Amplification Tips

I.Amplification and monitoring – “Hearing your instrument”

An amp is used for two very specific purposes with electric strings.  First it may be used  to get your sound out to an audience. However, you need to remember that it might also be serviing the purpose of a monitor for the player. That is -  the player is relying on the amp to hear themselves.  While this might sound obvious, there are many situation where one must discern which function the amp is playing. Or is it serviing both functions?

i.Audience  - If you are using the amp to get your sound out to the audience, it should ideally be placed off the ground.  I prefer about shoulder height.  Does the rest of the ensemble need to hear it as well? If so, you might want to place it farther back on stage, so that the sound goes past the ensemble to the audience. 

ii.Self - If you have the luxury of having a sound system in your hall and someone that is knowledgable running it, you may want to use the persoanl amp as simply a monitor for the player.  In this case, I recommend the player suse a small amplifier, placed up off the ground  - about shoulder height if sitting or standing.  The volume then only need be loud enough for the player to hear what he or she is doing.  A line may then be run from the amps "line-out" to the PA system.  In this configuration, the amp is playing the role of the traditional violin in that the player is adjusting his dynamics based exaclty what he is hearing.  If the amp doesn't have a "line out," condsider purchasing a "Direct box."  This will split the signal coming from the violin, permitting one cable to pug into the amp and another mic cable (XLR) to go directly to the house PA system. 

b.Amp placement

c.EQ – What does it really do?

i.What is shelving?

1.Treble – typically boost or cut (10dB) above 10 kHz with 1000Hz as the “hinge “ point

2.Bass – typically boost or cut (10 dB) at 100Hz with less and less effect above that frequency with 1000 Hz as the                                  “hinge” point

ii.Muddy – bass

iii.Honky – midrange

iv.Bright - treble

II.The miracle of the Direct Box – splitting the signal

Your web source for information on incorperating electric bowed instruments into your traditional orchestra curriculum

Sponsors: