I'm fighting feedback issues with my L1. I'm finding it difficult to avoid feedback in small club settings when using multiple vocal and instrument mics.

My gear guru at Sweetwater promises a Peavey Feedback Ferret D ($300) will cure the problems, and one of the Bose techies agreed. Who out there in L1land is willing to share his experience, strength and hope?

Carl

Hi Carl,

I am glad you joined the forum.

A little more information would really help.

Please tell us more about your situation:

• What model L1® do you have? See: Different Models
  
• How many microphones and other inputs do you have running into your L1®?
  
• What kind(s) of music you play?
  
• Where you do it (size, type of venue)?
  
• Who is there (audience) - how many, what are they doing while you are performing?
  
• Do you have a web site?
  
• If no web site, could you post a picture of your ensemble?
  

Thank you.

It's an L1 Classic. Our Americana/bluegrass band is using 3 vocal mics, direct inputs for acoustic guitar and upright bass, and 2 instrument mics for fiddle and mandolin. We're playing clubs, cafes and bars. Audience size ranges from 10 to 100. Depending on the venue they're either listening in rapt attention, ignoring us, yacking and drinking, or some variation in between. Our website is www.cbsmithmusic.com

I used a Feedback Ferret pre-Bose days; it's a great little device for when you are in a place that you have to "push the edge" of volume and you have lots of mics open.

*** I haven't needed to use it, at all, with the L1's. ***

A few thoughts:

Figure out how to separate the open mics from the direct instruments ... avoid "messing" with the direct instruments with anything like the Feedback Ferret.

Even better, separate the vocal mics from the instrument mics. The Feedback Ferret is a dual channel device, so the vocals and instruments can be kept separate through that device -- if you need to use it
-- By keeping them separate, you can put the vocals (only!) into the Bose Channel 1 with one of the Vocal Mic Presets. Then put the other mics into the Bose Channel 2 (Preset 00 initially) ... so you can adjust the relative EQ and volume of the vocals and the instrument mics separately via the Bose Remote.

If you are not already doing those things ... try that first before investing in the Feedback Ferret.

If you need help figuring out how you might do these things, give us more details on the make/model of mixer and how you currently have things connected together.

L1&trade Wiki

I'm using a Mackie 1202VLZ. I like your idea of putting the vocal mics into one channel of the Feedback Ferret and the instrument mics into the other channel. I can then patch the 1/4" outs to channels 3 & 4 of the L1, reserving the L1's channels 1 for my lead vocal mic(which, by itself, won't feedback), with the direct guitar signal on channel 2. Make sense?

great music you make..
You might want to think about using instrument pickups for the mandolin & fiddle.With todays technology there are alot of pickups to choose.
I think having 2 open instument mics is causing alot of feedback.
If you must you can buy something like this for the open instrument mics.
Optogate
peace & good luck
Dancing Dog Muse RIP

I hate to say it but you have too many things going thru one L1 (if the L1 is behind you). I assume your going thru a mixer?

I would put the L1 out front and sing close to the vocal mics and remove any mic absolutely not necessary.

Bars and clubs are a real problem w/ bluegrass instruments. If you put yourself in the bar patron's place, your probably not there to hear a concert but rather drink and listen to some music along with friends. Plug in and get the best tone possible. You'll get the gain up,have happy patrons and owners.

Our group has resolved to using two L1s and two fishman soloamps. 3 of the 4 instruments are plugged in now but we're still bluegrass. We play into open mics for the traditional festivals.

I hope this helps. Good luck.
James

This message has been edited. Last edited by: paxflyer,

quote:

Originally posted by Carl Bethge:
... the vocal mics into one channel ... and the instrument mics into the other channel ... to channels 3 & 4 of the L1, reserving the L1's channels 1 for my lead vocal mic ... with the direct guitar signal on channel 2...

Are you using a Preset on Channel 2 (or the EQ on the Remote)?? If neither of those, I'd swap the vocal channel with the direct guitar (i.e.: swap 2 & 3) so you can use a mic Preset on Channel 2 for the (non-lead) vocal mics. I suspect that will make a bigger difference than anything else.