Recording harmonica, never done it before, help!
Recording harmonica, never done it before, help!
I have a fair amount of engineering experience but have never recorded a harmonica. Got an overdub session this weekend. Any tips on mics, placement, etc? Also it seems like quite a dynamic instrument that may need compression. Am I off base?
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Re: Recording harmonica, never done it before, help!
is the harmonica player going to amplify it (ex, blues harp)? If so then I just record it like I do a guitar. Put your favorite amp micing mic on the guitar amp. If they are not using an amp (and separate "harp" mic) then I've used anything from dynamic mics (57, 58, etc) to high-end condenser (U47, MA1000). Then just like a vocal, it depends on the player. Same for compression - maybe you need it maybe you don't.
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Re: Recording harmonica, never done it before, help!
The jazzy players (*not* the blues dudes) really like a Sennheiser 441.
Re: Recording harmonica, never done it before, help!
I usually go for a ribbon
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Re: Recording harmonica, never done it before, help!
What is the context of the song? Rock? Blues?
In any case you will need a dynamic mic, a Shure SM57 or similar should be fine.
If it is some fancy classical stuff (right...) then use a good LDC condenser.
In any case you will need a dynamic mic, a Shure SM57 or similar should be fine.
If it is some fancy classical stuff (right...) then use a good LDC condenser.
Howling at the neighbors. Hoping they have more mic cables.
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Re: Recording harmonica, never done it before, help!
OP, so what did you end up using and how did it go?
Last edited by digitaldrummer on Tue Dec 13, 2022 6:30 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Recording harmonica, never done it before, help!
I've only done it twice, but they were very different contexts.
First time was a LDC up close, I think in omni, but possibly just cardioid. That was for a folk thing.
More recently was a green bullet, carbon copy for slap, space echo slightly longer than slap, little combo amp blowing up. Sounds so good.
I would honestly just ask the person playing what they normally do and assume they are on top of it if you're really unsure.
First time was a LDC up close, I think in omni, but possibly just cardioid. That was for a folk thing.
More recently was a green bullet, carbon copy for slap, space echo slightly longer than slap, little combo amp blowing up. Sounds so good.
I would honestly just ask the person playing what they normally do and assume they are on top of it if you're really unsure.
Re: Recording harmonica, never done it before, help!
Me, I record 'em like I do banjo, from the other room with the door closed and the volume turned way down.
Unless the player is good, then I might leave the door open a little.
Unless the player is good, then I might leave the door open a little.
Re: Recording harmonica, never done it before, help!
This session actually got rescheduled for tomorrow, so now I'm back to choosing mics. I think I've narrowed it down to a basic ol' dynamic like a '57 or RE20... although I have this AEA KU5A I've been wanting to try. Thanks everyone for their input, it's very helpful.
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