuring, then how does this impact on feedback?
So with the gain/volume door analogy, would you start with the volume fader all the way up, then slowly open the gain? Or how do you "set the right level of gain"?
Thank you. Now I can prove to my dad the Betas were a good idea!
Awesome job Nick per usual.. However when you get to someone like me that runs a Behringer X32 Rack mixer I have a few more bells and whistles that help as well such as a limiter, adjustable Low Cut Filter and DeEsser. Sure most djs won't use that stuff however I find if I set those just right and have my gain at -18 dB it's the best I can get without any feedback
Added to my "Essential Beginner DJ Tutorials" Playlist. Thanks, Nick!
My problem is both bands I play in play in are loud bands that play in small venues and we are all micd up cramped in small spaces, not much we can do about it. Usually wind up getting a crappy monitor mix in order to get rid of the feedback.
Nick, Should I be thing of getting a Beta 58 for singing? Thanks
Great advice for the layman (me) :) Thanks!
haha thanks for watching!
this was very informative, thanks!
Playing Lead Guitar in a rock and roll band for years....you learn about feedback real quick or you won't ever play that club again!!
Additional very helpful tricks I can add is to use an additional equipment feedback destroyer. It costs a little more though. A sound engineer showed me how to kill and completely eliminate feedback is to use a 32 channel graphic equalizer or higher, the sound engineer showed it using the mackie app in the ipad then there is one specific frequency that kicks the feedback, all he did was slide it all the way down, it did not alter the sound quality from the mic and speakers like you litterally hear the sound from the person being choked or kinda like pinching the persons nose, it worked like magic
3:48 lol great video and information, I learned something and was entertained.
Awesome video Nick. I use shure/qlx but more so for the connection. Never knew about the patterns til this. Thanks!
Good video and I'll be researching the Beta 58.
that made it so clear for me!
I set my gain structure up as described and it’s so much better. Boots and cats and boots and cats.
This really massive thank you bro
another good point is focusing on the mic's Mhz frequency. Todays cellphone frequency is changing meaning cellphone feedback & illegal use of frequency. The FCC has deemed all microphones using 600mhz transmission illegal.
My mic.?.shit an innopow wm-333 & wm-333b (lapel). Great budget wireless mic