• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Only microphone in loud gigs?

Hello everyone,
I write to ask for an opinion.
For some time I decided to abandon the use of pick up with which I have never had a satisfactory sound.
Using the microphone, I had some problems but also some good satisfaction.
But I've never been able to find a good solution for gig with medium-high volumes (and active monitors present..)
Any views and opinions' very welcome.

Thank you,
Emiliano

nb: I'm not talking about using both pick-up and microphone, but only mic.
 
In my experience, a mic is not practical in a high volume situation. That said, if you insist on tilting at this particular windmill, there are feedback eliminators, highpass filters, etc. You could also surround yourself with a plexiglass wall ala charlie Haden.
 
If you absolutely must use a mic only, I would look into a Shure Beta 57A. If you put a foam windscreen on it, and put it right up against the top eye of the F hole(either), you can get a lot of volume before feedback and it doesn't get boomy like a lot of other mics. The other option would be to get a contact mic(essentially a pickup) like the Shertler Dyn B.
 
you might have better tonal response before feedback with using a wing pick up and a microphone together going into a 2 channel blender.

Mics will give you a more natural sound but something to remember about a mic is if you have loud stage volumes it might also be picking up more than your bass. It could also pick up the floor wedge and everything that is coming out of it. If you have a really loud drummer the mic might be picking up the drums as well.

Pick ups sacrifice your sound a little but have a lot of noise rejection.

Good luck and have fun experimenting.