Peavey Feedback Ferret? [Archive]

katmando3

Sep-13-2004, 6:34am

I just purchased a DPA 4061 miniature mic. #Sound is excellent - Feedback from the monitor is a PROBLEM. # I could use an in ear monitor and eliminate the problem but I don't particularly like them. #Does anyone out there have experience with the Peavey Feedback Ferret or something similar?

Chip Booth

Sep-15-2004, 10:10am

I dont know this Ferret you speak of, but I assume it is a "Feedbacker Elimintaor" type of product, of which I have used many in various situations. They can be useful, but like any semi-automated gadget they have a mind of their own and can sometimes make frequency cuts that are far too extreme to sound good. I personally prefer using a good 1/3 octave or parametric EQ and my own ears as opposed to letting the machine do the work of reducing feedback, but sometimes these little gadgets are quick and easy, especially if you aren't particularly familiar with EQing. I ran sound for a presidental debate one time with 8 open podium mics and thousands in attendance as well as live network broadcast, and I ran one of those feedback buster things on every mic and it pretty much saved my butt. So I recommend trying it out if possible with your setup and see how it goes.

Another thought is that you may want to use a pickup as well as the mic, then you can do the Sam Bush trick and send the pickup only to the monitor so there is no feedback and use the mic (blended with the pickup if you want) for the mains. You won't enjoy your mandolin sound as much as the audience, but it's a way to deal. You can blend as much mic into the monitors as you can before feedback, giving you maximum flexibity. That's what I do, it's a bit cumbersome since my pickup and mic are all externally mounted, but worth it for good sound.
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