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

["Hellerman, Steven" <shellerman@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I started using the Fireball as soon as they added the volume control, 6-7 years ago. I like the clean sound, you can always build upon it through technique or effects; it's quite versatile. If you're plugging directly into a PA, it is definitely the way to go. As for the impedance issue: Best thing to do is just get one of those plug to jack impedance adapters from Radio Shack for about $20. They work w/ all tube amps, far as I know (I only know from Fender, though). But there's plenty of fancy schmancy stuff out there that can just make things all the more complicated and expensive. 

I had a bad experience w/ a ring mic. To wit: Way too sensitive, picked up breathing and all sorts of other unwanted sounds. I sent it back. Perhaps there are newer models that have worked out those issues. 

SLH


Message: 5
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:02:19 -0700 (PDT)
From: Timothy Kane <hawkeyekane@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Audix Fireball... And other harp mics.
To: "harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
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" My current challenge with it is that I am finally reaching the point where I want to learn to incorporate more expressiveness with my hands."
 
That's an issue for me as well. I do have a kind of solution, though it's gonna take some R&D to get it really useful.

 Bullet mics dont really allow much hand expression, and usually to get it you need to put a mic on a stand. There are two mics that I know of today sold specifically for harp that allow for expressive use of the hands. The Hohner Hoodoo Hand, and the Suzuki MS-100. They're both ring mics, so they're both basically tiny lavalier elements (the Hoodoo is supposedly a condensor), which were designed for onstage theatrical and speaking events.
 
http://www.suzukimusic.com/harmonicas/accessories/
http://www.hoodoobyhohner.com/
 
I haven't seen too many reviews on either of these, but the ones I have seen were mixed to lackluster...and not everyone wants to use a wireless.
 
The thought I had is to take the same setup of the MS-100, possibly with a small V/C on the inline on/off switchbox, and instead of a dynamic or condensor, mount a flat high-Z element to the ring. Something like this...
 
http://www.harpmicshop.com/servlet/Detail?no=72
 
or even a tiny crystal like the ones that go in the Shaker Retro Rockets. Something that would fit inside your hand on a ring, but can still be shielded, and allow good tone and expression of hands.   

 

                          Hawkeye Kane
                                                                                                 hawkeyekane@xxxxxxxxx
                                                                                                     Cell: (217)-741-7183
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