The Harp Blaster HB52: The new standard in harp microphones.
Introducing the Harp Blaster HB52 dynamic harmonica microphone: an exciting collaboration between HOHNER and sE Electronics.
Based on the inspiration from a select group of professional players and modeled after the sound of legendary vintage harp microphones, the Harp Blaster HB52 sets a new standard. Designed as the perfect channel for the artist’s creative output, it’s comfortable to hold, cup, and use for long periods of time, ensuring that the music can flow unhindered and achieve maximum sonority and expression. Suited to the needs of touring professionals, engineered to uncompromising standards, it combines fantastic sound quality with optimal ease of use and maximum durability.
It’s no secret that many contemporary harmonica microphones are sonically and physically lacking in comparison to their vintage counterparts. We set out to change that.
ntroducing the Harp Blaster HB52, designed with passion and high attention to detail by HOHNER® and sE Electronics, specifically for today’s players.
Instead of looking at competing products to sculpt the Harp Blaster’s sound, we took our inspiration from a select group of professional players. The goal was to create an exceptional mic ideally suited to their needs, engineered to uncompromising standards, combining fantastic sound quality with optimal ease of use and maximum durability. After all, if a microphone can become a seamless extension of the artist’s emotive output – rather than a distraction of an obstacle – the music can flow unhindered and achieve maximum sonority and expression. Together, HOHNER and sE chased down this ideal, creating a state-of-the-art product that will satisfy the most discerning harmonica player.
Combining sE’s experience in dynamic capsules and acoustic design with HOHNER’s unrivalled competence in harmonicas for more than 160 years, the Harp Blaster meets the highest expectations of performing musicians and demanding sound engineers.
Perfectly sized for easy cupping and handling, the highly reactive capsule responds directly to your hand technique and your musical expression. Moreover, the Harp Blaster HB52 was designed with input from professional harp players to ensure that it’s comfortable to hold, cup, and use for long periods of time. The high output level and high impedance will drive your amp properly without the need for any impedance converters, boost pedals or stomp boxes. In addition to its handy dimensions, the flat and sleek grille of the Harp Blaster ensures a tight cup and facilitates powerful hand effects.
The Harp Blaster HB52 is a serious modern microphone using highest quality components. Handcrafted completely out of metal, it boasts a thick die cast body with zinc alloy parts and chrome detailing. Not only will it withstand the uniquely brutal conditions a harp mic can face on a nightly basis; it will do so while enabling vastly superior tone in comparison to other harmonica microphones.
The mic features a volume control utilizing a Bourns® potentiometer and a diamond-pattern knurled chrome knob, making it slip-proof and reliable. If you’d prefer not to have a volume control, it can be disabled internally.
We opted to use an XLR jack, as opposed to an attached cable, a 1/4” jack or a screw-on connector, to avoid a common Achilles’ heel among harmonica microphones. An attached cable can easily suffer a broken solder joint, transforming the mic into a paperweight until it can be repaired. An XLR jack provides better connectivity, that won’t become noisy or fussy over time like a screw-on connector or 1/4” jack, and its internal locking mechanism adds extra signal security – in case the cable gets tugged, snagged, or stepped on. However, the locking mechanism of the HB52’s XLR socket is also easily disabled, if that’s your preference.
As mentioned earlier, this microphone is not delicate. In the throes of performing, you can drop it, kick it, and/or drive nails with it. It is built to be a roadworthy tool. Just do us a favor and don’t submerge it in boiling water, or anything similarly ridiculous. Barring that, it should last a lifetime!
Compact size. Big sound. Easy to use.
perfectly sized for easy cupping and handling
designed as a seamless extension of the artist’s emotive output to achieve maximum sonority and musical expression
highly reactive capsule to capture dynamic playing and hand articulation
flat and sleek grille facilitates tight enclosure of your harmonica
Vintage sound paired with modern precision
modeled after the sound of legendary vintage harp microphones
developed with leading harmonica players to meet the most demanding requirements
state-of-the-art manufacturing for unparalleled consistency
high-quality components and rugged metal parts for maximum durability
The heart of the Harp Blaster: the capsule
combining sE’s experience in dynamic capsules and acoustic design with HOHNER’s competence in harmonicas for more than 160 years
the highly reactive capsule responds directly to your hand articulation and your musical expression
high output level and high impedance will drive your amp properly without the need for any impedance converters, boost pedals or stomp boxes
proven Neodymium magnets, tight production tolerances and finest workmanship ensure excellent sensitivity, high-end sound quality and superb consistency
unlike ceramics / piezo-electric transducers, the dynamic capsule is not sensitive to being dropped onto hard surfaces, withstands harsh environmental conditions and will remain consistent in sound for years to come
Boutique features meet state-of-the-art manufacturing
hand-crafted at sE’s very own factory with highest attention to detail
exclusive hammer painting for a great look and maximum durability
polished and chromatized grille lets you shine on stage for years
quality Bourns® potentiometer for precise volume adjustment
If you’d prefer not to have a volume control, it can be disabled internally
chromatized, diamond-pattern knurled volume knob for slip-proof and reliable control
robust gold-plated XLR connector for reliable, loss free signal flow
All-metal housing – no fragile plastic parts
highly durable die-cast zinc alloy designed to withstand years of use on stage
road-ready, dent-proof and corrosion-free material and finishing for perfect reliability
all-metal chassis construction built to the highest standards, without any plastic parts
this microphone is not delicate. In the throes of performing, you can drop it, kick it, and/or drive nails with it.
Gold-plated XLR connector
Unlike attached cables, the cable can be replaced quickly and easily with an off-the-shelf cable
In contrast to an 1/4” jack or a screw-on connector, the reliable and proven XLR jack is far more robust, provides better connectivity and won’t become noisy or fussy over time
its internal locking mechanism adds extra signal security – in case the cable gets tugged, snagged, or stepped on
if preferred, the locking mechanism of the XLR connector can be disabled
gold-plated contacts ensure a loss-free and reliable signal connection for years to come
IN THE BOX
Leatherette pouch
HOHNER / sE Logo sticker
Microfiber cloth
User manual
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