which microphone is the best for bass cab and drums

chrispizzy · #1 03-26-2011, 03:12 AM

I'm looking to pick up some microphones with a buddy of mine tomorrow and we are thikning of getting the Audix D6 for kick drum and a few 57's. I wasn't sure if this is the best route to go and if anyone had some suggestions as to where to head for the best type of sound. Our setup will probably be something like two overhead, kick, snare, and tom, and one mic for the bass cab. Any suggestions would be stellar!

chrispizzy · #2 03-26-2011, 11:55 AM

i forgot to mention, if you have any recordings using thosemics please send em

bassbrad · #3 03-26-2011, 01:22 PM

You should consider condenser mics for the drum overheads, SM 57 is not a good overhead.

spaz21387 · #4 03-26-2011, 01:27 PM

our stuff on the myspace page is recorded with a bass drum mic on a 35 watt peavey bass combo and then the drums are mic'ed with a mxl condenser mic and a few small bullet mics ment for micing up drums.... myspace.com/thevagines

Stinsok · #5 03-26-2011, 01:40 PM

The drums on our demos were recorded with SM57's on the snare and toms. A Shure PG52 (a relatively inexpensive large diaphram mic) was used on the kick.

www.jimiandthefiredogs.com

bluesdogblues · #6 03-26-2011, 01:46 PM

I think "the best mic for bass cab" is depend on the taste, need, situation etc..
I rarely miking in recording my bass now, choose the DI way, but in the past I've tried some condenser microphones (Neumann, etc.) with good result and also some dynamic mics.

What I remember most that get me a best result was AKG D112 close miking on the cab.
and it's a good mic for kick drums too

I-Love-Ratm · #7 03-26-2011, 02:01 PM

For drum overheads I cannot recommend Rode NT55 stereo matched pair. Relatively inexpensive small diaphragm condensers. A couple of 57's are handy for all round too. AKG D112 for kick drum is a good mic too.

ishouldbeking · #8 03-26-2011, 03:23 PM

Electro-voice RE20 makes a great bass cab mic. Personally I'd usually rather DI the bass though... as long as you're prepared to treat the DI'd sound a little bit. As a pick player, I find the DI tone will usually have more lows and highs available, but some of the harshness of pick on roundwounds sometimes needs to be EQ'd out. Mic'ing a cabinet will usually roll off the low-lows, some of the highs and leave you with more of a traditional bass tone, but you'll have less options during mixing, should you want more lows or highs.

Of course all of the above varies widely on the quality, type, and usage of your DI, microphones, preamps, (your playing), and most importantly... your ENGINEER.

EDIT: here are some recordings running the bass through DI... I couldn't tell you what was used for overhead (some kind of vintage condenser) but it was a 57 on the snare, and I think an AKG D112 for the kick. Only three mics, old-school style. Its pretty raw, but that was what we were after.

http://walkingsleep.bandcamp.com

songwriter21 · #9 03-26-2011, 07:03 PM

If you want to go the mic route, then you can't go wrong with, yes, an Audix D6. I wouldn't recommend an SM57, though-too much muddiness. Or, if you really want to shell out some bucks for ultra-high end, then try an Earthworks SR40 for no coloration and ONLY the sound of YOUR bass.

I've used the D6 on recordings, though, and it sounds pretty faithful and ballsy. I work where we sell the Earthworks but haven't recorded or gigged with them.

Remember, mic the speaker that defines your tone (if it's a multi-speaker design), like a mid-range speaker between the horn and woofer.

I think the best combo is getting the DI in there first as a foundation, and then amp it up a bit (no pun intended) with a mic. Of course, a good/fairly transparent DI is essential. The one on my GK 1001RB-II is actually pretty damned good, and soundguys like it.

chrispizzy · #10 03-27-2011, 02:06 PM

thanks for the advice, and thanks for the recordings...I have a question about using DI is it best to go straight into the interface or is it necessary to buy a DI box and connect that to the interface? Sorry for such n00b questions.

I-Love-Ratm · #11 03-28-2011, 04:05 PM

What interface are you using? You are probably better off going through a DI and maybe even one with tone shaping options e.g. Sansamp BDDI

bluesdogblues · #12 03-28-2011, 10:35 PM

I opt straight to the interface or through the Compressor/Pre IF the studio have a good one. In my case it's ussually an Avalon VT737 or Urei, then to the ProTools interface whatever it is.
Hope it helps