Harmonica Lessons.com Discussion Forums

Printer-friendly copy     Conferences Advanced Topics & Chromatic Harmonica Topic #41 Reading Topic #41

mr_chimps Charter Member Jun-12-03, 03:13 AM (PST)   "Mic modifications?"      Does anyone know of any good advice/schematics/websites for modifing microphones, as I can't afford a blues-blaster or a green bullet? I would appreciate any help as I have a standard mic and a friend who's doing an electrical engineering Phd who is willing to help. He has a vague idea of what to do involving frequencies etc. but apart from that we're stuck. Thanks.   Printer-friendly page | Top

David Charter Member Jun-14-03, 01:38 PM (PST)   1. "RE: Mic modifications?" In response to message #0      I don't know if I can help much but generally a decent vocal mic will function as a decent harp mic as most mics that harp players favor were originally designed w/ vocal applications in mind. As far as frequencies, you probably want the mic stronger at the low end as the high notes can be rather grating to the listener when playing amplified. Then again, your own playing style may negate all that. Matching impedance is also important, as mismatching can alter the sound (which might be good or not) and contribute to feedback problems. You didn't say what type of mic you are using or what you are plugging it into (PA, guitar amp). Being specific may get you more and better advice. All the best to you.   Printer-friendly page | Top

mr_chimps Charter Member Jun-16-03, 00:46 AM (PST)   2. "RE: Mic modifications?" In response to message #1      Thanks for the help and I think you're right as my vocal mic (a cheap Hitachi one) isn't that bad and seems to suit the mixture of mediums I plug it up to. I will pass the information on to my friend as he still might fancy tinkering around. Thanks again.   Printer-friendly page | Top

David Charter Member Jul-06-03, 10:13 AM (PST)   3. "RE: Mic modifications?" In response to message #2      One thing you might want to try is called a "mikemojo". You can download plans at ironmancurtis.com. I built one and have used it with a variety of mics. It made very little difference with most mics, but with some there is a dramatic improvement. It hasn't made any of them sound worse. It is very cheap and easy to build.   Printer-friendly page | Top

mr_chimps Charter Member Jul-11-03, 08:58 AM (PST)   4. "RE: Mic modifications?" In response to message #3      Thanks for the website address. I will definately give it a go.   Printer-friendly page | Top