Double Bass Inexpensive mic for wave mapping with the Tonedexter II

[Hasty]

I think I mentioned this on another thread, but you can also do some amazing tweaking to wave maps utilizing a DAW. You could also use a donor bass to create wave maps that more closely match your pickups with judicious EQing. That is one of the nice things about the ToneDexter once you really dig into it. V2 looks like it has even more flexibility.

 

[LaFaro01]

[Warning: Unlike condenser mics, ribbon mics are passive and **do not** like phantom power—it can damage the mic.]

That might depend on the sort of "ribbon mic"... my Sandhill Ribbon Mic definitely needs phantom power because of it's active circuitry..
https://www.sandhillaudio.com/microphones
And some other like the Royer R-122 MkII do also...

 

[Kingcatkev]

I know you are supposed to use a piezo pickup with the TD and I have 2 of those on my bass. Shatten rb1 and a kna db1. But was wondering if anyone has tried using a Krivo with the TD? I know it’s a far less natural sound but I do like the Krivo when I am in a loud environment.

 

[Wasnex]

If you absolutely must have your own (inexpensive) mic:

Line Audio CM4 seems to get a lot of love on TalkBass.

Not a lot of CM4 sources is the US. Looks like you may be able to order from: Line Audio Design - Made in Sweden

This post has stereo and mono demos: https://www.talkbass.com/threads/schoeps-line-audio-cm4-dpa-4099.1448122/#post-23621394

The pattern is wide cardioid. In my experience, wide card may result in a more natural sound when close mic'ing acoustic instruments, but it can degrade feedback rejection and increase how much of the room the mic picks up. Could be a good choice for training the ToneDexter, but I would probably choose a tighter pattern if I were mic'ing an upright in a live setting. Probably off topic, but for live use a of a mic on upright, I would be interested in trying Reflexion Filters - sE Electronics

 

[Kingcatkev]

Thanks Wasnex. I agree that one Mic good be be good for training with the TD while not so good in a live environment. Truthfully I have not had good success with mics in a live situation but I haven’t tried any of the more expensive options like a DPA.

I don’t think I have my mind set on owning a mic and have no problem taking my time with this and borrowing mics as opportunities arise. I don’t do a lot of self recording and always use a pick up on stage so owning a a mic may not be to cost effective for me unless I just get a crazy cheap one.

 

[LaFaro01]

Thanks Wasnex. I agree that one Mic good be be good for training with the TD while not so good in a live environment. Truthfully I have not had good success with mics in a live situation but I haven’t tried any of the more expensive options like a DPA.

I don’t think I have my mind set on owning a mic and have no problem taking my time with this and borrowing mics as opportunities arise. I don’t do a lot of self recording and always use a pick up on stage so owning a a mic may not be to cost effective for me unless I just get a crazy cheap one.

Don't you have any chance to rent a "not so cheap" mic only for training? Maybe there is a studio or two nearby where you can borrow a microphone..?!?!

 

[Kingcatkev]

Thanks LaFaro01. I think right now this sounding like best option. Until I started this thread I never really thought about renting but now really sounds like a good way to use a top quality condenser or ribbon at a fraction of the cost of buying one.

 

[jmlee]

I know you are supposed to use a piezo pickup with the TD and I have 2 of those on my bass. Shatten rb1 and a kna db1. But was wondering if anyone has tried using a Krivo with the TD? I know it’s a far less natural sound but I do like the Krivo when I am in a loud environment.

AudioSprockets states in the manual for the ToneDexter II that it works with piezo pickups only and won’t train properly with magnetic pickups like the Krivo and Biesele.

 

[jmlee]

That might depend on the sort of "ribbon mic"... my Sandhill Ribbon Mic definitely needs phantom power because of it's active circuitry..
https://www.sandhillaudio.com/microphones
And some other like the Royer R-122 MkII do also...

The Sandhill mics are cool! Active electronics in some modern mics are quite unlike the passive ribbon mics of old—and of course do need to be powered. Manuals are wonderful things!