What Causes Amplifier Feedback?
Few things are more disruptive to a soothing song or spirited speech than the painful shriek of feedback. Amplifier feedback occurs when the microphone picks up its own sound projected from the speaker and loops that sound back into the system, amplifying it again and again. This cycle happens so fast, with sounds looping back and forth at an estimated 1,000 times per second, that what comes out is feedback. Depending on the frequency that’s looping, the amplifier feedback can be a high-pitched screech or a deep, booming roar. When amplifier feedback begins, the audience flinches and typically looks to the back of the room, hoping the person in the sound booth can help. The sound engineer can adjust volumes and frequencies, and should have taken key steps ahead of time to prevent feedback. However the person holding the microphone may also play a role in causing amplifier feedback. If the person holding the microphone steps in front of the speakers, the loop is almost certain to begin.
Few things are more disruptive to a soothing song or spirited speech than the painful shriek of feedback. Amplifier feedback occurs when the microphone picks up its own sound projected from the speaker and loops that sound back into the system, amplifying it again and again. This cycle happens so fast, with sounds looping back and forth at an estimated 1,000 times per second, that what comes out is feedback. Depending on the frequency that’s looping, the amplifier feedback can be a high-pitched screech or a deep, booming roar. When amplifier feedback begins, the audience flinches and typically looks to the back of the room, hoping the person in the sound booth can help. The sound engineer can adjust volumes and frequencies, and should have taken key steps ahead of time to prevent feedback. However the person holding the microphone may also play a role in causing amplifier feedback.
