• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass dynamic vs condenser

flatback

flatback

May 6, 2004
2,990
2,667
#1
while waiting or the pr 40 'stubby' to go into production, i have been cycling thru different mics trying to get comfortable with a set up that is very stable. i love the stubby cause it is a big fat dynamic in a really small package. i have been using handheld dynamics on the
H clamp and have decided that I don't like the look of it on the bass and I can't get the diaphragm of the mic head on to the bass. It takes up a bunch o room...So I went back to the small audix condenser on the H clamp (essentially the same as most other small hyper C condensers like the AMT etc.)
Running it into the Focus III and wizzy 10 combination. i think the Focus set up with the wizzy 10 is the best set up i have used for getting a usable feedback resistant sound.
it also takes a minute to dial in the condenser, which i always wanted to have way too high in the mix, turns out just a bit of it gives dimension (so long as you position right...in my case under the finger board sounds best) and presence to the Full Circle which sounds pretty good by itself. I'll go right back to the stubby when it comes out and may start looking for a really good small headed large diaphragm dynamic if that ain't soon, but with a little extra attention i'm starting to get better results with the condenser...and the size is right...
starts me wondering again about a really good condenser like the km185
 
#2
I hear you. A few months ago I got really curious about exactly the same thing, and tried out every mic I had. There was a condenser that sounded good, but that blew up the moment a drummer was involved and all I heard was this annoying cymbal ring through my amp. I don't like the way a handheld looks, either, but for now the Beta 57 sounds best, so there it stays. I'm anxious to try out the Stubby as well.
 
#3
I don't think too much about how the H-clamp looks on my bass. Not since Uncletoad made that "orbiting moon lander" remark.

I used to think mics were just good for quieter gigs, but I'm comfortable using a dynamic mic blended w/ a RS on all my gigs now, inc. big band hits. I do have to be more careful about where I set up and orient myself relative to drums, horns, my amp, etc. Like you said, I always wants to crank the mic channel way up and can't, but just a little of the mic mixed w/ the p/u makes a good sound for me.

I haven't tried the AMT on a gig in a while. I dunno ... I think the dynamic works better for me in my situations nowadays.
 
#5
fingers said:
That's why I've liked the Audix D2 on the H-Clamp. It is short so you can position the mic how you want. It is intended as a drum mic so it has great rejection. It has a bit of a lower-mid bump which I've liked too. I think it is marketed as a tom mic.
Click to expand...

yea i may try the D2 if the stubby does not come out soon. I almost sprung for the AMT that was for sale here a minute ago but i really would need to try it for a while (real world) I think the stubby (or d2 or the like) is the answer, but the condenser really isn't bad. It is amazing how much difference having the cab on my left makes both to how I hear it and feedback rejection. The wizzy 10 is such a strong factor too. i am using a stand to get one of them up off the ground and just below ear height (actually a box that a I stow the amp and cords in) One wizzy in the right place is an amazing cab 2 is just sick (but a bit more problematic if you are using a mic)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back