Good bass amp microphone...

[killersdude]

Hey everyone,

I was hoping that someone could point me in the direction of a good, budget microphone to throw onto the speaker of my amplifier (GK MB150E -or- GK 700RB-II Full stack). I generally run either a fretless Fender American J-Bass or a Fender Marcus Miller IV.
Price range is around $150 max.

Thanks guys! Any help is appreciated!

 

[TL5]

My first choices would be out of budget (Shure SM7b and EV-RE20).

That said, for $150- I would probably go with a Shure SM57. If your adventurous and the your mixing console has got decent preamps (or you have a good external) you could do the Terry Manning modification (simply removing the transformer) and give that a go. You'd need about a 10db boost after the mod.
The pre-modded 57s are running closer to $200 ($185 last time I looked).

Experiment with placement. Close up would give you more proximity effect (bass enhance). Also moving toward the center of the speaker cone would be a touch brighter than a mic out on an edge. Play with it.

Way OFF the beaten path, into guerrilla, no budget tactics:
Get a Behringer ECM8000. It's a small diameter, omni directional, condenser which would require phantom power.
The mic is supposed to be used as a measurement mic, so it's response is relatively flat.
It doesn't take loud signals well so you'd have to place it a few inches away from the grill, and spin it off-axis - instead of pointed at the speaker (perpendicular to the cabinet) you'd have it 90° off-axis (parallel with the cabinet). I'd wager you'd get a decent representation of your cabinet with one of'em.

 

[killersdude]

Thank you! I'll look into these!

 

[MK1]

I would look for a used AKG D112 or a Shure Beta 52. They are both around $200 new so they should be right in your price range used.

 

[Nick Kay]

+1 for the transformerless Shure SM57. Needs quite a bit of gain on tap, but the bottom is substantially thicker and the overall response is smoother than a stock 57. Definitely my first choice on that budget if the preamps are up to the task.

For the record, the modded 57s you see going for $150+ actually have a different transformer, specifically a TAB-Funkenwerk T58. It's a little thicker and smoother than a stock 57, but not as SM-7B-esque as the transformerless variety.

You could also use a stock 57, and pair it with the Pre-EQ Direct Out on one of your GK amps to fill in the missing bottom. That's how I recorded bass for years, never heard any complaints.

 

[killersdude]

My brother actually does a ton of microphone and pedal modifications, I'll ask him about doing one of the modded 57's for me. Thanks guys!

 

[sonic assassin]

look at the heil PR series. see what you can afford. the PR20 and 22 have a lot more low end than a 57, despite being designed for the same thing. there have been rave reviews of the pr35 and pr40 on bass

also look into a used sennhesier md421. thats what i use and i never have trouble with low end. it has a bit of an aggressive character.

 

[stoolpigeon]

D112...great sounding mics for a bass cab or a kick drum...sturdy and have been around forever

 

[Charling]

also look into a used sennhesier md421. thats what i use and i never have trouble with low end. it has a bit of an aggressive character.

md421's are KILLER mics, so useful for so many things! 421/57 combo on guitars, on toms, the 'slap' mic on a kick drum, bass cabs, leslie speakers, vocals and many more besides. Though their price is maybe little out of the budget range (only a little though) they are so useful that you may as well buy a 421 and use it as a workhorse mic! It'll loose the need for a lot of other mics until you decide to start pumping more money into recording (that'll probably happen )They are an absolute bargain for how much they can DO!

They do have a certain character as Sonic Assasin says but its definately one to be embraced, not resisted..

 

[JimmyM]

i like a lot of mics on bass. sennheiser 421, ev re 20, heil pr 40 and 35, beyer m88, even the shures with a di. i'm not big on kick drum mics, but i know guys who like them so there you go.

 

[TL5]

i like a lot of mics on bass. sennheiser 421, ev re 20, heil pr 40 and 35, beyer m88, even the shures with a di. i'm not big on kick drum mics, but i know guys who like them so there you go.

I've never used the Heil mics, but I have to agree with Jimmy, never liked kick drum mics on a bass cabinet. It's certainly a YMMV, preference sort of thing though.

 

[brobot]

try an audix i5. great all around mic. better low end than a 57 and not nearly as nasally.

 

[Tusec]

I get great bass sounds with an AT3035 condenser ($80 used on eBay). I just stick it in front of my silverface Bassman at relatively low volume and it sounds totally classic. I swing the mic around in front of the cab while I play and listen for the sweet spot. Once it's there I tighten the stand down. IMO mic placement trumps mic type any day of the week.

 

[metallumkvltos]

I've been using an AKG D112 and a Sennheiser MD421-II and I love the sound I've been getting from those. I also use a Countryman Type 85 DI Box. The 421 is definitely not in you're price range unless you buy it used. The Countryman goes for anywhere from $150 - $185. It's incredibly well worth it though, it's one of the best DIs I have heard.

 

[MakiSupaStar]

SM57

 

[Munjibunga]

Beta 57. The only place to buy Shure mics is Northern Sound and Light. You have to call them to get the price.

 

[Paulie_m]

Audix D4 for a single bass cab for about $100 or a Countryman Type 85 DI and skip the mic thing, goes for $100.

 

[secombs]

In that price range.. I'd either go with a Beta57 or a Beta52. The 52 will have more of a scooped sound with plenty of lowend heft and the 57 would sound a bit more direct and focused. Both are great mics. The D112 would be good also (similar to the 52)

 

[Nedmundo]

Audix D4 for a single bass cab for about $100 or a Countryman Type 85 DI and skip the mic thing, goes for $100.

I have an Audix D4. I've barely used it, but I like what I've heard enough to recommend it.