Why do karaoke microphones and speakers often howl? How to fix it
Anyone who has used a microphone has likely encountered the frustrating issue of feedback from the karaoke speaker. Let Dalton explain why karaoke microphones produce feedback and the simplest ways to fix it!
Feedback is a common occurrence when you sing karaoke. If feedback persists, you may experience:
- Discomfort from the irritating sound of feedback.
- Damage to the speaker, or even burnout. Why? When feedback occurs, it indicates that your speaker is experiencing some abnormal issue. If feedback continues for an extended period, the speaker’s coil can overheat, leading to speaker burnout.
Why Microphones Produce Feedback
There are many reasons why microphones produce feedback:
-
Microphone Positioning:
Feedback can occur when the microphone is positioned directly in front of and too close to the speaker. When you sing, the microphone picks up sound and transmits it through the speaker, inadvertently causing the sound from the speaker to be picked up again by the microphone, which amplifies it exponentially. This creates multiple feedback loops, resulting in feedback. -
Sound Resonance:
Feedback may also be influenced by resonance frequencies related to the room’s acoustics. Every object, the room size, and its design can reflect sound when the speaker is on, causing the microphone to pick up extraneous noise, leading to feedback. To visualize this, imagine pressing a large nut against your ear and hearing a buzzing sound! -
Blocked Microphone Vent:
The microphone has a vent located behind its diaphragm. When feedback occurs, this vent may be blocked, resulting in resonance sounds occurring inside the microphone body. -
Improper Microphone Handling:
Feedback can arise if the singer inadvertently covers the antenna of a wireless microphone. Additionally, holding the microphone too close to the mouth can also cause feedback. -
Insufficient Microphone Power:
If the microphone lacks sufficient power to meet user needs, it may lead to feedback. In other words, if the audio signal is not within the reserved headroom and reaches clipping levels, it causes distortion, resulting in feedback. -
Low Power of the Speaker:
If the speaker, in general, lacks power, it may operate at insufficient volume, leading to feedback. -
Improper Speaker Settings:
Incorrectly adjusting the speaker can also cause feedback. If the speaker is not set up properly, the microphone may produce high-pitched feedback. Furthermore, some karaoke speakers do not support feedback elimination, making feedback more likely.
Simple Fixes for Microphone Feedback
For each of the causes of feedback listed above, here are some simple solutions you can try:
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Microphone Positioning | – Move the microphone away from and avoid positioning it directly in front of the speaker. – Additionally, pay attention to how the speakers are arranged in the room. If the room’s acoustics are the issue, consider purchasing acoustic foam (egg foam) to apply to walls or corners. |
| Blocked Microphone Vent | – Check the microphone vent, or take it to a repair shop for inspection. – Prioritize purchasing high-quality microphones from reputable sources. For example, with wired microphones, choose cables with a protective metal layer to safeguard the signal transmission from the microphone to the amplifier. |
| Improper Microphone Handling | – Pay attention to how you hold the microphone; avoid covering the microphone’s antenna with your hand. – Maintain an appropriate distance between your mouth and the microphone to prevent feedback. |
| Insufficient Microphone Power | – Adjust the microphone’s sensitivity to ensure it picks up its own sound without producing feedback. |
| Improper Speaker Settings | – Readjust the speaker settings appropriately. – Consider purchasing speakers that support feedback elimination. |
| Low Power of the Speaker | – Pay attention to the speaker’s specifications, such as power, sensitivity, and impedance, to prevent feedback. Additionally, you can refer to Dalton’s tutorial videos on how to adjust speakers in the link below. |
