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What is feedback?
Feedback is the result of sound looping between an audio input and an audio output. In the case of most live sound systems, feedback is caused by the sound present at a microphone being amplified through the loudspeakers, then returning to that same microphone and being amplified again, or re-reinforced. When left unchanged, this loop becomes perpetual and causes that distinct screech or howl through the sound system as the exact same audio signal is layered and reinforced many times over.
A feedback loop starts when the reinforced sound from the loudspeakers becomes louder than the audio source present at the microphone (a singing voice for instance). Again, this is the relative volume of sound measured at the microphone location, nowhere else.
How do I stop it?!
There are only two 100% guaranteed ways to completely eliminate feedback from your sound system. You may use any combination of the following techniques:
What? That wasn’t what you were looking for? Sorry.
Let’s get a little more detailed!
Feedback is the result of sound looping between an audio input and an audio output. In the case of most live sound systems, feedback is caused by the sound present at a microphone being amplified through the loudspeakers, then returning to that same microphone and being amplified again, or re-reinforced. When left unchanged, this loop becomes perpetual and causes that distinct screech or howl through the sound system as the exact same audio signal is layered and reinforced many times over.
A feedback loop starts when the reinforced sound from the loudspeakers becomes louder than the audio source present at the microphone (a singing voice for instance). Again, this is the relative volume of sound measured at the microphone location, nowhere else.
How do I stop it?!
There are only two 100% guaranteed ways to completely eliminate feedback from your sound system. You may use any combination of the following techniques:
- Turn off the loudspeakers.
- Turn off the microphones.
What? That wasn’t what you were looking for? Sorry.
Let’s get a little more detailed!
3 Quick Tips to Eliminate Feedback
The three tips below are always the first place I start whenever I encounter a problem with feedback. These techniques certainly don’t replace the need for good mic/loudspeaker placement or the other concepts listed above, but they do allow you to have a firm understanding of how to quickly assess and begin controlling feedback when it occurs.
1. Turn it down!
Without being too drastic about it, simply turn down the main output level of the loudspeakers, or if you can find the offending microphone channel fast enough, turn it down. Often you will only need to turn down the level a small amount to stop the ringing. This volume adjustment can sometimes be imperceptible to the listening audience, but can make a big difference in the quality of the overall sound.
Monitor loudspeakers on stage can cause feedback too. Sometimes you just need to turn down the individual input level/mix in the appropriate monitor channel, or turn down the monitors altogether. Just be mindful of how these changes can affect the musicians, singers, or presenters on stage. You need to get feedback under control, but you don’t want to compromise the quality of the performance or presentation in the process.
As you train your ears and truly listen attentively to the sound in your mixing environment, you’ll be able to hear when things are getting out of balance and when feedback may be getting ready to “take off”.
2. Move it!
Most microphones and loudspeakers are directional. Simply moving a microphone or loudspeaker out of the pickup or projection pattern of the other can greatly reduce the chance of feedback.
Remember our illustration of a feedback loop? Don’t place a microphone in front of a loudspeaker, and conversely, don’t place a loudspeaker behind a microphone.
Another technique is to move the microphone closer to the source. This allows more signal to reach the microphone from the true source than from the reinforced signal of the loudspeakers.
A common cause of feedback in churches around the world is the improper placement of clip-on lavaliere or “lapel” microphones. While these microphones can be very convenient for clipping onto a variety of clothing or accessories, they are often placed too far away from the presenter’s mouth to be effective for live sound reinforcement. This is an especially troublesome scenario in small and medium facilities where the presenter, often the lead pastor, is speaking near the main loudspeakers. These microphones should be placed high on the chest of the presenter. This gets the microphone closer to the mouth and therefore provides a better signal level.
Clip-on and handheld mics positioned too far away will be a major contributor to poor signal quality and potential feedback. I always recommend placing lapel mics about halfway down the sternum, 6-8” below mouth.
3. EQ it!
If you can’t turn it down or move it, EQ it. It’s amazing what you can pull off with a little finesse on the equalizer. Even a basic High/Mid/Low EQ with sweepable mids on the console can be a huge asset for stopping feedback when you hear it.
But be careful. Try to make incremental and modest adjustments to your channel EQ when using it for feedback. A little bit can go a long way, and it will definitely impact the overall tonal quality of the audio source you are adjusting.
One of the most convenient and fastest ways to eliminate feedback is by using the sweepable mid EQ on the console.
Here's an easy and effective feedback solution using EQ.....
The three tips below are always the first place I start whenever I encounter a problem with feedback. These techniques certainly don’t replace the need for good mic/loudspeaker placement or the other concepts listed above, but they do allow you to have a firm understanding of how to quickly assess and begin controlling feedback when it occurs.
1. Turn it down!
Without being too drastic about it, simply turn down the main output level of the loudspeakers, or if you can find the offending microphone channel fast enough, turn it down. Often you will only need to turn down the level a small amount to stop the ringing. This volume adjustment can sometimes be imperceptible to the listening audience, but can make a big difference in the quality of the overall sound.
Monitor loudspeakers on stage can cause feedback too. Sometimes you just need to turn down the individual input level/mix in the appropriate monitor channel, or turn down the monitors altogether. Just be mindful of how these changes can affect the musicians, singers, or presenters on stage. You need to get feedback under control, but you don’t want to compromise the quality of the performance or presentation in the process.
As you train your ears and truly listen attentively to the sound in your mixing environment, you’ll be able to hear when things are getting out of balance and when feedback may be getting ready to “take off”.
2. Move it!
Most microphones and loudspeakers are directional. Simply moving a microphone or loudspeaker out of the pickup or projection pattern of the other can greatly reduce the chance of feedback.
Remember our illustration of a feedback loop? Don’t place a microphone in front of a loudspeaker, and conversely, don’t place a loudspeaker behind a microphone.
Another technique is to move the microphone closer to the source. This allows more signal to reach the microphone from the true source than from the reinforced signal of the loudspeakers.
A common cause of feedback in churches around the world is the improper placement of clip-on lavaliere or “lapel” microphones. While these microphones can be very convenient for clipping onto a variety of clothing or accessories, they are often placed too far away from the presenter’s mouth to be effective for live sound reinforcement. This is an especially troublesome scenario in small and medium facilities where the presenter, often the lead pastor, is speaking near the main loudspeakers. These microphones should be placed high on the chest of the presenter. This gets the microphone closer to the mouth and therefore provides a better signal level.
Clip-on and handheld mics positioned too far away will be a major contributor to poor signal quality and potential feedback. I always recommend placing lapel mics about halfway down the sternum, 6-8” below mouth.
3. EQ it!
If you can’t turn it down or move it, EQ it. It’s amazing what you can pull off with a little finesse on the equalizer. Even a basic High/Mid/Low EQ with sweepable mids on the console can be a huge asset for stopping feedback when you hear it.
But be careful. Try to make incremental and modest adjustments to your channel EQ when using it for feedback. A little bit can go a long way, and it will definitely impact the overall tonal quality of the audio source you are adjusting.
One of the most convenient and fastest ways to eliminate feedback is by using the sweepable mid EQ on the console.
Here's an easy and effective feedback solution using EQ.....
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This wonderful church sound guide explains what you need to know, without overwhelming.
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"James has developed his Great Church Sound guide so that the true novice will become comfortably acclimated with new terms and concepts without feeling overwhelmed. Although it's organized to be used as a reference, illustrations and special call-out boxes for Terms, Tips and Important Notes make the topic approachable, digestible and fun to learn--so don't be surprised if you opt to read it cover-to-cover! This Great Church Sound guide is a wonderful resource for anyone who is led to serve in tech ministry."
- Christy Kohnle, Limitless Ministries |
Ideal for church volunteers who have little or no experience running sound systems
Follow My Process, Use My Tools
As an audio engineer, I've installed & operated sound systems for hundreds of churches, schools, and businesses.
Here, you'll get a step-by-step walk-through of how to make your church's sound better. And the checklist to help you prepare for & conduct a soundcheck that sets you up for a successful service.
Everything You Need To:
No More Feedback
What's the biggest problem church volunteers & sound operators come to me with? "I can't get rid of feedback!" Learn what causes most feedback, how to stop it fast, and how to keep it from happening in the first place.
Mix With Confidence
Not sure what all those knobs do, or how to use 'em? I'll demystify the mixing console so you can provide a better listening experience for your congregation. (When you read this guide, you’ll see it’s not all that “mysterious”.)
No Confusing Technical Jargon
Church sound doesn't need to be complicated. But even if you’re not an audio engineer, you need to know the essentials of operating your sound system. It will not only make you a better audio operator, but it will help you confidently work with your team.
As an audio engineer, I've installed & operated sound systems for hundreds of churches, schools, and businesses.
Here, you'll get a step-by-step walk-through of how to make your church's sound better. And the checklist to help you prepare for & conduct a soundcheck that sets you up for a successful service.
Everything You Need To:
- Get rid of feedback
- Make instruments & vocals sound clearer
- Get better sound from the Pastor's mic
- Find "the sweet spot" with EQ
- Minimize audio distractions & ear fatigue for your congregation
- Place microphones effectively
- Troubleshoot your sound system
- Get better results with the gear you already have
No More Feedback
What's the biggest problem church volunteers & sound operators come to me with? "I can't get rid of feedback!" Learn what causes most feedback, how to stop it fast, and how to keep it from happening in the first place.
Mix With Confidence
Not sure what all those knobs do, or how to use 'em? I'll demystify the mixing console so you can provide a better listening experience for your congregation. (When you read this guide, you’ll see it’s not all that “mysterious”.)
No Confusing Technical Jargon
Church sound doesn't need to be complicated. But even if you’re not an audio engineer, you need to know the essentials of operating your sound system. It will not only make you a better audio operator, but it will help you confidently work with your team.
