SEM-01 & SEM-02 uses electrets with an omni-directional polar pattern. Why Omni?
“Because it’s more natural” that’s right! The omni microphone is more sensitive and more natural in capturing sound from all directions. So it is possible to capture the sound of the strings, body and air vibrations on an acoustic instrument at the same time.
Unlike the cardioid microphone, which only focuses on one sound source. In addition, the omni microphone captures less mechanical noise and wind noise than cardioid because the SEM-01 microphone is also equipped with additional accessories such as a windshield and instrument accessories.
Isn’t it easier for Omni to give feedback than Cardioid?
Not necessarily, guys!, but feedback anxiety is often experienced by Omni microphone users, such as the SEM-01 and SEM-02 microphones. It should be noted that the Omni polar pattern is not the only cause of feedback.
The SEM microphone is designed for close miking, and of course, the closer your microphone is to the sound source, the louder the sound will be (captured). So, keep the microphone close to the sound source of your instrument to minimise feedback and also adjust the Volume/ Gain wisely on your hardware.
And one more thing, if you use the SEM microphone on stage with a combo band, of course, it is very tricky to get a natural sound without feedback. There are some tips that you can try if you are in a condition like the one above.
Low cut filter around 100 – 200 Hz
First, the low-cut filter (high-pass filter) cuts frequencies around 100-200Hz, ask the sound operator to do this if you can’t do it yourself. This technique will reduce the risk of loopback at low frequencies but without sacrificing the presence of mid frequencies.
Move around the sound monitor
Second, if you are using a sound monitor/floor monitor, make sure the monitor speaker is not pointing directly at the microphone, move it slightly until the feedback disappears but you can still hear the monitor well;
Split output channel
Third, if you have 2 line outputs, namely Direct (pickup/ piezo) and Mic, use the split channel sound output technique: Floor Monitor only outputs sound sources from Direct / pickups and adjusts the sound ideally, mic signals are only issued at Main Output (PA speakers).
Using In-Ear Monitor
Fourth, the easiest tip is to use an IEM/ in-ear monitor to monitor your instrument using a headphone amplifier.
Hopefully this article can help you minimise the problems on the stage with the SEM-01 and SEM-02 microphone.
Have a nice day!
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