Possibly a stupid question (don't laugh at me)...

[32-20-Blues]

Like the title says, this might be a stupid question. However, I was wondering what people would think about using a toy 'echo mic' to add a cheap, strange reverb to a recording.

Obviously, I'm not expecting quality results. I figure, though, that if you grab a bunch of those and arrange them around a microphone you should get some discernible effect.

Here's what I'm talking about:

[Creep]

I'm sorry that I can't help, but that's a fairly cool idea!

[32-20-Blues]

Originally Posted by Creep

I'm sorry that I can't help, but that's a fairly cool idea!

Thanks for not laughing! Yeah, I'm wondering what it will sound like. I might go down to the dollar store tomorrow and buy ten or fifteen of them.

[Track Rat]

As in love and war, all things are fair and usable. If it sounds right in a particular setting, go for it.

[Farview]

For an effect, anything goes. I'd try one or two before I go out and get 10 or 15, just to test the concept.

[Creep]

I reckon if they're a buck each, go ahead!

[Daisy]

Why would someone laugh at a cool idea like that?

[32-20-Blues]

Originally Posted by Creep

I reckon if they're a buck each, go ahead!

A man after my own heart.

I reckon one alone would be barely noticable, but I'm not sure.

As a result of a google search, I found a guy who uses them when playing the pennywhistle to get what he claims is a good reverb effect.

Edit: Here's the link - http://www.ehhs.cmich.edu/~dhavlena/echo.htm (The mp3 he has sounds interesting).

[danw]

I have that exact same toy, and yes, you can record with it. I don't think it was terribly noticeable as an echo, because it just shoots all of the sound back at your face. Similar to singing into a coffee can or something. However, as I recall, it makes a cool springy sound when you slam it down in the air and stop, air-drum style. This is definitely making me think about surgically implanting a contact transducer into that thing. That could be interesting.

[32-20-Blues]

Originally Posted by danw

I have that exact same toy, and yes, you can record with it. I don't think it was terribly noticeable as an echo, because it just shoots all of the sound back at your face. Similar to singing into a coffee can or something. However, as I recall, it makes a cool springy sound when you slam it down in the air and stop, air-drum style. This is definitely making me think about surgically implanting a contact transducer into that thing. That could be interesting.

Yep, when you move it when singing into it, it makes a metallic clanking sound. The contact transducer is a cool idea - there's a very thin plastic membrane in the narrow end of the mic that would be easy to modify. Thanks for the idea.

[TexRoadkill]

You might pick it up well with a cardoid or fig 8 mic next to the source aimed at the toy mic.

[Guitarer]

Be sure to post a clip

[TelePaul]

I have a clip of this in action, will post later.

[tdukex]

Originally Posted by 32-20-Blues

Like the title says, this might be a stupid question. However, I was wondering what people would think about using a toy 'echo mic' to add a cheap, strange reverb to a recording.

Obviously, I'm not expecting quality results. I figure, though, that if you grab a bunch of those and arrange them around a microphone you should get some discernible effect.

Here's what I'm talking about:

I just saw an episode of "Classic Albums" where they were saying Jimi Hendrix would use anything (Kazoo on "Crosstown Traffic") on a recording that would give him the sound he wanted.

I say go for it.

[SouthSIDE Glen]

From the picture, even if they don't work well for recording, you girlfriend could probably find a use.

G.

[TelePaul]

Originally Posted by SouthSIDE Glen

From the picture, even if they don't work well for recording, you girlfriend could probably find a use.

G.

In reality those things are like 6'' thick.

[TerraMortim]

Originally Posted by 32-20-Blues

Like the title says, this might be a stupid question. However, I was wondering what people would think about using a toy 'echo mic' to add a cheap, strange reverb to a recording.

Obviously, I'm not expecting quality results. I figure, though, that if you grab a bunch of those and arrange them around a microphone you should get some discernible effect.

Here's what I'm talking about:

sure, why not? You could even take impulse responses of them and use a convolution reverb to effect the sound.

There's no wrong answer for anything, use whatever you want, dildos, garbage cans, basketballs... I knew a guy who used a sample of him punching a large cardboard box for a kick drum and a sample of him slamming his hand down on a filing cabinet for the snare. Go for it, and if you do impulse responses...give em to me! lol

[TerraMortim]

Originally Posted by SouthSIDE Glen

From the picture, even if they don't work well for recording, you girlfriend could probably find a use.

G.

you naughty boy.

[TerraMortim]

Originally Posted by TelePaul

In reality those things are like 6'' thick.

Hey...there's some people that might find that a feature rather than a deterrent. My buddy catered for a "sex expo" and he mentioned that there were for sale a string of anal beads...that were about the size of tennis balls, and by the end of the event, someone had bought them.

[TerraMortim]

Originally Posted by 32-20-Blues

A man after my own heart.

I reckon one alone would be barely noticable, but I'm not sure.

As a result of a google search, I found a guy who uses them when playing the pennywhistle to get what he claims is a good reverb effect.

Edit: Here's the link - http://www.ehhs.cmich.edu/~dhavlena/echo.htm (The mp3 he has sounds interesting).

well I mean, aren't they pretty much just a spring anyway? SO it's pretty much a really cheap spring reverb.

[TerraMortim]

Originally Posted by tdukex

I just saw an episode of "Classic Albums" where they were saying Jimi Hendrix would use anything (Kazoo on "Crosstown Traffic") on a recording that would give him the sound he wanted.

I say go for it.

zappa used kazoos all the time

[SouthSIDE Glen]

Originally Posted by TelePaul

In reality those things are like 6'' thick.

Yikes! In that case, you might want to keep them *away* from your girlfriend... .

Hey, Tom Waits sang through a megaphone, so why not a kazoo, a Mr. Microphone or a sex toy?

G.

[pdalmolin]

to use a condom if she palys with it....

[32-20-Blues]

Originally Posted by SouthSIDE Glen

Yikes! In that case, you might want to keep them *away* from your girlfriend... .

Nah, 6" diameter is about what she's used to.

[TerraMortim]

Baahahahaha!