Re: [Harp-L] Effects: proper chain order?

[Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

With amp modelers like the Korg AX3G and POD a direct box isn't
essential.  However, these devices are generally set up for guitar, not
a microphone.  A guitar puts out a much weaker signal than a mic, and a
lot of guitar setups will produce howling feedback as soon as a mic is
plugged in.  So with these devices, after you check out the patches to
see if any of them work, trying dialing down the GAIN (NOT volume, GAIN)
control on the patches that feed back. I've used gain settings right
down to zero on some hot amp models in the RP200, with good results.

Regarding the Danelectros, I'm scratching my head.  A lot of people put
these between the mic and the amp with few problems.  However, before
you try a DI, I'd suggest an inexpensive tube mic preamp like the ART
tube MP or equivalent (very similar units are made by Behringer, DBX,
etc., etc.).  I've had very good results with that approach in the past,
although I don't use it in my stage setup now.

I wonder if the Dan Electro pedals had sufficient power?  Those things
chew up batteries in particular very quickly.  

Regarding feedback, you had three different mics, so it's not the mic
alone.  Feedback usually exists in a particular frequency band.  You
might try putting a graphic EQ between the last pedal and the amp, and
tweak that until the feedback stops.  

One more thing just occurred to me: if your mics are Lo-Z mics, and you
didn't have an in-line transformer at the end of the cable to convert
the mic to Hi-Z, that might account for all the issues you describe. 
Some mic cables have a male Lo-Z conenctor for the mic and a 1/4" male
plug at the other end, but no inline transformer; cables like that
wouldn't do the job with a Lo-Z mic plugged into an effects pedal.  So
if you didn't have the inline transformer, get one and try again.

Regards, Richard Hunter