Posted by L.A. on June 25, 2000 at 20:04:36:
In Reply to: PZM Microphones posted by Marty Neilan on June 22, 2000 at 21:06:13:
I have used one of the old model radio shack pzm mics a lot for tuba with the following modification. I removed the backing plate from the element, and cut a piece of plexiglas approximately the size of the element itself. Then this is attached to the element with the mounting screws where the plate was attached. Then I stuck velcro to the plexiglas, and after sound checking several locations in the tuba bell, put a small piece of velcro to hold it in the bell.
This way the bell itself takes the place of the backing plate. You get a natural sound towards the edge of the bell, and a funky compressed "electric" sound farther down the bell. I advise using the option of higher voltage batteries in the power supply for better sound.
This will not take the place of a fine microphone, but it takes almost no room in my mouthpiece bag, and has saved me from "blowing myself out" many times.