[Harp-L] Greg Heumann Volume Control

[Paul Routledge <kingley@xxxxxxxxxx>]

 OK here's the lowdown on the Greg Heumann Inline Volume Control.

Firstly let me say that I have no financial interest in this product or 
any affiliation with the manufacturers of this product.
This is purely a review of my own experience of this product to enable 
others to make an informed decision on whether or not they would like 
one.


AB Test
Fender Pro Jr - Turner CX original Turner element - Custom Marine Band 
Harp
Fender Pro Jr - Astatic JT30 - Controlled Reluctance element - Custom 
Marine Band Harp

Aesthetics
It's  very well built and  looks sturdy enough to withstand the rigours 
of gig use.
It's about the size of a disposable lighter.

Results of AB test
The volume control does cut some of the lows with a crystal element at 
low volumes, but Greg  admits this anyway.

With the CR element I could tell no discernible difference between 
using the volume control inline and playing without it on the overall 
tone. I would assume that this is the same with CM & Dynamic elements.

I did think that overall with both mics I had to turn up my amp 
slightly to achieve the same volume level that I had when not using the 
volume control.
But that's not really a problem and just meant that I was able to 
overdrive my amp a little more.

The problems with losing the low end tones of the crystal element could 
be fixed by altering your amps tone settings I suppose ( that option 
isn't available on the Pro Jr ! ).
I also felt that I experienced the loss of some of the natural sustain 
that you get with the crystal elements on the the low end tones.

Customer Service
Greg was quick to reply to my emails and very interested in my opinions 
on his volume control.
He includes plenty of information with the volume control that explains 
the best way to use it and also tells you that you may experience some 
loss of low end tones at low volumes. He also guarantees his product 
for 12 months.

The Future
I personally would like to see Greg pursue the problems associated with 
crystal elements and see if he can discover a way round them.

Conclusions
I think that this volume control represents good value for money and 
also means that you don't have to alter your vintage mics by fitting 
volume or on / off controls to them.
To be honest I don't know if i will use it at all of my gigs. But it 
will definitely come in handy on those gigs where I have to play at 
high volumes. It will enable me to switch off my mic when I am not 
using it, thus ensuring no feedback
If you need a volume control or on / off control and don't want to 
alter that vintage mic then I would try one of these.

Just one last thought on the crystal problems. I wonder if the Mojo 
inline volume control and the original Asataic inline volume control 
cuts those  low end frequencies as well ?