Martin,
Sitting in as a harp player and being at the mercy of a sound system out of
your control or REACH can be very frustrating, I guess we've all been
there...if your just gonna have minimal gear like a few harps....consider
bringing one of these two VOLUME items I've listed below. You will have to
still get whoever is in charge of the PA to give you a level and get them to
'roll off the highs (treble).
But KEY here is setting YOUR volume control to a bit MORE than half then,
have them give you LEVEL from the PA. Now you can crank it to full from your
fingertips if your friend in the house sez.."I can't hear you". You have
some volume to spare!
http://www.audixusa.com/audix/Acrobat/FireBall-V_spec_sheet.pdf
I endorse the Fireball V I assisted Audix in designing and testing it, it's
a GREAT recording Mic as well and small enuff to throw in your harp case.
I also endorse and use Audix Vocal Mics (OM 6)
If you don't want to carry ANY mic than try this, which I use as well and
always keep it in mycase.....made by Greg Heumann and very nicely made!
http://blowsmeaway.com/switchcraft.html
Hope this was helpful.. Best, Rob Paparozzi Www.myspace.com/hudsonriverrats
On 5/16/08 7:38 PM, "martin oldsberg" <martinoldsberg@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
HereÂs a question for those of you who attend jams, or just sit i n every now
and then.
Let me give you the context: A while ago I was invited to play on a couple
of tunes with a jazz band. No big deal, been there, done that, even with this
same band.
I got down to the club for their second set, as agreed, and when time was
right I stepped up on the stage, which is roughly the size of a signet ring.
Proceeded to one of two vocal mics, and nodded to the tuba player, who was
standing closest to the house PA: "Please cut out all treble". He looked
somewhat bewildered, then turned a knob, which eliminated all volume. "No,
please, treble." I couldnÂt physically without serious altercation s get
through to the board -- it was intensely crowded on the stage -- but of course
perceived that he hadnÂt the faintest what he was doing. "Can you turn that
first knob back up to where it was?" "Ehh .."
At this point some slight commotion from rest of the band, cÂmo n guys,
letÂs get started.
I blew a note and realised that I was at least audible from the speaker
closest to me, then cut my losses and just played when I was supposed to play.
Afterwards I received some accolades, "thank you, thank you, very kind",
but a friend of mine in the audience hinted that I was "a bit low in the mix".
Which meant really low.
Well of course I was, "but you could see for yourself, not a chance to do
anything about it. Also, this crappy mic was ALL treble, and that s the way --
ah-ha ah-ha -- i DONÂT like it."
So, what can a poor boy do?
Bring my own mic as well?
Do you do that?
Hanging around for the sound-check could seem like a brilliant idea, but
in this case meaning I would have to sacrifice my dinner at home + a bunch of
Margaritas that I was really looking forward to. And for what? Drooling at the
bar a couple of hours, doing nothing productive, just because IÂm playing --
for free, mind you -- on a few songs.
Bringing your own mic, of a "neutral" type, means that you have to be able
to get through to the PA, but I could have fitted that in in a pause or
something.
However, this to some extent reduces the beauty of the diatonic harmonica:
I put two or three in my jacket front pocket, "Ta honey, IÂm leavi ng" and IÂm
all set, no hassle.
Of course this is also implies taking a splash into whatever equipment
there is. There are some not very satisfactory ad hoc measures that IÂve tried
now and then, pulling a hanky round the mic or whatever, not playing cupped on
some mics (which I donÂt like) etc.
Any suggestions on a viable strategy for more or less impromptu situations?
Cheers Martin
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All the best, Rob Paparozzi
email: chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Robâs My Space (check for upcoming Gigs!) http://www.myspace.com/hudsonriverrats
Robâs Session Sites: http://www.esession.com http://www.sessionplayers.com http://www.nysingerscollective.com
Robâs Web Page: http://home.earthlink.net/~chromboy/
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