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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Few questions before buying my first "real" mic
Few questions before buying my first "real" mic
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rogonzab
53 posts
May 16, 2012
6:30 PM
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Hi,
I have some money left, so I decide to buy a harp mic, and I am not sure what is what I need to get the sound that I want.
The sound that I am after is not the Chicago one! (that is important). I like a sound less distorted (so I am not looking for a Shure 520dx), but not totally clean. I like the sound of Adam, but I know that 90% of that sound is Adam and not the mic, but that is a direction. I Know that his mic has 25k of impedance, so is not that "hot"
Now I use a cheap dynamic mic (600 ohms) trough an old Marshall bass amp. It sounds "higher" than i would like, and is very clean even whit my better cup. I am planing to buy a better amp, but I prefer a good mic first.
So, the questions:
- What amount of impedance will help me? (20k, 30k, 50k, 120k) (The impedance transformers on eBay go up to 50k, is that to hot or is medium hot?)
- A dynamic mic (Maybe a Behringer XM8500) + Impedance transformer is a good match?
- It is better a dynamic mic, or a crystal, or a ceramic for what I want?
<(Note: I am lokkinf for the element, not a complete mic)>
THXS!!
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BeardHarmonica
91 posts
May 16, 2012
6:55 PM
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http://www.blowsmeaway.com/ultimate.html
Which one is right for you?
Ultimate 57: The Ultimate 57 is simply one of the most versatile harp mics there is. It goes from a warm clean acoustic sound in free air (i.e., on a stand or loosely cupped) to a nice gritty overdriven sound when cupped hard.
Ultimate 58: With its slightly wider pickup pattern and fine tuning for vocals, the Ultimate 58 is an ideal mic for chromatic, or if you want to use the same mic for vocals and acoustic harp. If you have a small, naturally dirty sounding amp, the 58 can clean it up just a bit for more precise tone.
Ultimate 545: The Shure 545, frequently referred to in harp circles as "The Paul Butterfield Mic" is the predecessor to the SM57. Tonally it is very similar to the SM57, with slightly less high frequency response in free air, and slightly more "color" to the chanracter of its breakup when cupped hard. The Ultimate 545 has the most "blues mojo" of the three choices. Depending on my supply I am also able to offer this mic with used, vintage 545 elements and transformers for an extra $35. The older elements were indeed a bit dirtier still and rival a good bullet in break-up tone.
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timeistight
574 posts
May 16, 2012
7:09 PM
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"<(Note: I am lokkinf for the element, not a complete mic)>"
You mean you want to install an better element into your current, cheap mic? I don't think that's a great idea.
I think your best bet would be to buy a Shure SM57. If you don't like it you can easily sell it and recoup much if your investment; if you do like it you can treat yourself to one of Greg's Utimates some time in the future and use your first one as a spare.
Last Edited by on May 16, 2012 7:10 PM
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rogonzab
54 posts
May 16, 2012
7:32 PM
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I am planing to do my own shell, so that why I am loking only for the element.
The sm57 cost arround 150 dollars where i Live, so I am loking for something cheaper.
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BeardHarmonica
92 posts
May 16, 2012
7:41 PM
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I dont know where you live, but I sure you can find a used sm57/sm58 in any pawn shops all over the world.
There's a few good microphone for harmonica on ebay that goes cheap like the sonotone cm-11 and the spherodyne.
I dont think building your own microhone for under 100$ would give you very good result unless you like the sound of the shaker mic.
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capnj
30 posts
May 16, 2012
8:59 PM
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Rogo you got mic fever everybody here has been bitten,I got 3 mics collecting dust,only use 2 others, looking for 1 more.Best of luck finding an element to install,you may get lucky.Alot of do it yourself info out there.But remember you will nickel and dime yourself trying to save,or end up with something your not happy with.
I suggest you go with the pros that straight deal,and it will be right.Yes you will have to save,but in the long run be happier with the mic.SHure mics are great bang for the buck.I have a 545ultimate,and it is not going on sale.The 57 or 58 same quality,of course overseas the german mics are proven winners.These are work horse mics,later on you will possibly spend money on a crystal/ceramic just to have,but a good dynamic plays clean or dirty
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