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Amplified Harmonica Playing
For playing harmonica amplified the so-called
bullet microphones are very popular. These
high-impedance microphones often feature a
non-linear frequency response - therefore they
have unique tone characteristics. The
technology used really can be called “out of
primitive times”. The functional principle
ranges from dynamic elements to crystal and
ceramic capsules. They are connected to the
6.3mm guitar jack (1) of the Hyperamp.
Besides the different sounds these microphones share a
common feature – they are more or less nodular and
therefore can be held with both hands. The hands cover
the harmonica and they “seal” the microphone and
harmonica together (so-called “cupping”). Playing the
harmonica, the microphone reaches its dynamic limit and a
compressed and often distorted sound is developed. This is amplified by the
Hyperamp. Often an additional distortion is desired. You can watch the magic eye
indicator in the amp’s logo – it then shows a very small bar.
The produced sound is also the result of a good sounding
harmonica and a developed playing technique
(breathing/embouchure/resonance) and also depends on
the microphone used and the “cupping”-technique. You
might further adjust the amount of “crunch” using the Gain
control (3) – then set the overall volume (4)
The Hyperamp is equipped with a very effective tone control for bass, middle and
treble. Depending on the type of microphone certain frequency ranges can be
adjusted. At the beginning it is a good idea to adjust all controls to 12 o’clock
position. Then you can try to add or subtract bass or treble. Mostly the trebles
are attenuated, due to the fact that the harmonica is loud in this frequency
range.
