{"id":9513,"date":"2023-04-21T22:26:45","date_gmt":"2023-04-22T02:26:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/?p=9513"},"modified":"2023-05-22T14:18:30","modified_gmt":"2023-05-22T18:18:30","slug":"what-is-feedback","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/techniques-and-performance\/what-is-feedback\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Audio Feedback? Causes, Effects, and Solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, buckle up and get ready to discover the ins and outs of audio feedback<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is audio feedback? <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does audio feedback work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>, resulting in the characteristic high-pitched squeal or howl associated with feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What causes audio feedback?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Audio feedback is caused by a positive feedback loop<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image of a man controlling the mixing board. Source: pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to eliminate feedback<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To eliminate feedback, several techniques can be employed<\/strong> to break the feedback loop, manage the audio system, and control the acoustics. Here are some ways to eliminate or minimize audio feedback:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Adjust the position of microphones and speakers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Use directional microphones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Directional microphones<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Control gain and volume levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Use sound mixing boards or equalizers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Optimize room acoustics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Minimizing reflective surfaces and using sound-absorbing materials can help control the acoustics of a room<\/a> and reduce the chances of feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Use feedback suppression devices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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