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Double Bass Live mic: Beta 57A or Sennheiser e906?

wxfloyd

wxfloyd

Mar 4, 2005
345
52
Denver, CO
#1
I'm looking at possibly picking up a mic to amplify my bass. I would probably (at least at the beginning) be using the mic as a standalone. I've seen on here mounting ideas using bungee or rubber bands for these two mics and mounting them between the bridge feet, which is what I would do.

So my question is, which one would be better as a standalone mic? I've heard clips of the Beta 57A, and it sound pretty good to me. But the ability to mount the Sennheiser with the element at 0 degrees to the top is very enticing (ala Uncle Toad). Now I've read on here already about the successes of the Beta, but I haven't found much for the Sennheiser e906. Some on here seem to love it, and some seem to hate it.

So which would be better? I have the possibility to pick up a used beta 5A for under a bill, but if I need to, I'll drop the scratch for a new mic as well. thanks for the help!
 
#3
I tried both, and loved the Sennheiser with my bass (NS Cleveland), with my amps (Phil Jones or EA or PA) and with my bands (low volume jazz, Ukulele orchestra).

Obviously you need to try them for your situation.

Mics can definitely cope with louder bands, but you need to appreciate their strengths and weaknesses.
 
#4
They both are good. The 57 is a bit brighter, the 906 is a bit more rich. Neither do high volumes by themselves but do add nice air to good piezo pickups. Keeps the pickup from sounding to much like an EP.

The 906 would be my choice. The 57 adds some stuff on top of a pickup the 906 doesn't. I prefer a darker tone. You should try them both.

You can read all the detailed threads about these and hear some clips. Do a search.

I don't use one much these days but many do. It depends on how loud you play. In quiet more natural circumstances the mic plays out well, on loud more electric gigs the mic gets in the way.
 
#5
I still use the Beta 57a, but not as a standalone mic. Like Phil mentioned, I think the dynamic mics out there that I've heard are good for adding a little air on top of a pickup, but they tend to ring a bit hollow by themselves on the gig and get overwhelmed by the other instruments - especially saxes and drums.

I haven't tried the 906. I am curious to try both that and the Heil dynamic mic that Flatback (Piro) has reviewed here on this site. I have a feeling that both would likely do a better job than the Beta 57. On the other hand, I'm at the point where I think my sound is good enough to make music with, and lately I've been focusing on just playing the best I can with what's on my bass. I feel that once a certain level of sound quality is reached, the rest is all in the hands and ears, so I'm trying to focus on that for awhile. If I get a chance to try out these other mics, I'll probably take it, but in the meantime it's fun just making music and not worrying about the next best thing in gearlust. :)
 
#6
thanks for the replies. I also do live sound on the side and I've worked a lot with shure mics, but not much with Sennheiser. I've worked a LOT with small lavalier-like condensers (Ala Audio-Technica Pro-70 and similar) and those things are just a chore to get a good level without howling feedback or stage bleed (especially when you have about 5 or 6 all hot on stage). I'm trying my best to stay away from those and I've read (and re-read) the big post that Chris Fitzgerald started about the Beta 57A. I've also read the couple of threads about the e906. I guess I should have stated that the music I play is latin folk from nearly all the Americas consisting of drums, strings, percussion, harp, accordion, etc. While we aren't a loud band, I guess there are occasions where we might get a little louder than normal. Perhaps I'm just better off getting that new bridge and full circle first. I currently have a Glaesel bridge (ick) and Rev Solo II pickup.
 
#7
I've had the full circle in my bass for about 6 months and I think that you have the right idea. I'm in Chicago and could even help you with the installation.
In my few experiments with a mic it doesn't seem to do a lot of good without a pickup. Most of my situations are on the louder side, though, and I am admittedly not a purist when it comes to tone. I just want to be heard!:rolleyes:
You wouldn't happen to play with Sonnes De Mexico, would you?
 
#9
Saw your myspace page and the stage-view photo of Symphony Center.
The tracks up on myspace sound good. Your group has a great sound! Again, if you need assistance installing a Full Circle let me know. I put my own in and I think I at least learned what NOT to do in the process :rolleyes:
And if you get any more good information about using the Sennheiser for this application let me know- I've been thinking about trying one of those, too.
 
#10
actually, that theater I have on my background is Proctor Theater in Schenectady, NY. Awesome place.
If I get a Full Circle, I may just wait and get a new bridge as well and have it installed then. Right now I have this Glaesel bridge that has those self adjusting feet that pivot to match the contour of the top. From what I've read and have been told, these don't do much for the acoustic sound of a bass.
 
#11
i use a heil pr40 live and get very
good results - very warm and natural
sound. another bassist here in chicago
uses a electrovoice re20 and i love the
way it sounds too. these aren't small
mics so we both use a stand and place
it close to the f-hole. if you move around
a lot while you play, this wouldn't be a
good option. you might want to consider
a audio technica 350mt. i heard a bassist
from nyc recently who had one mounted
on his bridge. his bass sounded suprisingly
good.
 

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