Since the 1960s, music theatre companies have reinforced the sound of the orchestra by placing microphones on instruments and amplifying them through a public address system. While this results in a louder sound, it may not correctly reproduce the ensemble sound and instrument tone. Without the use of high-quality microphones and equalization by skilled audio engineers, amplified orchestral instruments may not sound natural when they are amplified. Without high-quality condenser microphones and correct placement, violins can sound "scratchy" and thin, and double reed wind instruments may sound excessively nasal.