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Double Bass Golden Bullet

S

SplitNick

Aug 1, 2003
345
5
North Alabama, Huntsville
www.myspace.com
#1
I usually just use an Underwood pu, but I recently got a golden bullet (by itself). I found in a rehearsal for a jazz musical the other day the Underwood sounded a bit bright and too defined to fit the style of the production. It works great for some more modern jazz gigs, but this one is set during prohibition so just not the right sound.

Anyway, I finally found a good non-invasive way to attach the Golden Bullet. It seems that I am getting a bit more thuddiness and less treble from the mic. I think it might be right there where I need it. Going to try it tonight at rehearsal through my PJB and see what results.

There may be nobody interested, but I figured I'd share in case anybody is using or considering going with the Golden Bullet.
 
#2
Last night went fairly well. The mic sounded very nice through the PJB, really sounding like the instrument, instead of the p/u sound. The only problem is volume. I have it pushed right below the breaking point of feedback. With that I am audible to the drummer and orchestra, but just so. I am thinking this might be a good thing and I am actually blending in, instead of being above the mix.

I am right behind the aux percussion and when he goes to timpani I clinch knowing that I won't be able to hear myself. I hate playing near timpanis, but you gotta get where there is space.

Tonight the FOH will be taking a line from the PJB's DI. I am interested to see if they can get enough signal without causing problems. We have small monitors in the pit, but these aren't really going to produce much bass (probably just little farts of sound-no feedback concern). I am concerned as the main sub is about 8 feet behind me under the stage. We'll see how it goes.

Hope this is an interesting subject and not just me blowing wind.
 
#3
Sure I'm interested.

How do you send the mic to the PJ? Just an XLR to 1/4" converter?

And how are you attaching the mic now?

I ran into feedback issues with that mic (thru my amp) too, although my acoustic sound is a lot bigger now. Through a PA, might sound righteous. If you can work the monitor thing, like you said.

I did a pit gig for Evita a few months ago (small scale, local theatre group). But it was on electric bass as requested by the MD. Yeah the percussionist / tympani player there pissed me off. Kept talkin' when he wasn't supposed to, and generally just banging on the things at inopportune times. :eyebrow: :rollno: Hee hee.

Progress report please ...
 
#4
I am just going 1/4 from the mic to the provided preamp/power supply and quarter from that into the PJB.

I attached the gooseneck end of the mic to the input jack using the super velcro but no adhesive. Basically I wrapped the velcro tap on the goose neck around the jack and secured it with another piece of velcro. It worked well.

Now the bad news. You know that sub I mentioned? Well apparently the mic is too sensitive to be within range, even though the sub is pointing to the audience and I am aligned slightly behind it's array. As soon as I plugged in it was feedback mania. I ended up having to use the Underwood. Its a shame too, cause through my amp the mic sounded nice and warm and woody. Through the Underwood I sounded fairly nasal on the upper strings. At least they could use my signal for FOH though.

I am thinking of looking into some other p/u's, mics, blenders, etc. for the future.

I was hoping for a success story but alas.
 
#6
Yeah I think fingers stated this well a while back. And I am paraphrasing. Carry a variety of tools for a variety of situations.

I use a p/u and a mic on an H-clamp into a 2-channel amp for my DB gigs. But I have a DPA 4099 mounted on the bass too all the time, for when there is a FOH (and no monitor issues).

Can't hurt (much?) to keep the Bullet mic for those times when it is applicable and viable. The miked sound is just ... oh so nice. :smug:

I did a radio spot once where they provided an EV RE-20 for me. Mmmm. :)
 
#7
I am with you. The mic sounded really nice for the radio spot through phones. The tech did say there was quite a bit distortion when he tried to push the levels, but I think a lot of people get the bass a bit too hot in the mix.

I am going to keep the mic for recording, quiet applications. I need to work on finding a transducer that is warmer than the Underwood. I have been using it for years and I am becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the sound it reproduces.

We'll see where that leads. Probably will have a few p/u's, mics, cans with strings tied to them, etc. laying around the house before long.
 

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