Double Bass Keeping it simple

[rickwolff]

Those who know me know that I have been (and still am) a big fan of the Xlson Chuck Israels Mic. However, it's a truism that not all gear works best in all environments. Also, (as has been said many times by many different people here), the 'BEST' sound, or MBOL is not necessarily the best thing when it comes to being live on the gig.

In the interest of 'Keeping it Simple' I took my 'good' bass with the KNA piezo and ran it Directly into the BAM 200 and from there to the MAS 16. The BAM attached with Dual Lock to the 16 makes for a very small 15 pound 'combo'.

The proof is in the pudding. And while this probably isn't exactly the sound I would want to put on studio recording, for a live setting and using very minimal gear I think it's pretty darn incredible.

 

[Matt Ides]

I am with you on this. I use to really love the GB shuttle series but since those are no longer I think this is a great one hand load in for a very usable sound. For me the pre-amp and BAM200 fit in the bass bag

 

[rickwolff]

STILL KEEPING IT SIMPLE BUT WITH ONE ADDED PIECE.

I re-did the recording but this time added my Fishman Dual Parametric DI. I used this to cut 5db at about 800 hz (this really reduces the piezo 'quack') and also boosted 5db at about 200 hz (a little trick I learned from one of Rick Beato's videos - this adds a little more 'girth' to the bass tone).

 

[rickwolff]

New Clips:

1 Xlson alone
2 KNA alone
3 Xlson and KNA blended

 

[Ric Vice]

Nice playing Rick, I like the melodic passages for listening to your bass, rather than scales

Frankly, I'd use the Xlson by itself if I had my choice. The KNA, just sounds harsh, overly upper midrange, and narrow by comparison. I'm not sure it really adds anything

to the Xlson. Playing live, is most likely another matter entirely depending on what the volume levels are. Just my take.

 

[rickwolff]

Ric,
For recording, or quiet live playing with decent acoustics I totally agree about using the Xlson alone.

I have a regular bi-weekly gig in a very boomy room and the thinner sound of the piezo seems to help define the notes.

I appreciate your insight and comments, as always.