Harmonica Recording Techniques

Part 1 This video offers audio demonstrations of various microphone types and mic placements for recording both acoustic and amplified harmonica. It also outlines issues of audio interference (comb filtering) when combining multiple signals from the same source and provides examples of the use of Direct Injects and Line Outs. Part 2 This video compares microphone placements on an amp, then combining them in various ways. Also covered are: stereo treatments, direct injects and line outs, virtual amps (through pedals and rack processors, computer software… even smart phone apps) as well as the influence of phase and polarity between signals. About the Series These audio clips were originally created for a presentation on the recording process John gave at the 2015 SPAH conference in Denver (the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica, SPAH.org). All audio comparisons are made from single takes so that the most direct comparisons can be made; no post processing has been done... what you hear is exactly as it came straight from the source (Mic/DI/Line out). They are best heard using high quality earbuds or headphones, or full range speakers in a good listening environment. This is especially true of the samples of acoustic harmonica, which may require repeated, focused listening to hear the nuanced differences. The harp was a Richard Sleigh custom Marine Band in A (played cross harp) and the jam track was from the Every Groove a Bluesman Needs to Know collection by Jimi Lee (http://www.jimileeband.com/instant_download/groovetrax/) About John Shirley John Shirley is the Chairman of the Music Department at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Professor of Sound Recording Technology. He has posted a more complete overview of the recording process, for free, by way of a 28-article series on the Recording Magazine website: http://www.recordingmag.com/resources/113.html. John is also a fellow student at BluesHarmonica.com. John’s genre-busting EP, Not So Blue, contains music using various harmonicas (diatonic, chromatic, XB40 and double bass) and is available for listening on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD-VQNdNliVQLCF5edj72u9XKT-y1LqSr. On his channel you’ll also find an experimental electro-acoustic piece for live solo harmonica (originally written for, and performed by, Howard Levy) entitled 8-Bit Attitude: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN5rurKFxlk Thanks to John for this informative series.