Double Bass Mic Comparison: Xlson Chuck Israels and NEW Ischell A3 (and Ischell C3)

[rickwolff]

I recently got the NEW Ischell A3 'Aerial Mic'. It uses the same microphone capsule as the new Ischell contact mic - the C3.

Whereas the C3 contact mic is sealed to the top of the bass with putty (this GREATLY reduces Bleed), the A3 is an 'open-air' mic.

I recorded a couple of tunes with my pianist friend today looking to compare the three mics for:
- Sound Quality/Fidelity (does it 'sound like my bass')
- Bleed (can I get a 'somewhat' isolated recording of the bass

For today's test, I didn't use my amplifier - I just ran the mics directly into my Zoom H6 recorder and listened on headphones as we played.

I have posted Bass Tracks alone for all three mics to show 'Bleed'.
I have also posted tracks of Bass Track and Piano Track together.

There was no EQing or any other tone-shaping. This is just straight to the recorder.

I DID add one with EQ. I tried - 2db on the bass and +6db on the treble with the Xlson Chuck Israels Mic. Let me know what you think.

 

[rickwolff]

And just for kicks - here is a track where I blended the Xlson and the Ischell A3.

 

[John Chambliss]

Nice. Well the contact mic obviously is the most bleed proof. However, I prefer an air mic sound a little bit more. I think I give a lean toward the A3, but the Xlson is great also. And then mic placement is another issue. Sounding good!

 

[John Chambliss]

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of those alternatives

 

[Ric Vice]

I completely agree, this is one of those rare times when they all sound good. Of course the Xlson is fuller with higher fidelity, the A3 or the C3 would be perfectly acceptable and sound really great. So, I guess it just depends on which one is the best choice for a particular gig. Frankly, I always go with my Ehrlund because it's no fuss, but my Remic Green really sounds the best on either of my basses for live concert work.

 

[drwv]

Your poor bass looks like it's been assimilated by The Borg!

 

[drwv]

Those isolated recordings are very insightful!

Raises the question: Can you get away with using the more accurate mics live if they've got so much bleed that the signal will need gutted with EQ to cut the other instruments out?

We don't hear phasing or feedback because this was a two-piece "studio" situation; do you use the Ischell amplified with that much bleed? It and the A3 isolated tracks could almost be confused for the mix. The C3 contact mic wasn't on my radar, but is now.

PS: As always, your playing and tone are outstanding, Rick!

 

[rickwolff]

........Raises the question: Can you get away with using the more accurate mics live........

That comes down to a personal decision. One pianist I worked with didn't like the fact that he was hearing his piano through my bass amp.

Last night on my regular gig I used primarily piezo (my KNA DB-1) but by the last set I ended up turning the piezo down a bit (60% of the sound) and blending a mic (maybe 40%). That 'sweetened' the sound a bit and made it sound more 'natural and acoustic'.

Here are two more tracks, the first is the bass track (with significant bleed) and the second is the mix.

I was right next to the piano with NO isolation. Next time we do this we are going to use more isolation and all use headphones with our own monitor mix.

Admittedly, the bass track has a lot of bleed but is still showing the bass as dominant on the track which allows me to adjust gain between the tracks.

 

[rickwolff]

The C3 contact mic wasn't on my radar, but is now.

Check out the new recording I just did with the C3: Ischell C3..... Adding THE 'AIR'..... to a contact mic

 

[Martin Spure]

View attachment 4736003 I recently got the NEW Ischell A3 'Aerial Mic'. It uses the same microphone capsule as the new Ischell contact mic - the C3.

Whereas the C3 contact mic is sealed to the top of the bass with putty (this GREATLY reduces Bleed), the A3 is an 'open-air' mic.

I recorded a couple of tunes with my pianist friend today looking to compare the three mics for:
- Sound Quality/Fidelity (does it 'sound like my bass')
- Bleed (can I get a 'somewhat' isolated recording of the bass

For today's test, I didn't use my amplifier - I just ran the mics directly into my Zoom H6 recorder and listened on headphones as we played.

I have posted Bass Tracks alone for all three mics to show 'Bleed'.
I have also posted tracks of Bass Track and Piano Track together.

There was no EQing or any other tone-shaping. This is just straight to the recorder.

I DID add one with EQ. I tried - 2db on the bass and +6db on the treble with the Xlson Chuck Israels Mic. Let me know what you think.

Hi Rick, thanks a lot for making and sharing these clips of Ceora. Great playing and great tone. I’m particularly interested (and impressed) by the sound of your bass through the C3 only; I think it sounds fantastic, to be honest. I was already convinced in buying the C3 by your previous experiments, but this clip has certainly increased my interest. If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask:

1. Which HPF setting on the C3 did you use for this recording? 360?
2. White or Gray putty? - (I tried zooming in, but it’s hard to see; I assume it is White?)

Kind regards,
Martin

 

[rickwolff]

Hi Rick, thanks a lot for making and sharing these clips of Ceora. Great playing and great tone. I’m particularly interested (and impressed) by the sound of your bass through the C3 only; I think it sounds fantastic, to be honest. I was already convinced in buying the C3 by your previous experiments, but this clip has certainly increased my interest. If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask:

1. Which HPF setting on the C3 did you use for this recording? 360?
2. White or Gray putty? - (I tried zooming in, but it’s hard to see; I assume it is White?)

Kind regards,
Martin

Hi Martin,

I have the C3 set flat, or full range, with no HPF. I am using the white putty.

 

[Martin Spure]

Thanks a lot, Rick. Much appreciated