I just got a PF-20T and PF-112HLF cab for my bedroom rig and I want to record it. Is there a good microphone around $100 or less that you'd recommend?
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Affordable Mic For Bass Cab?
- Thread starter Bassmaster55
- Start date
If you want a mic you can use live it's no contest: Akg P2.
Get the $2 steel 3/8 to 5/8 thread converter to avoid chewing up the integral plastic 5/8 mic mount.
Get the $2 steel 3/8 to 5/8 thread converter to avoid chewing up the integral plastic 5/8 mic mount.
Shure SM57 is used all the time as a bass mic. Won't quite deliver the super deep lows (specs at 40Hz-15kHz), but sounds great. Also, for recording, you can combine DI track and a mic track to get more to work with on your bass tracks.
good luck
good luck
I currently have an SM57 that I've been using to record my guitar cab. Was hoping to grab a different microphone for the bass cab, while also giving me another flavor for guitar cab mic'ing for use when double tracking (give a little more separation between left and right in the mix).
I know what you mean about having some different ones to try. I'm looking forward to the suggestions.
If you can find a used Peavey PVM 520, it’s a great mic for bass cabs.
Most mics designed for kick are going to have too much built-in EQ (they’re typically mid-scooped) to represent a bass cab accurately
The Audix D4 is another good choice - good mix of LF extension and clarity
Most mics designed for kick are going to have too much built-in EQ (they’re typically mid-scooped) to represent a bass cab accurately
The Audix D4 is another good choice - good mix of LF extension and clarity
I second this recommendation. It's a good mic for many things - can be substituted for the Sennheiser MD421.
I think that's gonna be the key: "If you can find..."
Seems like it's gonna be searching for a needle in a haystack.
- Feb 12, 2006
- 61,047
- 5
- 221,002
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Sennheiser 421, E609, Audio Technica ATM-25 or 250.
OP asked about $100 mics.
P2 is only a couple of pizzas over that. Good luck finding any other bass capable full range mic in that range.
P2 is only a couple of pizzas over that. Good luck finding any other bass capable full range mic in that range.
I'm taking a clean DI feed off my Sansamp BDDI's parallel output, straight into recording interface. I'd like to mic up the cab to blend with the DI in my DAW. I usually low-pass the DI around 300 Hz and then use the cab mic for higher frequencies.
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I think you mean low pass the DI. Otherwise you would be doubling up on highs and all the lows would be off the mic.
- Feb 12, 2006
- 61,047
- 5
- 221,002
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
The ATM-25, 250 and E-609 all fall around $100 used , the ATM 25 a little more, the ATM-250 right about and the E-609 a little less. The 421 of course is considerably more.
You might also give the E-604 a try, though I find that this mic works better for bass mic's a little farther away. For recording levels it won't matter.
These are all different flavors that are fairly neutral and forgiving. I used the ATM-25's and 421's on the road for years with excellent results.
You're correct. I meant to type low-pass.
And to add to that: I would high-pass the cab mic. As not to double up on low frequencies.
There's a gazillion things to consider with Mic + DI
Here's a good article: Better Bass
Your best bet is likely to be get a good DI track, then go back and re-amp, plugins, etc to tune the tone in the mix.
I don't reamp or use plugins. Waste of my time, IMHO. I get track recorded and then all I need is a couple compressors and some subtractive EQ. I'm not one of those surgical OCD guys. At least, not anymore.
Good for you! I totally agree. Cut it right the first time. And always remember that no matter how much an engineer says he'll add something in post to the bass, they never do.I don't reamp or use plugins. Waste of my time, IMHO. I get track recorded and then all I need is a couple compressors and some subtractive EQ. I'm not one of those surgical OCD guys. At least, not anymore.
