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CardioidAudix FireBall V

Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

FireBall V is a handheld cardioid dynamic for harmonica and beatbox use. It is a revised version of the original FireBall (which is still available); the difference is that the V incorporates a Volume knob.

The Fireball V has a longer shaft, to accommodate the volume knob. Its MSRP is $30 less than the original Fireball, because it is manufactured in larger quantities, allowing for some cost savings in the process.

The two mics’ frequency response differs somewhat; both roll off rapidly below 100Hz, but the V has a higher-frequency and higher-amplitude presence peak. In short, the V is brighter: +8dB @ 8kHz, vs. the Fireball’s peak at +6dB at 5kHz.

Note that these graphs were, according to Audix, measured at a distance of 2 inches, thus accurately predicting the response in actual use.

Pat Missin, 2008
The tone is somewhat similar to an SM58, but it lacks the distinctive upper midrange peak that makes the SM58 sound so good for vocals, but which can sometimes cause feedback problems for harp players. In fact, the Fireball is amazingly resistant to feedback, perhaps more so than any other microphone I’ve tested — I only wish I’d had one of these back when I used to work with really loud bands. Also notable is the fact that it has very little proximity effect, ie. it sounds pretty much the same at twelve inches away from the harmonica as it does at half an inch. Depending on how you play, this could be a good thing or a bad thing.

Permalink: Audix Fireball-V

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Cardioid (1.5 mV/Pa; 50 - 16,000 Hz)
Coil Diameter Impedance SPL/Noise
n/a 150 Ohms (Low) SPL n/a
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
140g (4.94oz) 99mm (3.90'') 53mm (2.09'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications

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