 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Sue G
Date: 2003-07-13 16:28
Hi,
Do any of you play solo with an amp, mic and backing tracks to audiences perchance ?
If you do, can you tell me what equipment you use please ?
I'm learning to play the clarinet in order to entertain small groups ( mainly around 30 people but could be up to 100) of older folk with whom I work and I'm feeling that I need some equipment - a lot of the folks are hard of hearing and like to sing a long, so it'd be useful to be heard !!!
I've had a couple of goes already to groups of 25 and they seemed to enjoy it - perhaps because they couldn't hear me 'eh ? !!!
I've been looking on Ebay at amps and mics but it's a bewildering world to me and could do with some help if possible - I need something to enable me to play my backing music on CD as well as my clarinet being heard.
Thanks
Sue
:)
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Author: icecoke12
Date: 2003-07-14 17:49
Saw this link on eddie daniel's website. (maybe its something he used in his performances)
http://www.appliedmic.com/
maybe you could check it out..
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2003-07-14 20:25
Use the "search" link on this page and look for "microphone".
My experience is playing for groups of 25-250 people, with at least one other player, usually a keyboard or guitar. Can't comment on playing with pre-recorded backups.
The AMT is an excellent solution if you can afford it.
You can work with lesser cost single mikes, only if they are are not narrow pattern. The Shure SM-58 and its newer replacement (Beta 58?) are good starting points. You will need to place the mike so as to pick up sound from both your bell and tone holes. There are plenty of options for mike stands and clips.
Pickups that glue into a mouthpiece or barrel, or go under the reed, will require more twiddling. Your keywork maintenance must be top-notch to reduce key click. Also, you will have problems with full B and low E sounding much, much louder than any other note. If you can afford the cost of drilling a mike or barrel for this, consider getting AMT, unless your primary concern is a solution that is wind-proof.
A small keyboard amp such Roland's, or powered speakers such as Yamaha's will probably be all you need for a small setting. There are other manufacturers, and most of these will support two inputs.
If you are not elevated above your audience, and you are playing for 100 people or more, mounting the speaker on a pole will help get your sound out. The Yamaha speakers will do this but the Rolands I am familiar with will not unless you have a stand receiver installed on it.
If you need more inputs than your reinforcement options allow, there are a number of small mixers, with 4-16 inputs, which can add flexibility to your system. Beyond more hookups, many of these provide the ability to add separately controlled monitor speakers.
=>Caveat Emptor: You MUST listen before you buy. Hook the mike and amp together, play into them, and have a trusted friend critique the sound. Alternatively. hook the amp/speaker to a CD player or Drum Machine and decide if you like the results. If you use a CD, it should be one you have listened to on a good audio system.
Regards,
Ralph
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-07-14 22:12
A small PA system would be better than an amp. A speaker either side and a foldback so you can hear yourself is a good idea. As to which mike to use you are entering the realms of subjectivity. The Sm58 mentioned above is unidirectional and designed for vocalists. The Sm57 has a wider range or is omni diretectonal and picks up woodwind better. More recently I have been using an Audio Technica instrumental mike and have found it to be better than the Shure not too mention cheaper. EV also make some nice instrumental mikes.
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2003-07-15 11:41
Mark Pinner:
You have the SM57 & SM58 reversed: the SM57 is narrow and the SM58 omni.
http://www.shure.com/microphones/models/sm57.asp
http://www.shure.com/microphones/models/sm58.asp
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2003-07-16 16:05
I am interested in hearing what equipment you get, if any. Especially to learn about what is available on your side of the pond. Although, as a tourist in the British Virgin Islands several years ago, the club bands I heard all had pretty much the same equipment that we have here.
Regards
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Author: Sue G
Date: 2003-07-16 18:12
Thanks for your help as ever.
I'm not quite ready to purchase this equipment yet - I'm still waiting for my software "Band in a Box" to arrive so that I can make my own backing tracks.
Will let you know what equipment I end up buying.
Thanks again
sue
:)
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