BlowsMeAway Productions In-Line Volume Control for Harmonica Players

BlowsMeAway Productions
In-Line XLR Volume Control
For Low Impedance Microphones

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"Man do I love it. It's exactly what I was looking for. I especially like that the volume knob is not too sensitive. To my ears, with my PA, it appears to go from fully on, to about half on. This is perfect. I was afraid it would be over-sensitive at the top and non-linear like most harp volume pots. Most are oversensitive and you kill almost all of your sound with a slight adjustment. With yours I can freely turn the knob and get just what I'm looking for. It's rare that you find EXACTLY what you're looking for. Thanks." --- Jim McBride (maker of the clever "Bottle 'O Blues" microphone.)

"I just had my first gig with Greg Heumann's XLR control. I play with a Shure SM58 in a Duo and this has been the missing link to my set up. I was able to hone in the PERFECT volume for Voice and Harmonica. Greg's control gives me more flexibility in my harmonica playing and singing. This is a great tool for Harmonica players and Vocalists." ---Mark LaVoie (world reknown harmonicist and harp customizer.)

"This is a 'must-have' device -- there is nothing else like it. It tested well with five different mics, through amps and mixers. The design and construction are first class; the volume pot is smooth & nicely damped. Its length is perfect with the stubby Audix Fireball. Greg's product description and operating tips are accurate. Highly recommended!" ---Scott Johnston

The perfect solution to in-performance volume management for low-impedance microphones.

After introducing my Vintage control, I began to get requests for a suitable control for low impedance microphones. It took me a year to design and develop this control, but I am now using it in my performances and can't understand how I lived without it. I sing and play acoustically through the same microphone - a Shure SM-58. When I sing, I like the mic very close to my lips for that "proximity effect." However at this level it isn't "hot" enough to play acoustic harp with my hands cupped in front of the mic. And that means I can't get that great hand-wah sound. Now with the control, I simply set the PA up hot enough for my harp playing, and reduce the volume a little when I sing so I can get close. Voila!

You don't even have to play harp to like this control!

Singers - you belt one out like Janis Joplin, then you whisper another like Norah Jones. But the club is noisy and they can't hear you! Now - set your PA with enough volume for your torch songs, and simply turn down a bit at the mic before you rock and roll!

My band frequently hosts jams at local clubs. Controlling the volume level between different performers is a constant battle. The PA is usually set up behind the band, making it difficult to reach during performance. Now, we place these controls on the vocal and horn mics, and can easily step up to make adjustments mid-song if neccessary.

Got a high impedance mic with an XLR connector?

Some JT30's, Hohner Blues Blasters and other mics are high impedance mics, but have an XLR connector. These are a different animal and the low impedance control will not work for you. However I can build you a custom control that does what you want - even changing the cable connection to 1/4" or Switchcraft if you prefer. There is more information on my custom controls and other customization services on the Mods page.

Important note about knob placement

I normally place the knob in-line with the "latches" for the best appearance, as seen in the photos. This is fine for "stick" mics like the SM58. However if you have a bullet-type shell (BluesBlaster, Bushman Torpedo) you may want the knob oriented differently. Just let me know!

Made by hand in the USA

To make this control I start with standard XLR connectors, precision machine them and mate them to the black-anodized aluminum barrel. The result is a rugged, high quality device that should withstand years of use.

Some things you should know:

This control is designed and wired differently from my high-impedance control. In particular, it is designed for "balanced" wiring, which is the standard for low impedance microphones. This has a few important implications:

At full volume there is no additional load placed on the microphone, hence there is no effect on tone.

The control does not reduce the volume to full mute. It does, however, provide a useful performance range. The amount of volume reduction is a function of the impedance of your microphone and, more importantly, the impedance of the device to which it is connected. The higher the impedance, the less effect the control will have.

The control will not work properly with cables designed for hi-impedance microphones like the Hohner Blues Blaster or the Shaker microphone. Those cables have an XLR connector at one end and a 1/4" phone ("guitar") connector at the other, and they are wired "unbalanced", with either pin 2 or pin 3 hot, and the signal return connected to ground. If you are plugging your mic directly into a guitar/harp amplifier with one of these cables, the control will not work for you. You must switch to an XLR-to-XLR cable and an impedance matching transformer like this.

Alternatively, I can make you a custom control that incorporates an impedance matching transformer right into the control itself. This eliminates the need for an IMT at the amp (reducing the risk of jack damage) and because the volume control is on the high impedance side, the volume range goes all the way to zero. See the Mods page for more information.

Photo shows proper setup using XLR cable with impedance matching transformer.

The control has been tested successfully with a variety of PA systems, effects processors, impedance matching transformers and microphones - however I haven't tested it with every possible combination. Please try it - if it doesn't work for you simply return it for a full refund.

Specifications:
Electrical:

Genuine "Neutrik" XLR connectors
For "balanced" cable and microphone wiring
Resistance: 0 - 10K ohm -- for low impedance microphones

Physical:

Barrel: black-anodized aluminum
Length: 3 3/8 inches (due to connector overlap, adds 2 7/8 inches to system length.)
Diameter: 3/4"
Weight: 2 oz.

I value your feedback! Please let me know what you think of the product! And of course, if you have any questions, or to order: Click here to contact me.