so how do you record a harmonica anyway?

I've only a large diaphragm condenser, sm57 and vocal dynamic (for live vox) mics to work with.
 
The condenser seemed too pick up too much, it was weird. Or maybe it was my settings or position?
 
Any tips or suggestions on what has worked for others would be great.

I can't play one... but... I've seen many do so and live you know they all seem to blow it right into the mic like their vocals, but for recording I'd also think the SM57 would be a good choice based on what some locals do at the music store/studio. It seems placement has a lot to do with controlling the sound also. They are like a couple of feet from the mic and aimed fairly off center. It sure sounds great when one is recorded well though.

close up with the 57.  most of the harmonica players I've seen have the mic right in their hands and hold the harmonica with the harmonica and mic cupped in their hands..... Willie Nelsons harmonica player and the Magic Dick  from J Giles both use the same technique.

holding it is usually good w/ the harmonica mic (I forget the name and number but it is a bullet, I believe)  That is live, anyway and usually w/ a amp.  A dynamic should be good, anywhere from 6 inches to 2 feet.  As always, a lot depends upon variables.  Don't want a swinging player to knock your mic flying, and the more movement they use the more likely the sweet spot is going to disappear.  an LCD above, kinda like a singer, might work too.

@

guitardog247


I've only a large diaphragm condenser, sm57 and vocal dynamic (for live vox) mics to work with.
 
The condenser seemed too pick up too much, it was weird. Or maybe it was my settings or position?
 
Any tips or suggestions on what has worked for others would be great.

There are a number of different harmonica sounds that are common in recordings and it depends on what you are going for. If you want the blues harp sound with distortion a crystal or dynamic mic (and maybe a little guitar amp) might be needed. If it's clear harmonica it's rare to want a close miced sound, it's just too harsh to fit in the mix unless you wash it out with some effect.  Distance from the mic and mic placement seem to be key in getting a sound that fits in the mix. A condensor mic can work but you may need to play with the placement. I like to put the mic up high and play under it, not right into it. Just being off axis can help soften it up a bit.  Harp and Tambourine are two of the few things I record at a distance, in some cases a big distance.

ohhey

guitardog247


I've only a large diaphragm condenser, sm57 and vocal dynamic (for live vox) mics to work with.

The condenser seemed too pick up too much, it was weird. Or maybe it was my settings or position?

Any tips or suggestions on what has worked for others would be great.

There are a number of different harmonica sounds that are common in recordings and it depends on what you are going for. If you want the blues harp sound with distortion a crystal or dynamic mic (and maybe a little guitar amp) might be needed. If it's clear harmonica it's rare to want a close miced sound, it's just too harsh to fit in the mix unless you wash it out with some effect.  Distance from the mic and mic placement seem to be key in getting a sound that fits in the mix. A condensor mic can work but you may need to play with the placement. I like to put the mic up high and play under it, not right into it. Just being off axis can help soften it up a bit.  Harp and Tambourine are two of the few things I record at a distance, in some cases a big distance.

I'm not looking for the blues. So I am the condenser at a distance. I was trying too close with reeds right at the diaphragm. I need to play with mic positioning more. Just needed some hints that I was going about it right.
thanks.

What kind of style is the music? If you want that rockin' blues tone (where the guys hold the harp right up to the mic), don't forget that some of those guys like to run that mic through little tubey guitar amps (or amp sim ) for a little grit.

You really should cup the harmonica when playing it, but a large condenser works well for the folky sound...I'd still try running it into a tube amp thogh.
 
I just did harmonica on this tune. I made a mic from a crystal element, and ran it into my Champ. I had the amp close enough for the mic to pick up the live and mic'd amp. Towards the end there is another part with just the amp and more dirt.
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=9655326