The Copperphone Harmonica Mini

Copperphone Harmonica Mini

Price: $299.99

Specs

Features

FAQ

HOW DOES THE COPPERPHONE HARMONICA MINI SOUND AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM THE COPPERPHONE?
The Copperphone Harmonica Mini was originally designed for harmonica players as a hand held alternative to the Copperphone. It does have a similar nostalgic character to the sound because it operates within a limited bandwidth (please listen to the provided sound samples). However the Harmonica Mini uses a higher performance modern element and does not utilize a resonant chamber. The result is a microphone that is more sensitive and sounds more direct and bright than the Copperphone.

IT’S A HARMONICA MIC, WHY DOES IT HAVE A RING MOUNT?
The initial design did not have the ring mount because it was intended to be used as a hand held microphone for harmonica players. However after the first prototype was made we decided to add the ring mount for people who wanted more versatility and to be able to use the mic in more conventional ways.

The rugged aircraft aluminum ring mount can be attached to any standard North American mic stand (5/8 inch). If you have a European style mic stand (3/8 inch), the Harmonica Mini can be attached with a threaded adapter insert (see here). This type of insert is not provided with the Copperphone Harmonica Mini but can be easily obtained at your local music store for a nominal cost.

If you decide to use the ring mounting system with a microphone stand, another adapter is recommended to give the user full range of adjustability. We suggest the Audio Technica AT8459 (see here).

With the use of a small kit provided, the Copperphone Harmonica Mini can easily be removed from the ring mount and adapted for it’s original use as a hand held harmonica microphone.

DOES THE COPPERPHONE HARMONICA MINI USE PHANTOM POWER AND WHAT SORT OF CONNECTION DOES IT REQUIRE?
The Copperphone Harmonica Mini does not require phantom power as it uses a passive dynamic element. It uses a Switchcraft 3 pin male XLR connector and can be connected to any audio gear with 3 pin female XLR connector via an XLR cable. Accidently applying phantom power will not harm the microphone or affect it’s performance.

WHAT IF I WANT TO USE IT LIKE A HARP MIC AND CONNECT IT TO AN AMPLIFIER?
For that application a female XLR to male 1/4 inch conversion is required. For the best performance we recommend an impedance matching transformer (see here) in conjunction with a standard XLR mic cable (see here).

CAN THE COPPERPHONE HARMONICA MINI BE USED IN THE STUDIO?
Certainly. Because the sound of Harmonica Mini has a character unlike many other traditional mics, it makes a great addition to any recording enthusiast arsenal of microphones.

CAN THE COPPERPHONE HARMONICA MINI BE USED LIVE? WHAT ABOUT FEEDBACK?
Yes the the Harmonica Mini can be used live. As with any microphone, feedback can be an issue. Results will vary depending on the application, the overall volume of your band, the quality of the sound system and the experience of engineer running the sound system. However very careful adjustment and equalization of the Copperphone in the monitors can yield acceptable results.

IS THE COPPERPHONE HARMONICA MINI OR IT’S DIAPHRAGM FRAGILE? WILL IT STOP WORKING IF IT IS DROPPED OR MISHANDLED?
It should not. The Harmonica Mini is constructed from quality rugged materials and is likely to withstand a high degree of shock or other physical impacts. The Harmonica Mini can also withstand extremely high sound pressure levels without damage to the diaphragm. However a high SPL is likely to overdrive the diaphragm resulting in a clipping style distortion that may be desired for some applications.

BECAUSE THE COPPERPHONE HARMONICA MINI IS HOUSED IN COPPER, WILL IT CORRODE OR TARNISH OVER TIME?
With careful handling and storage, the Harmonica Mini will not corrode or tarnish. All copper housed Placid Audio microphones are treated with a protective clear lacquer finish that keeps the elements from reacting with the copper housing. However if the finish gets scratched or chipped that small area may become discolored over time so delicate handling of the mic is recommended.

DOES THE COPPERPHONE HARMONICA MINI REALLY COME WITH A LIFETIME OPERATIONAL WARRANTY?
Yes and the warranty covers any part of the microphones operational performance. The warranty does not cover general wear and tear on the cosmetics of the microphone. If for any reason your Copperphone Harmonica Mini stops working or seems to be working improperly please contact us and let us know the problem. If a repair is required please ship your mic to us and we will fix it free of charge.

I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE A PLACID AUDIO PRODUCT. WHAT PAYMENT METHODS ARE ACCEPTED?
The easiest form of payment can be done securely through Placid Audio’s shopping cart feature with a credit or debit card, as well as PayPal. For the best online security, all credit and debit card transactions are handled through PayPal but you do not have to sign up or have a PayPal account in order to use your credit/debit card.

I DON’T HAVE A CREDIT/DEBIT CARD OR A PAYPAL ACCOUNT. I WOULD PREFER TO PAY WITH CASH, CHECK OR MONEY ORDER. CAN I STILL PURCHASE A PLACID AUDIO PRODUCT THIS WAY?
Yes. Please contact us and let us know what products you wish to order and what form of alternative payment you wish to make. We will get right back to with details on where to send your payment.