MagMic - how to split mag and mic?

[Hap]

Hi,

I have been using the Duncan MagMic in my acoustics for a year or so, and think it is an outstanding pickup. But, there is clearly the potential for improvement. I attended a guitar workshop with Laurence Juber recently. He used a MagMic, but said he had (1) an upgraded mic capsule installed [I don't remember the brand], and (2) he had the mic part of the pickup wired separate from the magnetic part of the pickup, with each separated pickup then run into separate channels of a preamp.

I'd like to figure out how to modify my Mag Mic to wire the mic and mag separately, and then run them into the 2 channels on my Raven Labs PMB-2 blender, in order to have greater control over each channel. Any idea on how to do that?

Also, how would one upgrade the mic capsule from that used in the stock Mag Mic? For starters, what is the mic that is used in the stock Mag Mic? And how would I go about upgrading it? What fits, what does not? Does Duncan offer any services in this area?

Thanks very much!

Hap

 

[jeremy]

this is a question for evan.

i have a magmic and i love it but i can see the potential for splitting the signals, but i dont know how to do it.

 

[Evan Skopp]

Hi Hap:

You're correct that Laurence Juber uses a prototype "Mag Mic Pro" that has an upgraded Audix mic capsule as well as split output which he runs in a D-TAR Solstice Mixer. The original mic capsule is a Panasonic, I believe.

Unfortunately, our engineering department is not building these at the present time, as their attention is totally focused on the next D-TAR product, "Mama Bear," the digital acoustic guitar pre-amp which is reviewed in the current issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine.

Please check back with us in the future, if you're still interested in the LJ version of the Mag Mic.

Sorry I can't be more helpful at this time.

 

[Hap]

Evan,

Thanks for the response. Until there is a Pro version of the MagMic, is there any way I can get information on how to split the two pickups (mag and mic) in the current version? Schematics, tips, anything would be helpful. Thanks again.

Hap

 

[Evan Skopp]

Hi Hap:

Unfortunately, splitting the signal isn't an easy mod. For LJ's we start from scratch -- we don't modify and existing one. It's very difficult and we haven't published a tech sheet on how to do it.

Sorry I can't be of more help in this regard.

Best regards,

- Evan

 

[Hap]

Evan,

Thanks for the prompt response. So, the question becomes: when are you going to come out with the Pro model that is already split, and with the upgraded mic capsule? I'd buy one, make that two, now.

Thanks,

Hap

 

[Fusion1]

Re: MagMic - how to split mag and mic?

Any updates on this Evan? Also any updates on the new Solstice?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: MagMic - how to split mag and mic?

With Fishman and L. R. Baggs systems, it is possible to employ the three terminals of a TRS end pin jack socket. Tip could carry the Magnetic pickup signal. Ring could carry the mic signal. Sleeve would carry all grounds. The two signals could be processed and combined in an external pre-amp/buffer/D.I. box.

The same principles could be applied to the Duncan Mag Mic. It might be necessary to obtain a special jack socket with two or three ring contact bands. (Pilot headsets with built-in microphones use such plugs and sockets.)

Replacing the Mic capsule inside the housing will be tricky. Adding a replacement mic elsewhere then connecting it to the rest of the circuit ought to be possible.