So my question is this-- since I'm still looking at options for which bass mic to get and how to not break the bank, I need a temporary fix for some gigs that may be coming up. I have a Samson CL7 large diaphragm condenser mic that I've used somewhat for rehearsals through an amp, basically using a DIY method of putting the mic in a sock and sliding it into the tailpiece area. This is definitely not optimal for sound however lol. If I need to use this mic for a live situation, and use a stand instead, where would be the best placement for the mic, in terms of sound quality, feeback reduction, etc.?
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Double Bass Live set up for a Samson condenser on upright
- Thread starter dbass87
- Start date
I've had an sm58 through the afterlengths many times going foh and it works quite well. If you go with a stand, you have to experiment with positioning to avoid feedback, bleed, etc. Right in front of the f holes is probably not a good idea.
Finding the position for the best sound with a mic on a stand is probably the easiest thing you'll ever do as far as bass setup goes.
Put it at about bridge height facing the bridge. Twist the bass from right to left while playing to find the sound you like the best. Now move in on the mic or move out. Does it get better or worse? Done.
Just don't move around too much after you find the sweet spot.
You can also experiment with microphone height if need be.
This is the only time you can "dial in" a sound while you are still playing. Everything else requires you stop playing, put the bass down, make an adjustment, pick the bass up, play. Repeat over and over again.
I like it directly in front of the bridge for the most transparent sound but it isn't always the loudest at that point. Moving slightly off-axis so the mic is between the bridge and f hole (either side) will give you a louder sound (meaning more gain to the amp and a louder sound through the amp before feedback) but the closer you get to the f hole, the woofier it gets. You just have to play around until you find the spot you like the best. I find the sweet spot changes from room to room. I've been doing this so long, I move around and find the sweet spot without really thinking about it anymore.
mark
Put it at about bridge height facing the bridge. Twist the bass from right to left while playing to find the sound you like the best. Now move in on the mic or move out. Does it get better or worse? Done.
Just don't move around too much after you find the sweet spot.
You can also experiment with microphone height if need be.
This is the only time you can "dial in" a sound while you are still playing. Everything else requires you stop playing, put the bass down, make an adjustment, pick the bass up, play. Repeat over and over again.
I like it directly in front of the bridge for the most transparent sound but it isn't always the loudest at that point. Moving slightly off-axis so the mic is between the bridge and f hole (either side) will give you a louder sound (meaning more gain to the amp and a louder sound through the amp before feedback) but the closer you get to the f hole, the woofier it gets. You just have to play around until you find the spot you like the best. I find the sweet spot changes from room to room. I've been doing this so long, I move around and find the sweet spot without really thinking about it anymore.
mark
It's below the bridge, through the afterlengths of the A and D strings and resting on the tailpiece. The mic is at a 45º angle to the TP and the ball end keeps it from falling through.
SM58 through the afterlengths. I do this all the time in anyplace that has a house system. Works great.
Great, thanks for the advice everyone. I guess I'll have to experiment a bit. I like the idea of using the afterlengths for mobility, but that probably won't work with the CL7 I have cause of its shape, but I guess most places with a PA would have an SM58. In terms of amps, I don't really have that in the setup yet, so I'll basically be running through the PA and hoping they have monitors. Any suggestions/ recommendations for handling this situation?
