Micing vs. DI

[LiquidMidnight]

Hey, I really wasn't sure if this would be better in the amps forum or here, so if I put it in the wrong forum, the mods have permission to beat me.

In all seriousness though, which do you prefer? All of the soundmen/studios I've worked with have usually either ran me direct through the balanced output of my amp or a DI box. I did play with a band once in which we miced my cabinet.

I really don't have any specific reason for this thread other than curiosity. Which do you prefer and why. Any sound guys want to put in their two cents? Do you find one approach easier to mix than another?

[baba]

Both, and then blend the signals to your liking.

[wyliee]

From a soundman's perspective, most of the time I'd prefer a direct out pre-EQ. That way, I can EQ as appropriate to the house sound and overall mix and you can have your own sound onstage. If it is more of a festival situation with lots of backline changes, I'll go the mic route and position as appropriate. I'll get some mic bleed, but I can deal with that.


As far as recording goes, I want both a pre-EQ DI and a mic'ed cabinet. If I have enough mics and channels, I might even close mic the cabinet and from a few feet away to get a little bit of ambience.

-Eric.

[lefty]

i`m usually good with either, at my home studio so far i just go direct, and it sounds good. when i`ve gone to the pro`s they usually direct and mic. and that sounds good. i allways like it when someone else good shapes my tone because it`s cool to hear your bass sound different than how you allways hear it.

[nonsqtr]

DI is probably quicker and easier. It takes some experience and some expertise to mic a bass cab "well". With a guitar cab, it's pretty easy, you just stick a '57 a few inches from the speaker and you're done. With a bass, it's usually not that easy. But, if you're willing to take the time to experiment with various mics and various positions, you can get some real nice results.