Introduction: I-Mic Harmonica Microphone
This is how to build a simple harp mic that was based on the imic design. I ran into elsewhere on the web but did not see it here and thought it would be a good fit. It is easy and cheap to build and provides a chance to get really creative by choosing a cool enclosure. If you don't play harmonica don't or play it as badly as I do it still has other uses. It is a dynamic mic and can be used as any dynamic mic would be used. The design really lends it self to being plug into to guitar type amplifier that is why harp players dig it. If you are a guitarist you can plug it into your amp and effects and get some nice dirty vocal or use it as a feedback instrument if you dig noise.
Step 1: Materials & Tools
Bill of Materials:
Electronics Grade Solder
Wire (i used 22 gauge braided but anything will do only need acouple of feet and 2 colors are nice to keep track of which wire is which)
10k potentiometer (use can use other values if you wish but this works good here is a link to the i used from mouser. small is good cause of little room 16mm pots work great.)
Knob for pot
1/4" phono mono jack (i used switchcraft #11there a quality but any jack will do and you can 1/8" if you wish)
Dynamic Mic Element ( I used a Kobetone 25LM032 but other can be used. The are lots of nice element available on ebay and surplus and antique electronic suppliers on the web. Or you can canabilize something you have around)
Enclosure (This is the fun part. A lot of people building these have chosen plastic bottles but any thing the right size, a little bit durable and able to be tooled will work. I use an empty lotion container from my wife because it was what I had around. TO get the idea going here is a link to someHere! Here!)
Tools
Soldering Iron (15W to 35W you have to be carefully with higher wattage irons on the element)
"Drill & Bits"
Wire Cutters
Wire Strippers
Maybes?depending on enclosure choice
Tape
File
Glue
Bubble wrap
Styrofoam
Electronics Grade Solder
Wire (i used 22 gauge braided but anything will do only need acouple of feet and 2 colors are nice to keep track of which wire is which)
10k potentiometer (use can use other values if you wish but this works good here is a link to the i used from mouser. small is good cause of little room 16mm pots work great.)
Knob for pot
1/4" phono mono jack (i used switchcraft #11there a quality but any jack will do and you can 1/8" if you wish)
Dynamic Mic Element ( I used a Kobetone 25LM032 but other can be used. The are lots of nice element available on ebay and surplus and antique electronic suppliers on the web. Or you can canabilize something you have around)
Enclosure (This is the fun part. A lot of people building these have chosen plastic bottles but any thing the right size, a little bit durable and able to be tooled will work. I use an empty lotion container from my wife because it was what I had around. TO get the idea going here is a link to someHere! Here!)
Tools
Soldering Iron (15W to 35W you have to be carefully with higher wattage irons on the element)
"Drill & Bits"
Wire Cutters
Wire Strippers
Maybes?depending on enclosure choice
Tape
File
Glue
Bubble wrap
Styrofoam
Step 2: Wiring
1. Forgive my art skills.
2. Before anything else line everything up to make sure things fit and find out where everything goes.
3. Cut wires to right lengths and strip ends.
4. Solder together according to diagram. Use caution soldering the element to much heat can ruin them. The "-" connection is usaully on the left when face away from you. It sometimes is the only one marked and might only be marker with a black line or dot if there are no positive or negative markings.
5. Double check wiring.
2. Before anything else line everything up to make sure things fit and find out where everything goes.
3. Cut wires to right lengths and strip ends.
4. Solder together according to diagram. Use caution soldering the element to much heat can ruin them. The "-" connection is usaully on the left when face away from you. It sometimes is the only one marked and might only be marker with a black line or dot if there are no positive or negative markings.
5. Double check wiring.
Step 3: Construction
1. Drill holes to mount components.
2. Prepare space for element if necessary.
3. If the enclosure is solid holes will have to be drilled to allow air to hit the diaphram of the mic. Or a large hole can be cut and covered with a protective mesh or screen or screens. The mesh from a kitchen or tea strainer would work. If the enclosure is open on the element end it will need to be capped off to protect the mic.
3. Mount jack & pot.
4. Mount Element. It needs to be secure so if the cavity is larger than element it will need to be held in place. It can be encase in a styrofoam piece the fits tight in the enclosure or use bubble wrap etc. ALso it can be glued, epoxied, taped, etc.
5. Close everything up and make sure all is well.
2. Prepare space for element if necessary.
3. If the enclosure is solid holes will have to be drilled to allow air to hit the diaphram of the mic. Or a large hole can be cut and covered with a protective mesh or screen or screens. The mesh from a kitchen or tea strainer would work. If the enclosure is open on the element end it will need to be capped off to protect the mic.
3. Mount jack & pot.
4. Mount Element. It needs to be secure so if the cavity is larger than element it will need to be held in place. It can be encase in a styrofoam piece the fits tight in the enclosure or use bubble wrap etc. ALso it can be glued, epoxied, taped, etc.
5. Close everything up and make sure all is well.
Step 4: Finish
