Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

This is the first "harp" mice I have owned, I always just played thru a regualr dynamic mic in the past. I purchased this when it first came out, and have no regrets. This mic has good tone, a Chicago Blues kinda tone to it, is the best way I can describe it. I have run it thru tube amps, modeling amps, and straight to a board, and it has never let me down. It fits in your hands well, and where they placed the volume control on this mic is a bonus. I have not had any problems with feedback when using this mic. It's built like a tank, I have dropped by accident a few times, and it has survived with no dents or scrapes. The cord is more than long enough to cover most places you will gig. If I ever need another harp mic, I'd get another one of these.

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

Recieved as a gift. I had very low expectations however was pleasantly surprised. Basically, the Red Howler is a dynamic mic in a small shell with a hard-wired, hi-Z, 1/4" cable and a volume control. It sounds alot like a Shure SM-57 through my tube amp (with a low-z transformer) only with a much lower output. Through my 69 Champ, it gives a nice controllable growl when cupped tightly. Loosen the grip or even one-handed, the tone definitley "opens up" however it also thins out. Finding the right combo of amp and mic is always the second order of business when it comes to amplified harp tone. The first? Getting a good tone acoustically of course! What works for the guy playing the 2k amp and the 3 hundred dollar mic may work for him but it may not work for you. Are you going to see the pros playing the Red Howler anytime soon? Probably not. However I would wager that any pro would find this mic usable in some way and would have no issues doing so. They all know: it ain't the gear, its the player! Because its got a dynamic element, its not relegated to one sound like a crystal. My effects pedals like the signal from this mic so much better than my modded JT-30.With the inherent crunch that comes from playing through my Silver-Faced Champ, the low output from this mic is actually a good combination with that amp. This mic with a large-powered clean amp would not provide the crunch I require however if you like a clean sound this would work just fine through such an amp. I've had the mic only 2 weeks so I cant speak to reliablilty yet. The 9' cord is hard wired into the back of the mic (as is Shure's Green Bullet). The volume control seems a bit flimsy and the element itself is definitely not the best. The shell is small, light, controured for your grip and a pretty cool red shade of red. Very easy for even small hands to get a good cup around it if you are seeking the Chicago tone however needs to be in combo with a cranked low-watt tube amp to get there. The grill is secured by screws on each side. Every component of this mic is modifiable and replaceable. I'm not touching a thing until I need to but when it's time, it will be easy to do. I always have a back up or two come gig time and yes, I will be gigging with it. I never would have purchased this mic for myself however recieving it as gift has reminded me to keep my mind open as you never know when you are going to be hit with a surprise from an unexpected source. My wife picked it up at our local GC on sale for 70US. CHEAP!!!! Remember!! Our harp heroes took what was available at that time and made it work. Back then, it was a desktop dispatch mic and a beatup tube amp or PA. None of them really gave a hoot about the equipment they were playing through and no matter what they had, they always ended sound just like themselves. Find your own tone and own it!

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

I purchased this mic a couple weeks ago. It is the first harp mic I have owned , and it has worked perfectly for me. The sound from it is the blues sound I was looking for and it sounds cool as a voice mic too.

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

My friend has this item and I love it. It is my next purchase. The red is hot looking I love it and love the sound you get with the harp. Also the Hohner harps sound great with it I have the set of seven.

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

I have owned this little gem for 6 years now, If you play blues harp, buy this. Good and gritty "train coming down the tracks" sound, responds well to bending overblowing and basically indestructible in my experience. I play my harps on this plugged into a vypyr and have experimented with some subtle effects settings finding even for gold hidden in this red mic. You will not be disappointed with this purchase.

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

I am very happy with the quality of sound. It has a very nice fit and finish to it. It is substantially built(heavy). The volume knob operates smoothly and has a stop at 1/2 volume which should keep you from accidentally rolling it up to high in one quick turn. The volume knob is a little small and in front of the cord so it takes a second hand to adjust. The cord is about 20' long and hard wired into the mic, no plug connection so don't damage the cord or you will have to solder a new one in. Because there is no collar on the mic you can't clip it into a stand like a Bushman Nandy so you will be holding it all the time. All in all it is not a bad mic it looks dynamite and sounds good.

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

I use this mic with an ART tube MP project series preamp that also can be used like a DI box (very reasonably priced) for about $70. Into a cranked practice Bass Amp with the highs turned all the way down, mids halfway and bass full on - I Also use a Harp Reverb pedal from Lone Wolf Blues company. It's a great combination. A very desirable sound for blues. I play gigs and blues jams - all the harp players come to see my equipment after hearing it.

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

I bought this mic as a starter mic, after playing through Shure standard mics. I tried it in a solid state amp and got nothing but feedback and awful sound, but that wasn't the fault of the mic (obviously). Finally I got a Peavy tube amp - a cheaper one and what a world of difference! I also played through a Fender 69 Twin Combo and WOW what a killer sound. This mic can stand up with the bullets most popular among players right now and it looks pretty good.

I have had it for almost two years now and the paint has begun to fleck away from the guard, but this thing feels great to this day to play through. I have thought of buying a new mic, but this bad little mic has just held it's own and has survived a lot of pain and suffering for us both.

If I lost it, I would buy another one.

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

I bought this microphone a few days ago. So far I was impressed with how it sounded from an P.A. amplifier. I haven't tried the amp since but I did use the microphone with a computer interface so that I could record songs with my band on the computer. For this use I was disappointed. The Red Howler sounded like any other microphone but with a much more narrow frequency response. Perhaps I still must learn how to grip the harp more closely with my hands. But so far I am unable to give the microphone more than 3 stars because using the microphone with a computer interface was my primary purpose for buying this. Also, the microphone is permanently attached to the cable. This means that the mic must be packed in the same container as the dirty cable. Cables get dirty hence the microphone gets dirty. For this drawback I will give the microphone 3 stars and overall I will give it the benefit of the doubt-3 stars. I have been playing since my Dad gave me a Blues harp when I was 6 years old.Forty Four years later I think I can play decently.

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

The Red Howler Harmonica Mic is pretty comfortable to hold when you're playing harmonica, and the sound is fantastic. I bought it for singing though, and even though the sounds is pretty close to what I was looking for, the microphone doesn't have a handle. You also can't put it on a stand. I'm planning on just using duck tape to keep it in place, but that was still a little bit of a letdown. My own fault though, it's still a good sounding microphone.

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

Red Howler mic is the best in line next to the Bullet mics. Reasonibly priced, performs well, and is an overall good choice for the player

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

I bought this to use when I play my jews harp in our little band. It is well made and produces good sound, however, I find it is larger and heaver than expected, which makes more difficult to use.

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

Perfect for Vocals and Harmonica love it

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

I've only had it for a few days, but it has performed wonderfully and I don't expect it to stop. Very solid metal construction, the finger grooves make it easy to hold in hand. I have tried playing harmonica and singing through it and both sound great. The only downside, as you find with these bullet mics, is there's no easy way to attach it to a stand should you want to.

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

Awesome

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

Works great. Very affordable.

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

The Red Howler is a pretty good sounding harmonica mic for the price shaped much like the Green Bullet it does it's job.

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

This mic has great tone, I like it as well as any I have used. You cant go wrong with this one!

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

Amateur recording

Comments about Digital Reference Red Howler Harmonica Mic:

Bought a new one because my old was got wet and we had an upcoming gig, so I was worried it may not work. Tried the old one at rehearsal and unbelievably it worked! I've dropped it many times and it is still going strong.