bourniplus Posted September 14, 2013 Share Posted September 14, 2013 Hi everyone, I play in a band in which I do a couple of tunes on my lap steel. Yesterday, during soundcheck, my steel started to squeal "microphonically" on anything but the lowest volume setting on the amp. The guitar player had the same problem to some extent when he tried his electric. After the soundcheck, the soundman of the venue told us he'd solved the problem by turning off a certain device that was just installed at the venue. Apparently, that device sends some kind of wireless signal to people with hearing aids so they can hear the show better...(!?) Indeed the problem was gone, but I'm still curious, has anyone experienced something similar? "Show me all the blueprints. I'm serious now, show me all the blueprints." My homemade instruments Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Fraser Posted September 14, 2013 Share Posted September 14, 2013 No, but what the sound guy was describing is an induction loop hearing assist system. Generally they exist in churches & performing arts facilities. It creates a magnetic field, modulated by the program audio, which is picked up by the transducers inside hearing aids. And apparently magnetic pickups in guitars as well. Scott Fraser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bourniplus Posted September 14, 2013 Author Share Posted September 14, 2013 Well, that makes sense. I'd never heard of those until now. I noticed the problem wasn't too bad when I used both pups together. Would humbuckers be immune to that? "Show me all the blueprints. I'm serious now, show me all the blueprints." My homemade instruments Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted September 14, 2013 Share Posted September 14, 2013 I've heard of the system and it's used where elderly people might attend i.e. assisted living facilities, Veterans Halls, Wedding Halls, etc., as they can hear speeches better. I wouldn't think they would need the system for musical performances and had no idea it would interfere with guitar pickups. It was very cool that the house soundman figured it out so that the show could go on! Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CouchBed Posted September 14, 2013 Share Posted September 14, 2013 I'm the sound man at my church and we have one of those hearing aid systems. I would never have guessed that it could cause interference with pickups. I'll have to remember that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.