I know there's been many posts about amplifying the mando, and I've read many of the posts, but wanted to share my setup and see if anyone has any thoughts.
I have a Northfield Master model that was fitted with a Shertler Internal mic that is attached to the underside of the soundboard. The mic was in there when I bought the instrument so I don't really know how well it was installed and if it's in the ideal position. I run that into an LR Baggs Venue DI preamp and then right into the house amp.
The problem I have is that my level is quite low. Even with the sound man cranking me up I'm still very low in the mix and if he goes higher things start to feedback. Recently I've joined up with an acoustic blusey/funky band and now I really need more volume. We play in loud bars and I just don't cut through the mix. I'm open to buying some new gear but before I do, wanted to get people's thoughts.
Here are some of the options I'm considering:
1. Fishman bridge pickup - had one a while back on an older mandolin which I don't have any more, but I'm reluctant to take off my Northfield bridge since the setup and sound are just perfect.
2. Pickup the world pickup (https://www.pickup.world/product/mandolin/) - this is a strip that goes under the existing bridge. Anyone have any experience with these, they look like a great option and some great acoustic players are listed on their web site.
3. Clip on mic like the audio technica PRO 35
4. Some combination of mics and pickups
I need something that allows me to move around so a mic on a stand isn't an option.
I'm not so concerned about tone since if I were in a more intimate setting I wouldn't use a pickup at all I would just mic the mandolin.
-Bill
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