Low frequency mic decision

mnadelin · #1 11-25-2005, 06:52 PM

I'm thinking about purchasing a new mic. I've been doing a lot of leslie speaker recording. I've been using 57s, which work fine, but I want to get a good mic for massive low end. Also, I'd like to use the same mic to record a bass amp. My dilemma is that I'm a poor college student, and I'd like to get a D112 or B52, but both are in the $200 range. That's kind of pushing it for me. Is there a more inexpensive alternative? My highest priority is sound quality, but I'm willing to make some comprimise, of course. Any input would be appreciated.

JimmyM · #2 11-26-2005, 01:28 AM

I would say that $200 is going to be the minimum for a mic that specializes in low freq.

Droog · #3 11-26-2005, 04:01 AM

Yeah, if you can't drop around $200.00 then you should get comfortable with you 57's. Look for used stuff and when it comes to inexpensive mics you get what you pay for. If sound quality is trully a priority your mic pre is a critical piece as well.

AGCurry · #4 11-28-2005, 08:46 AM

A great inexpensive mic for bass drum or any other bass-intensive application is the Peavey 520i or 520tn. Look for one on eBay. I got rid of my AKG D112 because this Peavey is just as good if not better (and also because I have a bunch of mics).

chips · #5 12-05-2005, 09:16 AM

Not sure on the price but an Opus 65 has a massive bottom end. But, you may want to hold onto the 57s to mix the two signals. the 65 will just give you an extremely PHAT sound, but the 57s will help add some clarity. Or a DI will help too

hyperlitem · #6 12-05-2005, 03:49 PM

blue kickball
build a reverse speaker then blend it with a 57
sennheiser 421

Denyle Guitars · #7 12-06-2005, 06:04 PM

MXL v67, Rode NT1, A/T 2020 or Shinybox ribbon. All well under $200. OK, so they aren't kick mics per se but they do reproduce plenty of LF and can be used for countless other sources. The ribbon might be a bit too mellow for some tastes but if you have a 57 and a large condensor, it mades a great 3rd mic.

Rick Brienzo · #8 12-13-2005, 10:20 AM

My fav low end/cheap mic is the studio prodjects B1, I think they run about $89.00. Its a condenser and sounds pretty good on other sources. I have a rather large mic collection and did my own personal shoot out and that thing sounds great up close to a speaker for about the cost of dinner for you and your baby. so for friday night nuke a pizza and call it a romantic evening.

thehurlatron · #9 12-13-2005, 02:04 PM

I've had good sounds with my Audix D6. $199 new, but go on the bay for around $120-150.

It's a great kick mic and bass cab mic. IMO