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Double Bass Should I Mic, or Not?

B

BobKay

Supporting Member
Nov 5, 2012
1,364
1,343
Estero, Florida; USA
#1
I've searched and read every thread on TB, and other sites, about using a mic on upright bass. I'm still undecided about if there would be any advantages in the two types of music I play. Playing through several versions of AI equipment and cabinets.

#1 - pop/rock covers in bars and private parties. Rhythm guitar, lead guitar, vocals, loud volumes, PA support, some outside settings. I'm pretty sure I'll just stick with a pickup for this work. Did I mention it can get loud? NOTE: I usually play a hybrid 3/4s with this group. A little smaller than my other bass, and fits in some tight spots we usually frequent.

#2 - Western swing, some bluegrass, traditional country, some folk. Guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin. PA support. This is where I wonder if I'd hear anything better than what I get through a pick up. NOTE: I usually play a full ply 7/8ths with this band.

I'm considering either the DPA 4099B or a Troll. I have an EDB2 preamp, and phantom power through the 2-channel AI head. Using Rev Solo II pickups.

So, all of you more experienced players - any thoughts?
 
#2
#1 - No. You will be pulling your hair out dealing with feedback. Not worth it. Also, why not BG for these kinds of gigs?

#2 - Maybe. Sounds like a situation where a premium of sound quality may justify trying to get a mic’ed sound out in the audience. If stage volume and set-up allows it, you could blend a pickup/mic signal use the pickup for stage and send the mic directly to FOH.... there are a couple of different ways to do this.
 
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#4
Scott Lynch said:
#1 - No. You will be pulling your hair out dealing with feedback. Not worth it. Also, why not BG for these kinds of gigs?

#2 - Maybe. Sounds like a situation where a premium of sound quality may justify trying to get a mic’ed sound out in the audience. If stage volume and set-up allows it, you could blend a pickup/mic signal use the pickup for stage and send the mic directly to FOH.... there are a couple of different ways to do this.
Click to expand...
I don't play BG. Also, the upright is fun to play, and is not what people expect to hear in a bar in southwest Florida when they are here on vacation.

Your recommendation mirrors what I was thinking. Thanks.
 
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#7
Nathan Levine said:
You might consider spending some time with the Tone Dexter and a few high quality mics. It could be a game changer for the tone you are looking for in scenario #2, and might even work in #1 too if you carefully create wave maps using the feedback suppressing channels.
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I've followed the thread on the Tone Dexter. I'm really technically challenged, and it seems to require quite a bit of thought, not to mention finding the various mics, to get the most from the equipment. But, I appreciate your response; I had not thought about it before my original post.
 
#8
@ OP your AI gear blends pickups and mics seamlessly so you should definitely go for the mic. IMO a blended approach works very well for large venues (200 people, professional sound guy and sound system) . You can blend your mic and pickup to your taste. The built in HPF on the AI heads really helps too....
 
#10
BobKay said:
#2 - Western swing, some bluegrass, traditional country, some folk. Guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin. PA support. This is where I wonder if I'd hear anything better than what I get through a pick up. NOTE: I usually play a full ply 7/8ths with this band.

I'm considering either the DPA 4099B or a Troll. I have an EDB2 preamp, and phantom power through the 2-channel AI head. Using Rev Solo II pickups
Click to expand...

Both the Troll and DPA 4099 Dvote are excellent microphones. The DPA is lighter and has a smaller footprint. So it’s easier a little easier to take on and off the bass.
Something you might want to consider.
 
#11
I'll throw down for the Troll as I've used it extensively in your #2 scenario especially. This mic will get really loud before feedback if you take the time to learn how it works. There is a lot of rejection parallel with the the top so angling the bass so it's perpendicular to your nearest sound sources really helps to isolate the signal. It's hot spots are into the body and straight out from the bridge.

I've successfully played regularly with a drummer and monitor support with just the Troll (no amp.) If you're going to use it through an amp though, get the rig as close to your ears as you can before turning it up and let the PA/FOH provide some of the support for your band mates. Monitors should always be to the side (90 degrees from the top) and aimed at you (not the bass.)
 
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#12
BobKay said:
I've followed the thread on the Tone Dexter. I'm really technically challenged, and it seems to require quite a bit of thought, not to mention finding the various mics, to get the most from the equipment. But, I appreciate your response; I had not thought about it before my original post.
Click to expand...
+1 for the ToneDexter, ESPECIALLY for the technically challenged! Creating wave maps is easy, and the instructions provided are very clear. Questions are answered promptly by the guys that make this thing. Once the wave maps are created, I would say that there is far less "monkeying" around at the gig to get the best sound. Also, feedback is no longer an issue!
 
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