What is Audio Feedback? Causes, Effects, and Solutions

Learn about audio feedback, its types, and how to prevent or minimize it in live sound and recording studio environments. Perfect for beginners!

Have you ever been to a concert only to be greeted with a high-pitched squeal that made you cringe? Well, folks, that’s audio feedback, the unwanted guest at every live event! In this post, we’ll dive into the world of audio feedback and teach you how to tame this sonic beast. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to make your live sound experience a harmonious one – without any ear-piercing interruptions.

So, buckle up and get ready to discover the ins and outs of audio feedback, from understanding its types to mastering the art of prevention. We’ll also explore the magical realm of microphone placement, directional microphones, and speaker positions, as well as the powerful tools that can help you control feedback in a recording studio environment.

What is audio feedback? Audio feedback is the high-pitched squeal or howling sound that occurs when a microphone picks up sound from a speaker and amplifies it back into the system, creating a continuous loop. This phenomenon can be disruptive and unpleasant, making it crucial to understand and manage during live sound events and in recording studios.

How does audio feedback work?

Audio feedback, also known as acoustic feedback or simply feedback, is a positive feedback situation that occurs when an acoustic path exists between an audio input (e.g., a microphone or guitar pickup) and an audio output (e.g., a loudspeaker).

Image of a microphone and a speaker. Source: pexels
Image of a microphone and a speaker. Source: pexels

In this scenario, a signal received by the microphone is amplified and passed out of the loudspeaker. If the output sound is picked up by the input again, it creates a loop, and the sound is continuously amplified, resulting in the characteristic high-pitched squeal or howl associated with feedback.

To manage and control audio feedback, sound technicians may use sound mixing boards or equalizers as part of the public address (PA) system. These tools help balance the loop and cut off the amplification, preventing feedback from occurring or becoming a problem during performances.

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What causes audio feedback?

Audio feedback is caused by a positive feedback loop that occurs when an acoustic path exists between an audio input, such as a microphone or guitar pickup, and an audio output, like a loudspeaker.

When sound from the audio output is picked up by the audio input, it is amplified and sent back to the output. This continuous amplification of the sound creates a feedback loop, resulting in the characteristic high-pitched squeal or howl associated with audio feedback.

Factors that contribute to audio feedback include the proximity of the microphone to the loudspeaker, the volume and gain levels, the room’s acoustics, and the frequency response of the audio equipment.

Image of a man controlling the mixing board. Source: pexels
Image of a man controlling the mixing board. Source: pexels

How to eliminate feedback

To eliminate feedback, several techniques can be employed to break the feedback loop, manage the audio system, and control the acoustics. Here are some ways to eliminate or minimize audio feedback:

1. Adjust the position of microphones and speakers

Make sure the microphones are facing away from the speakers and are not placed too close to them. This reduces the chances of sound from the speakers being picked up by the microphones.

2. Use directional microphones

Directional microphones have a specific pickup pattern that captures sound primarily from a single direction. This can help isolate the desired sound source and reduce the amount of sound picked up from speakers or other undesired sources.

If you need more volume for the audience, consider using more speakers distributed throughout the room rather than increasing the volume of a single speaker.

3. Control gain and volume levels

Keep the volume and gain levels of the audio system at reasonable levels to reduce the chances of feedback. If you need more volume for the audience, consider using more speakers distributed throughout the room rather than increasing the volume of a single speaker.

4. Use sound mixing boards or equalizers

Sound technicians can use these tools to balance the loop and cut off amplification, preventing feedback from occurring or becoming a problem during performances. Equalizers can help identify and attenuate specific frequencies that are more prone to feedback.

5. Optimize room acoustics

Minimizing reflective surfaces and using sound-absorbing materials can help control the acoustics of a room and reduce the chances of feedback.

6. Use feedback suppression devices

Some advanced audio systems have built-in feedback suppressors or dedicated feedback suppression devices that automatically detect and eliminate feedback by applying precise notches to offending frequencies.

If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “How to Eliminate Microphone Feedback | 5 Must-Know Tips” from the Audio University YouTube channel.

A video called “How to Eliminate Microphone Feedback | 5 Must-Know Tips” from the Audio University YouTube channel.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do you still have questions about what feedback is in audio? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions.

What causes audio feedback in live sound settings?

Audio feedback occurs when a microphone picks up sound from a speaker, amplifies it, and sends it back into the system, creating a continuous loop. Factors like improper microphone and speaker placement, high volume levels, and resonant frequencies can contribute to feedback in live sound situations.

Are there different types of audio feedback?

Yes, there are two main types of audio feedback: positive feedback, which results in an increasingly louder and unstable sound, and negative feedback, which helps maintain stability and control within an audio system by reducing the overall gain.

How can you prevent or minimize audio feedback in live sound situations?

To prevent or minimize audio feedback, consider proper microphone and speaker placement, use directional microphones, adjust speaker positions to avoid directing sound at microphones, and perform a sound check to identify and address potential issues before the event. Tools like noise gates and dynamic range compression can also help control feedback in various environments.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it, folks – the lowdown on taming the high-pitched beast that is audio feedback! (Did you learn something new about handling feedback in live sound and recording studio environments?) I hope I struck the right chord with this information. Let me know in the comments section below if I missed a beat – I read and reply to every comment, so don’t hesitate to chime in!

If you found this article helpful, don’t be shy about sharing it with a friend or fellow audiophile. For more tips and tricks on music production, be sure to check out my full blog. Thanks for reading, and here’s to conquering feedback and making your audio world a “sound” paradise!

Key takeaways

This article covered feedback in audio. Here are some key takeaways:

  • Audio feedback is the high-pitched sound created when a microphone picks up sound from a speaker and amplifies it back into the system.
  • Two main types of feedback are positive feedback, causing louder and unstable sound, and negative feedback, maintaining stability and control.
  • Feedback can occur in live sound settings due to improper microphone and speaker placement, high volume levels, and resonant frequencies.
  • To prevent or minimize feedback, use proper microphone placement and directional microphones, adjust speaker positions, and conduct sound checks.
  • Tools like equalization (EQ), noise gates, and dynamic range compression can help control feedback in various environments.

Helpful resources

Image Andrew Ash
Written by Andrew Ash, Staff Writer

Hey there! My name is Andrew, and I'm relatively new to music production, but I've been learning a ton, and documenting my journey along the way. That's why I started this blog. If you want to improve your home studio setup and learn more along with me, this is the place for you!

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Edited by Nick Eggert, Staff Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail.

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