Template:Feedback FAQ
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What causes microphone feedback?
Feedback happens when the sound from the loudspeaker is louder at the microphone than the sound of the voice. If the microphone “hears” more speaker than performer, the system will feed back.
For a full explanation and diagrams, see Feedback / Microphone.
How do I set gain staging to reduce feedback?
Set your source at its loudest performance level, then raise the Trim until you get solid green with occasional yellow (never red). Once Trim is set, use channel volume for mixing — not Trim.
For detailed steps for T1, T4S, and T8S, see Feedback / Microphone#Gain Staging.
How close should I be to the microphone?
Use close‑microphone technique: lips touching the windscreen. Every halving of distance gives roughly 6 dB more gain before feedback.
For more, see Feedback / Microphone#Close Microphone Technique.
Do directional microphones help with feedback?
Yes. Supercardioid and hypercardioid microphones provide the best gain‑before‑feedback, followed by cardioid. Omnidirectional microphones provide the least.
For examples and diagrams, see Feedback / Microphone#Directional Microphones.
How should I place monitors to avoid feedback?
Aim monitors at the microphone’s rejection angle. Do not place wedge monitors directly behind cardioid mics; place them at the mic’s least‑sensitive angle.
For details, see Feedback / Microphone#Monitor Placement.
How many open microphones can I use before feedback becomes a problem?
Every time you double the number of open microphones, you lose about 3 dB of gain before feedback. Use as few open mics as possible, and mute or gate unused ones.
How should I use EQ to reduce feedback?
Use EQ sparingly. Avoid excessive high‑frequency boost, and use ParaEQ to notch out a single problem frequency if needed.
For step‑by‑step notching instructions, see Feedback / Microphone#Notch Out a Problem Frequency.
Do vocal effects increase feedback?
Yes. Turn off effects until you have stable gain, then add them back one at a time so you can hear their impact.
Do instrument pickups help reduce feedback?
Yes. Pickups provide much higher gain‑before‑feedback than microphones and avoid the distance/position issues of miking an instrument.
Do feedback destroyers help?
Generally no. They often degrade sound quality and notch out more and more frequencies over time, resulting in a muddy mix.