Double Bass AMT mic for upright

[dbass87]

I've read some good things about this mic, it's an AMT S25B. Christian McBride apparently uses it and likes it, as well as many other professionals. It's a clip-on mic to the bass on the lower cutout, positioned into the f-hole. What are some general impressions of those of you who have used this mic, and optimal settings, PA vs. amp, and what kind of amp you've used if you have? Also, could you explain setup? It looks like it comes with a beltpack, so does it just send the signal to a receiver, which goes into the board or amp? Thanks...
dbass87

 

[Jake deVilliers]

If you use the 'Search' function you'll find as much info on the AMT as you really need!

 

[dbass87]

All right, thanks.

 

[Mark Perna]

I used the AMT for a while. I had a side bout mounted one and a tailpiece mounted one. I only used it through an amp; never tried it through a PA (which I hear is noticeably better). It was better than nothing when I used it but I ultimately gave up on it and started using an EV RE20 mic mounted on a mic stand which I've found to be about million times better give or take a few thousand. I can sometimes use the EV by itself and get something approximating an upright bass sound through the amp. I could never get a useable-on-it's-own sound with the AMT through the amp. I always had to pair it with a pickup. The only advantage with the AMT is it can remain mounted on the bass (less stuff to haul around). In every other way, as far as I'm concerned, the RE20 is better.

mark

 

[Ric Vice]

I've read some good things about this mic, it's an AMT S25B. Christian McBride apparently uses it and likes it, as well as many other professionals. It's a clip-on mic to the bass on the lower cutout, positioned into the f-hole. What are some general impressions of those of you who have used this mic, and optimal settings, PA vs. amp, and what kind of amp you've used if you have? Also, could you explain setup? It looks like it comes with a beltpack, so does it just send the signal to a receiver, which goes into the board or amp? Thanks...
dbass87

I've used mine in combination with a Realist. It gives the bass better definition for soloing and concert situations. It's relatively loud and is somewhat feedback resistant, not totally though. There are two different kinds of pre amps the super pre amp has two mic outputs (one that's isolated), and a line output. The tailpiece mount is great for reaching in between the bridge and fingerboard. DPA also has a new mic the 4099 that does essentially the same thing with a improved pickup pattern.

Ric

 

[dbass87]

So does the 4099 mount as well? And is it similarly priced to the AMT?

 

[dbass87]

started using an EV RE20 mic mounted on a mic stand which I've found to be about million times better give or take a few thousand. I can sometimes use the EV by itself and get something approximating an upright bass sound through the amp. I could never get a useable-on-it's-own sound with the AMT through the amp. I always had to pair it with a pickup. The only advantage with the AMT is it can remain mounted on the bass (less stuff to haul around). In every other way, as far as I'm concerned, the RE20 is better.

mark

Thanks for the reply... So you're saying that the AMT doesn't sound that great by itself, through an amp at least. So it might be a different story through a PA then, depending on the quality of the PA? Also, how much do those RE20s go for-- where are they cheapest?

 

[SAlcott]

Pickup to amp; mic to PA-it works.

 

[Mark Perna]

Thanks for the reply... So you're saying that the AMT doesn't sound that great by itself, through an amp at least. So it might be a different story through a PA then, depending on the quality of the PA? Also, how much do those RE20s go for-- where are they cheapest?

I've heard it's better through a PA. I rarely have a PA to play through so I never tested that theory though. RE20s cost around $400 from any of the big music discount places like Musician's Friend or Thoroughbread Music.

mark

 

[aaronallen]

I went through a phase where I was using only the AMT through an amp w/o the aid of a PU. I use a headway EDB1 preamp with a bergantino IP112 and I can get surprisingly loud with the mic before it starts to get out of control or feedback. It sounds awesome under the right circumstances but I found that using the PU is just way easier. Using the PU for stage volume and sending the mic into the PA works best.

 

[bolo]

I've read some good things about this mic, it's an AMT S25B. Christian McBride apparently uses it and likes it, as well as many other professionals. It's a clip-on mic to the bass on the lower cutout, positioned into the f-hole. What are some general impressions of those of you who have used this mic, and optimal settings, PA vs. amp, and what kind of amp you've used if you have? Also, could you explain setup? It looks like it comes with a beltpack, so does it just send the signal to a receiver, which goes into the board or amp? Thanks...
dbass87

Jake is right. Try doing a "search". Lots of info already posted.

I wouldn't really recommend positioning it "into the f-hole." I've attached a pic from Christian McBride's website. You'll see it is more pointed at the foot of the bridge.

Many of us also switched to other mics, and some of us did so after using the AMT. I now use a Beyer M-88 TG. Other people are using the Shure Beta 57 (I think). Or the RE-20 like calivox. And the Heil PR40.

I like the gooseneck on the AMT for positioning the mic in the sweet spot, and keeping it there. I get that same functionality now with an H-clamp. And it can handle most mics.

Anyway, keep searching if you like. I really dig the mic'd sound. Lots of great info in this forum.

 

[dbass87]

Many of us also switched to other mics, and some of us did so after using the AMT. I now use a Beyer M-88 TG. Other people are using the Shure Beta 57 (I think). Or the RE-20 like calivox. And the Heil PR40.

I like the gooseneck on the AMT for positioning the mic in the sweet spot, and keeping it there. I get that same functionality now with an H-clamp. And it can handle most mics.

Anyway, keep searching if you like. I really dig the mic'd sound. Lots of great info in this forum.

Thanks for the answer... So is that the typical way to go about positioning the mic, with the H-clamp, say if it doesn't come with a clip like the AMT? and how does that work?

 

[bolo]

So is that the typical way to go about positioning the mic, with the H-clamp, say if it doesn't come with a clip like the AMT? and how does that work?

I may have misunderstood your question, and if so, I apologize. But I think the "typical" ways to use a mic are:

(1) On a mic stand in front of you.

(2) Stuffed behind the tailpiece or through the afterlengths.

The H-clamp is relatively new you could say. Not sure how widely it has been adopted, so I would not call it "typical." It is adjustable over a wide range of positions, like the AMT. It clamps on the side of the bass, pretty much wherever you want it ... like the AMT. The boom portion is also adjustable. Your regular old mic clip goes on the end. Here's a pic of how it is set up on my bass. If you want some close-up pics and/or a more detailed explanation, just send me a PM if you like.

 

[dbass87]

all right, sweet. Thanks