for those in the know: a question about recording music

[jebreject]

so i'm recording a demo-type thing, right?  and for some reason, the microphone will not pick up the harmonica.  it doesn't seem to matter which microphone i use, whether it's a shitty k-mart mic or a $400 mic borrowed from the uw, it just won't work right.  sometimes it'll pick it up a little bit, but it sounds really quiet or off in the distance.  does anyone have any ideas why this might be or what i can do to remedy the situation?

[peacocks]

are you using a condensor mic?  because I've heard that is the kind to use in a harmonica situation because it gives a more live and open sound.  otherwise you should stand directly in front of the mic you have, but 2 to 3 inches away. of course that just sounds like the most logical thing to do.

I LOVE harmonica. and all things blues. good luck. I kind of want to hear your demo when you're done with it. no no, I totally do.

[jebreject]

it won't be very good, i promise.

 

i tried all sorts of different things with the mic, but all to no avail.  thanks though.

[trailofmusic]

Just try a different mic.  You most defintiely aren't using a condensor because those are very professional/expensive.  Your mic just probably doesn't pick up the harmonicas frequencies very well, so try another one.  Do you know what kind of mic you're currently using?

[trailofmusic]

The only mic I have is a really cheap computer mic that says AM-32 on it.  I just tried my harmonica on it, and it picked up well, no problems like you're describing.  Does your mic pick up the lower notes better?  Either way, it's probably just broken

[jebreject]

yeah, my computer mic works for recording harmonica too.  for some reason i didn't even think of that.

but yeah, i tried two different mics.  one is a shitty k-mart special and the other is a (supposedly) $400 mic borrowed from the university film department.  neither work for recording the harmonica.

[milly balgeary]

i think a hardware question is pertinent. if you are trading off duties with a $400 dollar mic, what sort of audio card are you using? or are you using a four track? i can't imagine you were trading off duties with a $400 amp with a soundcard unless you have some extreme bit of hardware; something that can handle a mic amplifier, etc. it's got to be a four track.

i've never messed with a four track. are there knobs you can turn? turn them!

[jebreject]

yeah, i'm using a four track.  there are slides i can slide, but they don't really help.  if i turn it up too high, it just distorts really badly.

[TheNames]

police-style bullet mics are really great for getting a good, dirty harmonica sound.  just hold the harmonica right in front of the mic and it'll sound glorious.

[missy]

i live in a recording studio. i will ask my engineer roommate this question when i can. he is actually recording a band this very moment, so i can't.  

[jebreject]

thank you everyone!

i've been busy so i didn't really bother trying anything new, but i'll probably just see if i can use my computer's mic because i know that will pick it up.