Double Bass AKG C411L

[Martin Beer]

I haven't used my C411 in a while, as my last regular double bass gig was more suited to a bridge piezo. But having used a variable HPF with my piezo (A KNA DB-1 into a Schalltechnik Vong HPF), I suspect a steep variable HPF would be very useful with the C411.

 

[bassically_eli]

I just got a good deal on a used C411PP. I've been very happy with my Prodipe mic, but it turns out it just feeds back too easily when the stage monitors are right up close, especially indoors. Outdoors or on bigger stages, it's surprisingly manageable even with the monitors pointing at me, and with an amp behind me it's no problem at all.

Anyway, I'm a little confused by the comments saying to use less putty, but some others saying to get it a few millimeters away from the top. Doesn't the distance from the top kind of dictate how much putty you need? I suppose I should use the least amount of putty possible to set it at whatever distance I choose. Also, is it more feedback prone the higher off the top it is?

 

[John Chambliss]

Anyway, I'm a little confused by the comments saying to use less putty, but some others saying to get it a few millimeters away from the top. Doesn't the distance from the top kind of dictate how much putty you need? I suppose I should use the least amount of putty possible to set it at whatever distance I choose. Also, is it more feedback prone the higher off the top it is?

You don’t need a lot of putty with this contact mic. It is also very very feedback resistant.
You will need to spend some time finding the “sweet spot” on your bass. I start about 2” beneath the bridge feet on either the E or the G string side and start testing. Mine sounds best half way between the bridge feet.

Edit: BTW, blue tack putty will work okay. @rickwolff gave me some white putty that sticks a bit better.

 

[bassically_eli]

You don’t need a lot of putty with this contact mic. It is also very very feedback resistant.
You will need to spend some time finding the “sweet spot” on your bass. I start about 2” beneath the bridge feet on either the E or the G string side and start testing. Mine sounds best half way between the bridge feet.

Yea, my condenser mic sounds best between the bridge feet as well. I also did some experimenting with a lavaliere mic and some putty, and I suspect the spot just above the sound post but below the bridge foot might be the best spot for the AKG.

 

[John Chambliss]

I really like using the C411pp as a simple solution when playing live with a loud folk/rock group. I can send the signal to an onstage amp as a monitor and send the signal to the FOH.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

The height above the top is discussed with the Ischell contact mic. The Ischell is open on the bottom and needs to be sealed airtight to avoid feedback. The height changes the air volume below the pickup that can interact with the inside air volume and membrane, so that can change the sound depending on the height.
The Ehrlund EAP also changes a bit with height, mostly because of the damping of the putty, so less putty is stronger coupling with the top.

I only have used a very thin complete layer of white Faber-Castell putty with my old AKG C411 and that was the best contact mic sound I have got (compared to an Ehrlund and MSP with the Ehrlund preamp). So good that I don’t need to search for anything else, even if the Ischell might sound a bit better. But with the AKG I don’t need to seal it airtight as the Ischell and avoid possible feedback.
But I’m not a professional player, so I’m happy if I find things good enough and budget friendly (which my pre-used C411 really was).