Re: [Harp-L] Reducing microphone noise on chromatic

[George Miklas <harmonicat@xxxxxxxxx>]

Neil,

Jerry Murad used to lay his hand flat along the top of the harmonica, which
diverted breathe noises from his nose from being picked up by the
microphone.  Instead of a ball-type mic as is the Audix Fireball V, Jerry
used Shure 300/315/330 series Ribbon Mics.  In modifying the mic for chest
plate mounting, he turned the element so that it was horizontal instead of
vertical.  While this modification was superb for picking up the harmonica,
I think that it also increased the susceptibility to breathing noise.  That
being said, I think Jerry's hand position functioned to divert air streams
which came from his nose.

I use this same technique whether I'm playing diatonic or chromatic, either
on my chest mount ribbon mic, or a ball-type mic on a stand.  Of course
when I hold the ball-type mic in my hand, my hand is already in position to
divert the breathing noise.

Best wishes to you!
George Miklas, former member of Jerry Murad's HARMONICATS


On Sat, Jan 7, 2012 at 8:52 AM, Neil Warren <mrp00bah@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Hi,
> Anyone got any suggestions on how to reduce breath noise on a microphone.
> I am getting quite a lot of breath noise, on the blow notes of course,
> which is being picked up from the mic an detracting from the angelic tone
> of my chromatic!
>
> I am playing into a Roland AC60 amp, using an Audix Fireball mic.
>
> A couple of remedies myself:
> Hold mic a little farther away helps
> What a windshield? I guess that will help, so will try one. How will that
> effect the tone? Perhaps it will help to reduce some of the higher tones
> which aren't always welcome on chromatic through an amp.
>
> Thanks y'all
>