Re: [Harp-L] Playing through vocal mics- a case for using your own rig

[<ironmanmc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The Fender Super Reverb has two separate inputs, with separate volume and 
tone controls.  I'd just plug into the unused input.

But for playing through a vocal mic into the PA, I speak to the soundman 
before taking the stage (or hand him a legibly written note) and have him 
turn treble on "my" mic all the way down, set bass straight-up zero (flat) 
or slightly cut, and cut volume by about 1/3rd.  When I take the stage, 
BEFORE the song starts, I cup the mic and play softly, so he can dip the 
volume (or bass) if it feeds back.  Set like this, when I really lean into 
the harp, it's LOUD and I can hear myself (and be heard) over pretty much 
anything short of a full stack.  And if they're playing that loud, I won't 
be asking to sit in.  I'm not fond of tinnitus - or deafness.


-IronMan Mike Curtis
http://www.SouthlandBlues.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "samblancato" <samblancato@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 8:26 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] Playing through vocal mics- a case for using your own rig


> Hey Folks,
>
>
>
> Thought I'd share this bad experience with you as an object lesson in when
> step down from playing even when you really want to.  The other night I 
> went
> to sit in with a local blues band that I often sit in with - Willy Tri And
> The Bluescasters.  Willy plays through a Super Reverb and switches to 
> guitar
> through that same amp in his second set.  So if I come late and I want to
> sit in, it has to be through a vocal mic through the board.  This mic goes
> through speakers that are set way forward so that I can't really hear
> myself.  There's only one monitor but since I'm standing directly over it
> and all the sound blows past my feet.  The end result is I'm playing my
> lungs out but can only hear three fourths of what I play and faintly at
> that.  How did I sound?  I'm not sure but I'm betting I sounded like crap.
> I couldn't hear the ends of my notes or the beginnings of any transitions
> from draw to blow.  The lesson here is that when an opportunity presents
> itself for playing it pays to carefully consider weather that situation 
> will
> allow you to be your best and if it doesn't, you should skip it.  I hat
> sounding like crap, especially with a band with a first rate harp player.
> Having your own rig is ALWAYS better; even if it's not the greatest rig in
> the world.  At least you can control it and hear what you're playing.
>
>
>
> Sam Blancato, Pittsburgh
>
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