Best mic for live bass

[DanielleMuscato]

They sound great on bass amps, too. One of my favorite set-ups for recording is an SWR Redhead and a Shure KSM-44, when I'm not using my Line6 Bass POD.

 

[gjsven]

A kick mic that isn't so biased toward the lows can actually work well, such as an Audix D6. Don't let anybody stick a Shure Beta 52 in front of your cab, though...

Agreed. Bass drum mics do tend to have mid scoops in them, but most of them are cut in different places. I use an Audix D6 on my Boogie 6x10. The scoop sits right in the spectral pocket (800-1000Hz) where basses tend to become cardboard but below the 'brightness' and attack of the high mids (1.5-3kHz). Adjust placement to taste.

AKG D112s make reasonable bass cab mics too, but Beta 52s are a bit lifeless.

In my experience, an old D12 (a predecessor to the D112) will look funny in front of your amp but will make your drummer very, very happy when inserted into his biggest shell.