Ischell XJack direct to Zoom recorder - Audio Sample

I like to record live gigs - mostly for my own enjoyment - and sometimes I find it is difficult to get a good recording of the bass without having it 'close-miced'.

I just tried recording my bass running the Ischell Mic direct to my Zoom recorder. It lacks some 'air' perhaps, but other than that I have to say it is a good representation of the sound of my bass. Two things worth noting: you can hear my voice quietly - even though it is a contact mic it will have a small amount of bleed-thru. Also, the top two strings are Zyez Medium and the bottom two are Spirocore Mittels. You'll hear that the Zyex are more smooth sounding and the Spiros are 'scratchier' and harder to start. I think I will try some Spiro Weichs on the bottom 2.

Also, since the XJack has BOTH XLR and 1/4 inch outputs I can run the XLR as a direct out and still use the 1/4 inch to feed my amp.

To my ear, it has a nice 'woody' sound and good attack-decay which makes it sound very natural. I think blending this with my stereo 'air mic' on the recorder will make for a nice clear recording. I'm looking forward to trying it on a gig.

It's also worth noting that as this is direct from the mic to the recorder there is no EQ taking place. What you're hearing is straight mic, which I think is impressive with how natural it sounds.

If the attached file won't play for you here it is on Soundcloud:

 

Don't know why, Ric. It's working OK here. Try it again?

 

Hi Maple,

Do you mean the impedence or do you mean the low-end rolloff which is controled by the switch in the XLR jack?

Also, what position do you have it in? I found with my 7/8 bass that it seemed to sound best below the E side bridge foot - over the bass bar. This clip was of my 3/4 carved bass (Eastman 305) and there I have it in 'position 1' just below and touching the G side bridge foot.

Let me know what you are not getting out of your sound, maybe I'll have a suggestion.

 

I think you're right about first moving the mic around and trying different positions. Get back to me after you've had time to mess around with it and let's see if we can help you find the sweet spot.

PS I believe the 'default' position is the most rolloff, it that is the case you shouldn't be sounding too 'bassey', but again, start with locations.

 

It may or may not be easier to amplify a smaller bass but it sure is easier to carry one to the gig!