RE: [Harp-L] Audix Fireball... And other harp mics.

[chicago bluesman <chicagobluesman@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

While you still have to deal with the transformer issue, the Audix Fireball V has a volume control: http://www.audixusa.com/docs_12/units/FireBall_V.shtml.    Is that the mic you're talking about?  The volume control works as a fine on-off switch, just quickly dial the thing down to zero when you want to turn the mic off.  Works great.

These days I use an A-B box and I always have two different mics ready to go during the gig: a modified JT-30 with controlled reluctance element goes into the box via cord and the Audix Fireball V is set up as a wireless mic, using a Samson system I purchased from Greg Heumann.  I switch back and forth between the two mics depending upon the song.   For most gigs the A-B box goes into a HarpGear 35.  I like the Audix because it delivers such a natural tone and is generally feedback resistant.  I find feedback to be an issue with the wireless rig when using it with one of my JT-30's--maybe I need to play around with the settings some more, but I like how the Audix sounds through the wireless better than my customized JT-30's.  Going wireless with the Audix has been really nice--the transmitter unit fits well with the mic, making for a light, balanced wireless unit.  However, I wouldn't use the Audix on every tune because I can't get the classic crunch tone from it that I like for certain songs.  

That's what I'm doing these days--works for me.

John

> From: MundHarp@xxxxxxx
> Date: Sun, 24 Jun 2012 16:48:26 -0400
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [Harp-L] Audix Fireball... And other harp mics.
> 
>  
> Lately I have been using an Audix Fireball 5 as my main harmonica  mic...
> It's ok.
> But it is tiresome to have to use an impedance transformer to get the  best 
> out of a guitar amp!
> Also it needs an "on/off" switch...
> In comparison with a Sure SM 58... It is just as good, and perhaps slightly 
>  better. It is A FINE mic... It is very well made. I haven't mistreated 
> mine  yet... But it seems solid!    HOWEVER.. I prefer a mic that  doesn't need 
> a transformer. AND I like an on/of switch. Or even better a volume  control!
> Anyone out there, that knows where I can purchase an "in line" switch, or  
> even better, a volume control that will work with my Audix Fireball?
> Honestly I liked my old Sure "Unisphere"  from 1971  much better. Or the 
> mic that I used on the road A LOT before that, A Beyer  M-60 ribbon mic, and 
> THAT also needed an impedance transformer but had a  switch....THAT  was the 
> best harmonica mic that I ever owned,  from  back in the '60s.. But they 
> both simply got worn out!
> SO
> When I gig these days... Using my Fender Blues Deluxe amp from 1995... My  
> mic is my JT 30 "Crystal balls"... From the 1990's,Courtesy of "Kevin's  
> Harps". Or  or I use a $10 Chinese dynamic mic   that I bought last year in the 
> Philippines! Of course... That will fall to  bits soon. If I go through a 
> PA I use the Fereball... But IT NEEDS AN On/Off  switch!
> A good harp mic.
> Is THAT the Holy Grail?
> I think the mic is more important than a good tube amp.
> John '"Whiteboy" Walden
> Just now in Scotland
> _http://johnwalden.freevar.com_ (http://johnwalden.freevar.com) 
>