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Double Bass mic'ing a bass live with a 57

S

solitonsnap

Jun 14, 2013
3
0
#1
Hey ya'll, I'm doing live sound for a bluegrass band this weekend and want to get a killer bass sound. The gear is very limited - I only have a 57 to mic with. It's an outdoor show.

What's the best way to mic a bass for bluegrass with nothing but the board and a 57? Thanks!
 
#3
:eek:

1268698043-unusual-upright-bass-micing-technique-14231_1283087843185_1409762202_808229_7702449_n.jpg


I've also used an "under $10 clip on piezo" attached to the bridge. Might need a pre-amp.

mgkR4hVPA94Lxa6kyB8d56A.jpg
 
#5
Of course, with the bass roll-off of a 57 or a 58, it might not be the right mic. If it's all you have, get it close to the sound source (on the bridge as pictured would be better than on the tailpiece because of extra bass response due to proximity effect).

Have fun and let us know how it works out,
lorian...
 
#9
I always find it's easy to get weird resonances when pointing straight up toward the neck, as it would when sticking it in the bridge. I've used a side address condenser in that spot, to varying degrees of success (it sounded great like that until one day it sounded lousy).
My favorite spot for a 57 or similar (I use an ATM650 - hypercardioid, but it's sonically pretty close to a 57) is between the afterlength pointing to the top. I think searching "four rubber bands" in the amps/mics forum brings up some pics. :)
 
#10
I saw Bill Monroe play, with Tater Tate on bass. They put a 57 on a low mic stand, like you might use for a kick drum, and Tater just held his bass perfectly still with the 57 pointed directly at the opening at the bottom of his f-hole. Sounded a bit boomy and pitch indistinct, but *plenty* of low end.
 
#14
Friggin' fantastic! I knew I could count on you guys. I have a feeling I'll probably go for the towel/foam method, but I'm definitely intrigued by the rubber band shockmount idea. I'll see what the bassist is up for. Thanks for the help, dudes!
 
#16
So after all that, the bass player refused to use the towel method OR the rubberband shockmount method. He just said "I'll take the 57 and point it at the f-hole." Resulted in a boomy and indistinct sound... oh well.

Friggin' bass players, amirite??
 
#17
I feel your pain man, but please don't paint all bassists with that brush. Lots of guys here work hard to improve.

It's a fine line, if the bass guy shows up unprepared for the situation and with "attitude" to boot..it might be best to just humor them and keep their sound as vague in the mix as as their awareness of the function and beauty of the instrument.
 
#18
solitonsnap said:
So after all that, the bass player refused to use the towel method OR the rubberband shockmount method. He just said "I'll take the 57 and point it at the f-hole." Resulted in a boomy and indistinct sound... oh well.

Friggin' bass players, amirite??
Click to expand...

urite.

The F-hole ALWAYS sounds boomy and indistinct.

Have this bloke cover one ear and place his other ear right on the F-hole - either one'll do (ear or F-hole). It'll sound boomy and indistinct.
 

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