Positioning the dB500a
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 recom- mended 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 dB500a enclosures’ feature stan- dard 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 dB500a in one of the tilt back monitor positions, which will improve the projection of the speakers and may eliminate the need for speaker stands.
Using the dB500a as a Floor Monitor
The dB500a is an ideal solution for stage monitoring and thanks to its unique design, two wedge monitor positions are possible. When placed on its side with the high fre- quency horn facing to the left of the enclo- sure, the dB500a is tilted at a fifteen degree angle, optimizing performance when used on a large stage. When placed on its side with the high frequency horn facing to the right of the enclosure, the dB500a is tilted at a thirty degree angle optimizing performance when used on smaller stages. In a large stage monitor system, several dB500a’s can be daisy- chained together using the Line Output. In many instances (when using the dB500a as 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.
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