This is not a demo for blues harp players. This is for the harmonica player who wants to play clean to the PA or at least use a clean mic into an amp.
This video is meant to give a brief idea of how these four mics sound direct to the PA. I picked mics that I have regularly used and had on hand. Everything was recorded direct with no changes to the input of my interface and no eq, plug ins, etc. I cupped each mic, because that is how I play.
The Audix is a great mic and by far the most practical to use, IMO. It has volume control, doesn't feedback, and works great with a wireless. I got mine used for maybe $70
The Ultimate 58 has the Beta 57A head, so it makes it sound more forward. Even with the stock grill, I find it to have too much mid honk for me. Mine was built from a vintage 58 that was the very first mic I got used in like 2001.
The Beyerdynamic M160 is my favorite mic and what I use for all studio work, like the intro to the video. It is the most expensive (I got mine used), and was a double ribbon, it isn't as rugged as the others.
The sleeper here I don't see anyone using is the sE Electronics V7X. This mic sounds almost as good as the M160. It has more highs and a great proximity effect. It is $99 used and sounds great.
For regular gigging, it is a toss up between the Audix and sE. The deciding factor for me is likely the volume control and being able to use a wireless. The sE probably sounds a bit better, and would just need a little treble cut. I have gigged with it - no feedback issues, but no volume control.
You can buy the mics at the following links...
Audix Fireball V www.amazon.com...
Ultimate 58 (I added the Beta 57A grill) www.blowsmeawa...
Beyerdynamic M160 www.sweetwater...
sE V7x www.amazon.com...
‪@AUDIXmics‬ ‪@beyerdynamic‬ ‪@shure‬ ‪@sEElectronicsofficial‬ @hohnermusic