Harmonix electric harmonica

2007-05-04 08:28:00

I just learned about these very cool modular system Harmonicas with a built in microphone.

They basic system costs £25 (no microphone) and additional key modules cost £12. (that's British pounds). They have what they call is a recording module that is £70 and their performance rig is £250.

One interesting thing is thing is that the basic system comes with a "dummy" module where the microphone goes. I would like to modify this with a crystal or high impedance dynamic element. I don't know, but I am guessing that their recording module has an electret element. Electret elements require a battery and, in my experience, are not well suited for the big bass response needed for harmonica.

I an interested in this nifty gadget. I am thinking about ordering the basic unit. I have a few 1 inch vintage magnetic elements that might fit in the dummy module along with one of my tiny impedance transformers.

I don't know if the tuning is "just" or "equal" tempered and I don't know how thick the reeds are. There are some nice illustrations on the site as to how a harmonica works. I'll watch eBay for this and if I see one show up in the US, I'll buy it and let you know.

Harmonix electric harmonica, incorporating Harmonic Solutions

comments

2007-05-08 05:07:00
Richard Smith
Hi Guys,

Harmonix is my baby and I hope I can answer a couple of your points for you.

I spent a long time matching frequency ranges of the mic to that of harmonicas and have been using these mic capsules for close on nine years without failure. They are 6mm diameter back eletret and you are correct in that they need a battery. However, the circuit and battery are housed in the module in the back of the harp. It runs on a 1.5v AAA battery which lasts for 10 hours in the wireless unit (WX1) and much longer in the cable version (EX1).

You may have a problem trying other mics in there because of the space available. Also the configuration of the present mic means that they are positioned in the correct place and are ventilated so that condensed breath won`t short circuit and damage them.

You are welcome to purchase direct from the site if you want. Exchange rate is about US$1.80 to the UK�1.00 at the moment.

Kind regards

Richard Smith
www.harmonix-harmonica.co.uk
e.mail. [email protected]