Mic confusion

pedroquez · #1 09-21-2006, 04:42 AM

Hello.

I'm very confused about the type of mic that I would use to record my double bass. I heard that the condensers are the best, but I don't know what would be best: condenser (ex: audiotechnica at3031) or large condenser (ex: audiotechnica at2020). But what confuses me more is the use of the so-called bass mics (ex: shure beta 81a). Should'nt be these the best mics to record the double bass? But, for what I read, it seems that they are good only to complement the recording as a second mic...
If one wants to record or amplify with just one of the latest, what would be the best?

Thanks

Dave Martin · #2 09-21-2006, 09:43 PM

A recent favorite new mic for my Juzek was a Crowley and Tripps Proscenium; a wee bit older (and a bit less expensive) is the AEA R84. Both are ribbon microphones rather than condensers. With the R84, I like to have a second small diaphragm condenser (like a Neumann KM 54 or KM 84) for a little added high end, but the Crowley and Tripps didn't seem to need that.

Different basses may respond better to other mics, however - for example, when I recorded Byron House a Royer ribbon sounded better to both of us than an R84....

EggyToast · #3 09-25-2006, 01:25 PM

If you're trying to record with a single mic, due to whatever reason, the best bet is to use a small diaphragm condenser. Large diaphragm condensers are best used for recording vocals, due to the way they pick up sound, and they tend to "sweeten" vocals. For most instruments, though, you want it to, you know, sound like the instrument! And small diaphragm condensers do that (for a few technical reasons).

A 2nd "bass mic" would add more low end to the recording, and is usually used in a situation where the amount of bass you want simply isn't being recorded to your taste. But they wouldn't work as a main mic for recording an upright since a lot of the sound is in all the harmonics, which would be ignored by a bass mic.

As for recommendations, budget and #/type of mics you have now is helpful

Since nothing is in your profile.

pedroquez · #4 09-26-2006, 06:09 AM

Thanks a lot.
I do have a audio-technica 2020 mic and I also have a shure sm-58 mic.
But I want to buy two small diaphragm condenser mics to record overhead drums also.
And, this way, I will try to record my double bass with one of these new mics.
I'm looking at audio-technica AT3031. They have very good reviews for the price. I'm also looking at Rode NT5, but I'm more tempted to the AT3031. Any advices?

Will these kind of mic also work in live situations? And should I attach the mic under the bass bridge or is it better to put it on a stand, in front of the bass?

Thanks a lot. I'm a bass player (electric) but a novice at double bass! Just got my double bass one week ago.

pedroquez · #5 09-26-2006, 06:59 AM

Hello again.
I forgot to mention that I also own a Ampeg B100R Bass Combo. I'm wondering if it could be of interest to put this on the chain, between the mic and the mixer (soundcraft E12). Of course, for live situations it will be of great interest for monitoring reasons. But for recording would it be of interest or would it be another unwanted transformation of the natural sound? Thanks again.