Speaker Placement
The Ups and Downs

This is a most difficult topic where I could attempt to describe the subjective qualities of sound. I will avoid that as much as possible and describe the tangible results achievable, thereby setting a suitable direction for those starting out at the amplification of Celtic harp music. I will describe three different types of sound reinforcement: listener-in-close, outdoor weddings, background and foreground performance.

Listener-in-close Celtic Harp Performance

By this I mean creating a sound zone or field directly in front of the harpist that surrounds and bathes the listener in harp music. This is irrespective of the background din at events such as Christmas fairs, craft shows and trade gatherings. What is happening is that a stereo sound field is created in front and to the side of the harpist where a four foot product/CD sales table can be located. Create an imaginary triangle with the listener positioned in front of the table, the harpist by the table on the listener's left and a speaker on a stand on the right rear corner of the table (the listener's right). This triangular set-up creates a stereo listening field which fills both of the listener's ears respectively when the amplified volume matches the harp volume. This is very effective in noisy environments. The Crate Limo (in-built socket) work well in a single speaker set-up. A second louder sound system speaker can be used to project audio into the room proper if placed in the front right or beside the harpist's right (the listener's far left).

If you wish, put a Stereo CD walkman through the single amp.

Outdoor Wedding Celtic Harp Performance

The stereo effect is very useful outdoors where a second point source of amplified sound can be used to create a stereo sound which fools the listener's ear into perceiving the music as a more enveloping surround sound and overall warming experience. At outdoor wedding ceremonies, I often have an amp spread apart by 20' to 40' on the ground from the harpist with an increasing volume on the amplifier as the distance increases. Put the harp up front and the amp in the back. Balance the volumes for the middle-to-front of the guests.

Background Celtic Harp Performances

The most common difficulty with amplified background music is the speakers are too low in height. Most background gigs are usually large noisy crowds, standing, eating and drinking - the classic corporate gig. It is a mistake to aim the music closer to their socks than their ears. The secret is to get the music over their heads and let it drift down. Small speakers on 7 foot stands work very well. Remember 30lb falling from 8 feet is potentially lethal so act wisely.

If you are using a single small amp, place it so that you can bounce the music off the ceiling over people's heads. This is very subtle and effective. How to do this is in your creative ballpark <grin>.

Position away from the bar and food tables as your harp and gear may get swamped. Keep one speaker close to the harpist so they can hear themselves and the other speaker can be placed at a fair distance away to create the stereo surround field effect. Carry spare speaker cables and connects for this purpose.

A brighter sound works well amidst the din. Watch the volumes, as you creep them up to be audible as the event grows, only to have conversation levels suddenly drop leaving you noticeably over loud. It's all relative and your clients will not have a clue about this dynamic. They just know "too loud!". The human ear registers pain at 130-132dB. The human barking style laugh hits 140dB - nuff said!

Foreground Celtic Harp Performance

"A room, two speakers on stage, an audience and a harpist. Can't be all that difficult. Right?" Wrong! Amplifying a harp is an exercise in subtlety, extreme subtlety. It takes experience and a self-trained ear to make a concert truly "sing" for a harpist. It can be learned. A few thoughts:

  |EQ the system so that resonant frequencies do not spoil the day - called "ringing out the room"
  |Match digital reverb and natural room reverberation well - reduce reverb until can/cannot be heard
  |Do not over amplify - every room has a natural sounding volume point
  |Tilt the speakers down at audience 10-15° to avoid audio slapping back (echo) off the venue back wall
  |Keep the speakers in front of the harp to prevent feedback
  |Spread the speakers apart as much as possible
  |Do not trap speakers inside a structural alcove - IE: church roof beams
  |Avoid hard surfaces directly behind the harp - audio/harp slap back into mics yielding resonance issues
  |Aim speakers over top of the first two audience rows to prevent saturating natural harp sound
  |Say it again - Do not over amplify!
  |Continuously sonically experiment but do it cautiously and in small degrees during performance

I hope this helps and is a good point to start off from. Go yea forth and amplify! It's fun and satisfying for those that dare.

I will add your knowledge and experience to the “mix” if it can add to the effectiveness of these articles. The rest of the Celtic Harp Amplification Series is available here.

Stephen Vardy
Harpsound Audio
[email protected]