Episode 85 - Recording or Live Sound with Harmonicas - Shure 520 - superlux D112

How do you record or amplify people playing Harmonicas? What are the special microphones you sometimes see? The Shure Green Bullet - the 520, or the Superlux D112 which is very similar? Or maybe what happens when you only have an SM58? Have a listen and find out what is best for you?

[@starman5754]

Interesting the "bullet" harmonica mic was by far the worst sounding option as translated here on UA-cam. As a sound engineer, I cringe when I have to deal with a harmonica in a mix. They are quite an obnoxious hairball of tones, overtones and inflections. In the studio, I'll use a good large condenser about a foot away and aimed at their adam's apple while they blow and draw over tip top of the mic. And coincidentally enough, a 7B slighly closer aimed at the (typically) right corner of their mouth, picking up the wah-wah and other effects of the right hand. Blend to taste in the mix.

[@pauljohnson4590]

That's interesting - I get it of course, but I keep thinking of the players I've done sound duty for in mainly theatres - and not one stood remotely fixed to the spot so a mic on a stand would have worked - a bit like miking those rabid violinists that used to play as if they had an electric violin, but didn't!

[@starman5754]

@@pauljohnson4590 Yes, agree. Live sound is a completely different animal and the 58 is my go-to unless the performer has their own setup, which usually includes the instrument/unbalanced mic and small guitar amp which will simply get mic'd up for the house mix.