Bass cab mic for live sound

[jacobrownoly]

Hello, looking for some advice on mic'ing up for a live bass tone. So far I have always used the DI from my GK 1001-ii but I have never been that happy with the result, so for the next gig I have decided to mic up my 410 GK cab!

So..its time to choose a mic!

At first I looked at getting the standard AKG D112 but after some reading and with a look at the frequency chart I don't like the mid scoop that it is known for (I love midrange punch too ) Plus our drummer uses that mic for his kick drum.

So know I am tempted at the cheaper AKG P2 mic, I like the look of the flat response and I have heard some decent reviews about it.


Any one have experience with this mic?



Many thanks

 

[Downunderwonder]

Works as advertised. Get the $2 3/8 5/8 thread adaptor to save the plastic mount.

 

[jacobrownoly]

Anyone else?

 

[Downunderwonder]

You can search akgp2 and it will bring up a few threads. It's only just getting traction among TB ranks. I expect it will become a staple in time.

 

[adi77]

heil pr48

 

[scowboy]

Never tried the Heil PR40 (corrected) but I'd love to!

I own a Sennheiser 421 and have owned a an EV RE20. Either one will get you want you want.

 

[TimmyP]

PR40 (not the 48). RE20. PR30. D4.

 

[4Mal]

I'm a big fan of the Sennheiser 421. It is just a great mic. You can get them new on ebay as low as 320. Used around $250 in vgc. IMO kick mics are not your best friend for bass. You're just trading one color for another. I thought the PR-40 was OK. Not in the same league as the re-10 or 421 though.

I had to replace the windscreen on the one I had . Heil sent me a new one gratis even though the mic was out of warranty. Good customer service for certain.

 

[monkeyland]

I've been loving my re20 for recording but it's size and shape mean it doesn't pack in the mic box so easy for live. The beyer m88 is another mic that sounds great on bass and it packs nicely right along side of all if the vocal mics in our box.

 

[stonewall]

My experience is ive tried both DI and i Mic.I went back to DI out the back of my amp.My advice to you would be this.Learn about the parametrics dial on your board channel thats the key to getting your personal tones heard.Once you know what frequency your personal tone sweet spot is its easy boost it a bit.Good luck

 

[C130AVN]

I just use a plain jane SM57 to mic up my cab, I've tried kick drum mics and they work well but are up to 5 times the price and the extended low frequencies are almost inaudible when the band kicks in. For studio recording you may want a more refined mic, but for live purposes the Shure works great. For a great outboard DI box, I can't say enough about the Whirlwind.

 

[shoot-r]

I've had "very" good luck micing my bass cabinet with a old, old, old, almost beat to death Shure 57.
Clean and clear out front.
I MUCH prefer it over my DI's.

 

[Fernando Costa]

AKG P2 is a good mic for the price (I use one for my home recordings). Sennheiser 421 is much better, good choice, SM-57 too. Use a D112 to mic a bass cab can become a nightmare for the soundguy.

 

[Toddbass65]

Akg p2..... Cheap, easy to work with and durable....so far.
Loved mine every gig I have done with it so far.
Sound guys like it too. Easy for them to dial in too.
Very flat and great frequency range. If you're not sure,
Buy one and try it. You can sell it used and lose very little.

 

[P-oddz]

Big fan of the Heil PR-40 as well.
I bought one for my live shows and recording and have been extremely happy with its response.

 

[Munjibunga]

I like Beta 57.

 

[D.A.R.K.]

All the microphones listed will do a great job, some better than others depending on context. I'm a big fan on the Beyerdynamic M88 dynamic or the Shure ksm27 (now sm27 I believe) condenser.