Re: [Harp-L] What Mic to get

[MundHarp@xxxxxxx]

If you want a mic for acoustic as well as electric harp playing, get a  
dynamic uni directional mic, like a Shure SM-58, or an Audix Fireball.
 
Crystal mics give a great harmonica sound through a guitar type amp, but  
unless tightly cupped tend to feed back more than uni directional dynamic 
mics,,  and they are very fragile, and tend to fail if subjected to 
temperature/humidity  changes. They also distort more... Fine for that Chicago 
harmonica sound, but  not so good for vocals.
 
You do not have to spend a lot of money to get a usable mic. However, the  
cheap ones, tend to be not very robust. A good quality (expensive) mic will  
probably last a lot longer! I still use a Shure Unisphere dynamic mic that 
I  bought new in 1971.
 
I also use a locally bought Chinese dynamic uni directional  mice  that 
works fine... It cost me new just 380 Philippine Pesos last year. That is  
about  $9.00 USD. Sadly, it has a non standard cable connection. It ISN'T  well 
made... It WILL fall to bits soon... But it works just well as  either a 
harp or a vocal mic.
 
Uni directional mics are best for use on a stand, or hand held some  
distance from the sound you want to amplify or record. They are  directional. Omni 
mics are fine for recording ALL of the sound in  a room, or when cupped are 
ok for amplification. (Of course, lots of omni  directional mics are too 
large to "cup".)
 
It is nice to own a $500 mic... I have two custom "Kevin's Harp's Crystal  
Balls" JT-30s, that would cost me more than $500 a piece to replace these  
days... I purchased them both more than 15 years ago.... Both of the  
crystals have degraded and failed. But I got one fixed! The other one still  works, 
but only just.
 
At my gig last night? I used the house pa and the house pa mic...It wasn't  
ideal!
 
I guess a musician uses whatever they can get away with.
 
John "Whiteboy" Walden
 
Cebu City
Philippines
 
 
In a message dated 2/25/2011 2:31:17 A.M. Malay Peninsula Standard T,  
soundguyaudition@xxxxxxxxx writes:

Besides  the obvious! (made of different materials) what is the difference  
between crystal and magnetic elements. is it like any thing else. some  
magnetics 
or crystal elements are better then others? and what  should I be looking 
for in 
a mic.
I play both with a rock  cover band and a acoustic duo and yes there is 
pretty 
big difference  between the two styles I play. 

The cover band does 60s 70s  songs  the other is maybe more like Irish pub 
music. 
(if that is even  a musical style description)
Thanks
Todd