Re: [Harp-L] Labtech AM-22 mic (was Just a Thought......)

[Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ron wrote:
<For  sitting in I also carry my Digitech RP200 and a Labtec AM-22 mic.  The  
<entire sitting-in kit wieghs less than 10 pounds and fits easily in a small  
<bag.
< 
<Richard, not being familiar with this mic, i looked it up online.  The  price 
<for the Labtec AM-22 mic is under $4.  (Now here's a mic i can  afford!)  
<Would u care to expound upon this mic- it's usage to u, sound,  etc.?   

The Labtec AM-22 is designed for use with a computer.  It's extremely lightweight -- the shell is plastic -- and its frequency response, like old bullet mics, is optimized for speech, so it has steep rolloff for frequencies above 6 kHz.  It looks like a kid's toy, but it sounds like something else.  It has HUGE low end response, which is often very nice with amplified harp.  Because its high end response is so restrained, it works well with a lot of effects that push "better" mics into howling feedback.

On the downside, it's not the most durable mic in the world.  The first one I bought (for $1 at a yard sale) lasted about 5 years (and died two weeks ago when I dropped it on something hard).  But when a mic sells for so little, I can afford to replace it every few years.  I have two in my kit now, and will buy another soon, because I don't want to be without one.

I don't think it's the only mic a player should own, but I definitely think every player should own one, given its unique and very useful sound, its very low cost, and its very light weight.

Thanks, Richard Hunter
hunterharp.com