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Forums :: Ask Harp Mic Expert Greg Heumann

output changes

3 replies [Last post]
Mon, 07/30/2012 - 08:46
J.A.
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Joined: 03/21/2010

Mr. Hasenpusch,

recently I got this Astatic R-3 with new old stock vintage crystal turner-element. When I use it with a danelectro echo-unit the output is lowered drastically and all the tone's gone. I have other mics with dynamic and cm-elements but they don't lose output. The pedal does changes the sound in the way it takes off some of the high end of the mic. With the turner-crystal the output is just almost gone. Is this normal? What can I do about it?

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Sun, 08/05/2012 - 19:51
#1
walterjuke
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Joined: 03/27/2011
Hi I had the same problem

Hi I had the same problem with my Dan echo and crystal. I'm sure Friz will be able to explain it better, but it's an impedance mismatch problem. Crystal mics are ultra high impedance, and most guitar pedals including the Dan echo are normal high impedance, matching guitar. The impedance mismatch causes the tone loss. I solved the problem by getting a 'maximizer' pedal from kinder musical instruments. I run it betwen my mic and the echo pedal. It works great. Mark Overmann turned me onto it.

I had to call Kinder to order it. He's older and doesn't seem to be in the habit of checking email. But he's very nice and helpful to talk to. You can also get any of the Lone Wolf pedals as they do the impedance mathcing. Some people build their own device. If you google 'Jayphat box' you'll find schematics and instructions. I'm not that handy.

Dynamics and CMs are usually the normal high impedance, similar to guitars, so they don't have this problem.

Steve

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Mon, 08/06/2012 - 06:22
#2
walterjuke
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Joined: 03/27/2011
Here's a page describing a

Here's a page describing a mod you can do directly to your Dan echo: http://www.e-basteln.de/harp. Kinder and Ron Holmes will mod your Dan echo for a fee. I decided to go with the maximizer so I could use it with any pedal, but it is more expensive and another pedal to carry.

You can have the same tone sucking impedance mismatch problem even plugging directly into some guitar amps with a crystal or ceramic. You can mod the amp by putting a different resistor in the volume control - or something. Or use something like the maximizer in front of the amp. Harp amps and older vintage amps will have higher impedance inputs that will work with crystals. But still if you put a lower impedance pedal like a stock Dan echo in front you'll have the tone suck problem again.

So, several options.

Steve

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Mon, 08/06/2012 - 22:33
#3
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

walterjuke hit the nail right on the head, thanks.

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