microphone

Part 1 of this series offers audio demonstrations from Professor John Shirley of various microphone types and mic placements for recording both acoustic and amplified harmonica. It also outlines issues of audio interference (comb filtering) when combining multiple signals from the same source and provides examples of the use of Direct Injects and Line Outs.

It was a good day when Shure came out with this Discontinued Microphones PDF listing years ago http://www.shure.com/americas/support/user-guides/discontinued-products/.... This made it easy to find which microphones had good elements, but were cheap due to their awkward size or lack of cool art deco styling.

Most bullet mics are between 2-1/4" and 2-1/2" in diameter (the round holes in harp cases are 2-1/2"). Many of the cups and glasses in your house are this diameter, including standard 16oz water bottles. If you're new to playing a bullet mic, time spent with it in your hands is needed to gain a comfort level. You can of course play with the mic plugged into your amp, or unplugged (with cable disconnected if it's detachable) or even a household cup to create a mic analog. Either way, you're getting used to having that bullet shape be part of your harmonica hold.

If you're new to recording and don't own a microphone to place in front of your amplifier, you can use the Line Out on your amp. This sends a line-level signal (not powered, like the speaker out... don't use that) via cable to your computer. if your computer has a 1/4" microphone input, you can use a cable that runs from 1/4" (out of amp) to 1/8" (into computer). Though the tone of what you're sending doesn't include the sound you like from the power section of your amp, your speaker, or cabinet... it's better than nothing. Yesterday's tip was to use two amps for recording. continue reading...