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Double Bass Dynamic mic with H-Clamp?

ryanhagler

Supporting Member
Jun 25, 2010
59
32
Austin, TX
First off, I know this is covered a lot in various other threads, but all the searching I did didn't show anything new since 2009 (if I missed something, send me a link!). So I figure there's bound to be some new gear or at least some new ideas since then.

Wanting to try a dynamic mic on an H-clamp running into my AI Ten2 to mix with the Full Circle. Seems like the Beta 57 might be a cost-effective option. Ideas?
 
I just got a notice from TB that Sweetwater has a deal on an AKG D 112. So I ordered one to try. It's $99 and designed for 'bass' instruments. Here is the link: AKG D 112 | Sweetwater.com



Bass w AKG D 112 mic.jpg
 
I had really nice results using an Audio-Technica PRO25ax; it's officially a "drum" mic designed for low toms; but it's got a small form-factor (stubby design), a hypercardioid element for great rejection, internal handling damping, and a nice sound without a harsh top end, which works quite well for close-mic'ing an upright bass. I actually got my hands on a few a number of years ago and sold it together with the H-Clamp, and the few people who were able to snag that package all seemed quite happy with the results. Invalid Link Removed

pro_25ax_1_sq.jpg
 
So, it's better a dynamic mic with H-Clamp (maybe the Audio Technica pro 25 ax or similar) or a small condenser like DPA 4099? Maybe the dynamic choice is cheaper, maybe half the cost of DPA. And the quality, overall in live situations? I think to mix with the Underwood through an EDB 2.

If you use the DPA 4099, I'd suggest using it as designed, with their mount; it's effective, lightweight, and easy to deal with. You'd have to "hack" it to mount it on an H-Clamp, and I'm not sure it would be worth the trouble.

While a condenser can be more detailed, more realistic sounding, and have more output, there are some advantages to using a dynamic. For one, they are often less sensitive in the upper frequencies, and thereby less prone to the screeching type of feedback. This decreased upper frequency sensitivity also "warms up" the sound a bit, which can be nice with bass (reduces the clackiness and finger noises). The AT mic I mentioned above does that nicely; it rounds off the top end in a musical way, reducing harsh upper frequencies and giving nice girth to the tone. Many dynamics are meant for the stage, and are rather robust and up to being bounced around in a gig bag, while many condensers are really meant for studio use and are more fragile. I've found crosstalk with other instruments to be less of a problem with some dynamics -- they often feature tightly-focused hypercardioid elements, which reject side and rear sounds better than cardioid, figure 8 and omni elements. And, of course, a dynamic mic doesn't require phantom power, which can make it easier to deal with on stage.

But everyone has their preferences; really, the only way to know what you like best is to try it out. And when you do, to have someone play your bass so you can get out front and hear what the amplified sound really sounds like (without the acoustic sound of the bass directly under you).
 
If you use the DPA 4099, I'd suggest using it as designed, with their mount; it's effective, lightweight, and easy to deal with. You'd have to "hack" it to mount it on an H-Clamp, and I'm not sure it would be worth the trouble.

While a condenser can be more detailed, more realistic sounding, and have more output, there are some advantages to using a dynamic. For one, they are often less sensitive in the upper frequencies, and thereby less prone to the screeching type of feedback. This decreased upper frequency sensitivity also "warms up" the sound a bit, which can be nice with bass (reduces the clackiness and finger noises). The AT mic I mentioned above does that nicely; it rounds off the top end in a musical way, reducing harsh upper frequencies and giving nice girth to the tone. Many dynamics are meant for the stage, and are rather robust and up to being bounced around in a gig bag, while many condensers are really meant for studio use and are more fragile. I've found crosstalk with other instruments to be less of a problem with some dynamics -- they often feature tightly-focused hypercardioid elements, which reject side and rear sounds better than cardioid, figure 8 and omni elements. And, of course, a dynamic mic doesn't require phantom power, which can make it easier to deal with on stage.

But everyone has their preferences; really, the only way to know what you like best is to try it out. And when you do, to have someone play your bass so you can get out front and hear what the amplified sound really sounds like (without the acoustic sound of the bass directly under you).

There was just a 'Deal Alert' here on TB for a dynamic mic at Sweetwater: AKG D 112 | Sweetwater.com

I couldn't resist so I bought one. I was planning on blending it with my Lifeline pickup but when I got to the gig and took the bag off my bass I realized I had left the pickup on my other DB at home. So...hooked up the AKG D 112 through my Headway EDB-2 which does a GREAT job of tailoring your tone and killing feed back - ran it into my Shuttle 3.0 8T and just played through the mic all night - a duo gig with jazz guitar. The bass sounded great.

Back home, I thought I'd do an A/B test with a condenser mic I've been using successfully for recording gigs into my Zoom H4N. Even with the EDB-2's famous feedback busting ability the condenser was still a major feedback problem - same as every other time I've tried to use it 'live'. (Probably why so many bassists here just use their DPA 4099's for FOH only - although I think there are some exceptions ie Ric Vice?)

The D112 has been discontinued in favor of the D112 MKII, which appears (to me) to possibly be the same microphone with just a new swivel mount. http://www.akg.com/pro/search?searchtext=d112

Bottom line: if you've been wanting to try a dynamic mic this seems like a great time to get one at a great price. In researching this I found that, apparently, this mic was originally designed for recording Double Basses in Symphonies.
 
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