Double Bass DPA or similar with Acoustic Image?

[Mgaisbacher]

So I am thinking about going the mic route (or mic +pickup when possible) for playing smaller gigs I probably would still go through my AI just for ease of not having to deal with going though a PA. I just wanted to know if anyone had any experience running a clip on mic through an AI amp. I am mostly worried about feed back and if you can get enough volume without feeding back. I usually only play in acoustic settings (bluegrass etc) and small jazz groups.

 

[Mark Gollihur]

Mics can be tricky; they sound "best" in many cases, but the trials of dealing with them (feedback, crosstalk from other instruments, etc.) can make them a little difficult. The DPA is an excellent mic, and quite a few people here have used it quite effectively.

Check out my FAQ on the subject, it may provide a little perspective (I hope.)

 

[Mgaisbacher]

Thanks for the info, most of that stuff I am aware of. i know mics are going to feedback more but I am mostly wondering if anyone out there has used a clip on mic into a Acoustic Image amp and if so how bad were the feedback issues, Were they bad enough that you can't get to a useable volume before feedback?

I have used a DPA a couple times in a bigger venue setting were that was the only thing amplifying my bass and I think it sounded great but also thats a whole different thing then standing next to were the mic is being amplified. Also I have heard others used clip on mics, usually doubled with a pick up, and it seemed to work great, but again this was directly into the house, even the pickup was DI.

 

[Mark Gollihur]

Well, in that case, stage setup is key. The sound coming from an AI cabinet is not as "directional" - it rather "envelopes" the room and fills the room differently than a traditional forward-firing driver arrangement.

I can say that people are using the combination. We've tested it here, but I've never gigged with the combination, personally. It should work very well, but it would do you well to have a pickup in your back pocket as a "plan B" in case you encounter the occasional "room from hell" (as we call it).

 

[Ric Vice]

Thanks for the info, most of that stuff I am aware of. i know mics are going to feedback more but I am mostly wondering if anyone out there has used a clip on mic into a Acoustic Image amp and if so how bad were the feedback issues, Were they bad enough that you can't get to a useable volume before feedback?

I own the DPA 4099B and generally just use it FOH. I have run it through the Headway EDB-2 into a QSC K8. My larger rig is a Walter Woods Ultra, into a Audio Kinesis TC 112. The smaller setup is less prone to feeding back due in part to it's narrower dispersion pattern. With a more powerful amp and a bigger speaker, with wider dispersion, the DPA will be more susceptible to feedback. I prefer to run the DPA 4099B FOH and send my Ehrlund EAP, back to whatever amp I'm using. It's easier to EQ and infinitely less prone to feedback.

I have used a DPA a couple times in a bigger venue setting were that was the only thing amplifying my bass and I think it sounded great but also thats a whole different thing then standing next to were the mic is being amplified. Also I have heard others used clip on mics, usually doubled with a pick up, and it seemed to work great, but again this was directly into the house, even the pickup was DI.

With all the feedback controls on the AI Flex and Ten2 you should be able to eliminate feedback very effectively. Those would be the AI amps I would consider, simply because I prefer to have a woofer that fires forward, in addition to the down firing one. Just my preference. As Mark mention's below, it's wise to have the option of moving to the pickup and dialing down the DPA4099B when things get dicey.

Well, in that case, stage setup is key. The sound coming from an AI cabinet is not as "directional" - it rather "envelopes" the room and fills the room differently than a traditional forward-firing driver arrangement. I can say that people are using the combination. We've tested it here, but I've never gigged with the combination, personally. It should work very well, but it would do you well to have a pickup in your back pocket as a "plan B" in case you encounter the occasional "room from hell" (as we call it).

 

[rickwolff]

So I am thinking about going the mic route (or mic +pickup when possible) for playing smaller gigs I probably would still go through my AI just for ease of not having to deal with going though a PA. I just wanted to know if anyone had any experience running a clip on mic through an AI amp. I am mostly worried about feed back and if you can get enough volume without feeding back. I usually only play in acoustic settings (bluegrass etc) and small jazz groups.

In my limited experience, that is exactly the WRONG combination. As Mark accurately pointed out, the AI sound 'envelopes' the room, or is omni-directional. The only time I tried a mic into an AI it was instant feedback - even at low volume. I had a similar experience with my Phil Jones Super Flightcase with the UP-firing speakers (I believe Chris Fitzgerald has also commented on how the SFC is not a good amp for a mic for this reason).

The solution (other than strictly going FOH) is to use a 'directional' amp, whether a bass amp or powered speaker and have it raised up to ear level so it's not shooting the sound directly at the bass. I am currently using a GB Shuttle 3.0 8t which I set up on a music stand with the music table laid flat. I love having it up at ear level as I can hear myself much better which helps intonation. I have used it a little with my mic - a AT 35 and it seems to work OK, but normally I use a Gage Lifeline which, to me, sounds great and might be 'my' optimum live gig solution.