Re: [Harp-L] Audix Fireball vs. Shure 545

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

Richard -

Were you using a lo-z to hi-z transformer with the Fireball or plugging it in directly?

Was the 545 wired low or high impedance?

Winslow

Winslow Yerxa
Author, Harmonica For Dummies ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5


--- On Wed, 9/24/08, Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> From: Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [Harp-L] Audix Fireball vs. Shure 545
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 7:49 PM
> I did some tweaking on my Ron Holmes-modified Crate VC508
> yesterday, replacing the 12AT7 preamp tube Ron installed
> with a 12AX7 (Ron advised that either would work with the
> biasing he set up, and I wanted a little more punch from the
> amp).  While I was at it, I decided to test a few mics with
> the amp.  I used a Suzuki Firebreath in A for all the tests.
>  I tested three mics: an Astatic JT-30VC, an Audix Fireball
> with V element, and a Shure 545.  
> 
> The Astatic, interestingly enough, was the least effective
> of the 3--not a lot of bottom end, and a lot of feedback.  I
> was expecting more.
> 
> The Shure had tremendous power on the low end--gotta love
> that proximity effect with dynamic mics.  However,
> higher-pitched notes on the harp (above draw 6) had a very
> screechy sound, with lots of intermodulation distortion (for
> those not acquainted with same, it's something that
> sounds like a second and very dissonant note is being
> generated by the amp).  The 545, like other Shure vocal
> mics, has a "bump" in its frequency response at
> around 10 kHz, and you could sure hear it with this amp. 
> 
> The Audix had almost as much punch on the bottom end as the
> 545, with a MUCH smoother upper register sound--very little
> intermodulation distortion, and none of the screechiness
> that the Shure produced.  It was also the least feedback
> prone of all three mics.  
> 
> My guess is that players who stick to the low end of the
> harp--draw 6 and below--would find the 545 to be a very
> workable mic.  I suppose you could tame the high register
> distortion by running it through an EQ before it hits the
> amp.  But if you play the whole range of the harp, the
> Fireball out of the box is tough to beat.
> 
> Regards, Richard Hunter
> latest mp3s and harmonica blog at
> http://myspace.com/richardhunterharp
>    
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