With recent discussion of how to record bass and wanting microphone recommendations I thought it would be fun to try some out. Since I did that, I figured I might as well post the results. I made a recording of open strings and harmonics straight into my audio interface. It's an Audient ID14. Then I routed the DI signal into my GK Backline 600, which is connected to a Hartke 2.5 XL (2x10 cab). I recorded that with a Shure SM57, a CAD M179, and a Microphone Parts s3-87, which is a Neuman U87 style (not clone) microphone with a three-way pattern switch that I built from a kit. Since I have re-amped the DI recording, there is only one performance, so any differences are due to the microphone. I did my best to put the microphone in the same position in the center of the right hand 10" driver.
I have two files. One is called mixdown.mp3. It's the DI recording followed by the 57, the 179, and the 87 (in that order). I found it hard to compare that way, so I edited the recording and pasted short samples of each (called edit2.mp3). So open E (DI, 57, 179, 87), then open D and finally harmonics.
There's not a huge difference to my ear. The 57 rolls off bass more than the other two, so it actually tends to even out the E and A strings (E is naturally a lot louder).
There is a buzz in all the microphone recordings. It's a ground loop between the interface and the head. I'm not interested in resolving that issue, but it's a problem that plagues people who connect multiple devices. It's most noticeable in the recording of the 57, probably because I had to use so much more gain with it than with the others. I could reduce how aparent the buzz is by turning up the amp, but my wife is napping. On my speakers the buzz isn't nearly as distracting as with headphones.
I have two files. One is called mixdown.mp3. It's the DI recording followed by the 57, the 179, and the 87 (in that order). I found it hard to compare that way, so I edited the recording and pasted short samples of each (called edit2.mp3). So open E (DI, 57, 179, 87), then open D and finally harmonics.
There's not a huge difference to my ear. The 57 rolls off bass more than the other two, so it actually tends to even out the E and A strings (E is naturally a lot louder).
There is a buzz in all the microphone recordings. It's a ground loop between the interface and the head. I'm not interested in resolving that issue, but it's a problem that plagues people who connect multiple devices. It's most noticeable in the recording of the 57, probably because I had to use so much more gain with it than with the others. I could reduce how aparent the buzz is by turning up the amp, but my wife is napping. On my speakers the buzz isn't nearly as distracting as with headphones.
