Re: [Harp-L] EQ'ing for harp

[spschndr@xxxxxxx]

I haven't tried this drill on a vocal PA yet, but I learned it from 
Mark Burness for setting harp amplifier EQ.  Works better with two 
people: Take an A or G diatonic.  Play a sustained 2Dbb bend and have 
the other person turn the bass up till the note sounds as full as it 
can get-- you'll notice a point where it stops getting any fuller and 
simply gets muddy, turn back to where it was full.  Then use 3D bends 
to set the middle knob--turn it up till the bends start jumping out and 
projecting well, try some hand wahs to make sure.  Don't go too far on 
the knob, just needs to be to where those bends/wahs start to project 
well.  Then play a sustained 4D to set the treble knob: If you go too 
high on the treble, you'll hear the note start to turn lispy or feed 
back; back it down if that happens.  Play a snippet at full performance 
volume to make sure your settings work--you can  go over the individual 
knob limits again if you want--but this approach will help you zone in 
on the maximum usable amount of each band.  Obviously it will work with 
a cupped mic straight into a SS PA, and I think you could get in close 
on a vocal mic on a stand and use a version of this drill--you can see 
how it checks the full range of the harp and will be OK for higher or 
lower keys.

Stephen Schneider