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Shure PGA57 mic

#2
it only goes down to 70Hz, so I'd say no.
An SM57 would do a better job, but I'd go with something like a CAD D10 if budget is an issue. It's range is 30hz to 12Khz.
 
#4
Ulf_Hansson said:
To add character from the speaker and amp I'd say yes, it's probably good enough (that means if you combine it with DI for the "meat" and bottom of your bass sound).
Click to expand...
It's lower frequency range is 70Hz, so no.. it won't even pick up an open A string at 55Hz!!
Why use a mic that will not pick up half of a 4-str bass??

The following frequencies are standard tunings on a 6str bass.

------- B String E String A String D String G String C String
Open B - 30.8hz E - 41.2hz A - 55.0hz D - 73.2hz G - 98.0hz C - 130.8hz
1st Fret C - 32.7hz F - 43.7hz A#- 58.3hz D#- 77.8hz G#- 103.8hz C#- 138.6hz
2nd Fret C#- 34.6hz F#- 46.2hz B - 61.7hz E - 82.4hz A - 110hz D - 146.8hz
3rd Fret D - 36.7hz G - 49.0hz C - 65.4hz F - 87.3hz A#- 116.5hz D# - 155.6hz
4th Fret D#- 38.9hz G#-51.9hz C#- 69.3hz F#- 92.5hz B - 123.5hz E - 164.8hz
 
#5
I gotta say, a 57 or other mic that's not strong on low-end response doesn't wreck my day when used for mic'ing the bass. That's because I usually had a DI AND a mic on the cab. I mixed the DI side for strong solid low-end sound from the bass and the 57 for the upper-end character, if there was any in the bass's tone.

Having said that, if a mic is the only way to the PA, then yes, you want a Beta 52, RE20, Audix D6, Sennheiser 421, or another large-diaphragm microphone. And hope that what you are getting is usable under the circumstances (what translates well to the bassist's ear a few feet away doesn't necessarily make it to the microphone that's usually placed a few inches from the driver). Again, I've had a bassist listen to what I thought was a flabby, dull, ill-defined tone and said it was awesome. It was what he was after. Very well, as long as he's happy...

Gee, I didn't drive this topic off into the weeds or anything, did it?...:laugh:
 
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#6
Geri O said:
I gotta say, a 57 or other mic that's not strong on low-end response doesn't wreck my day when used for mic'ing the bass. That's because I usually had a DI AND a mic on the cab. I mixed the DI side for strong solid low-end sound from the bass and the 57 for the upper-end character, if there was any in the bass's tone.

Having said that, if a mic is the only way to the PA, then yes, you want a Beta 52, RE20, Audix D6, Sennheiser 421, or another large-diaphragm microphone. And hope that what you are getting is usable under the circumstances (what translates well to the bassist's ear a few feet away doesn't necessarily make it to the microphone that's usually placed a few inches from the driver). Again, I've had a bassist listen to what I thought was a flabby, dull, ill-defined tone and said it was awesome. It was what he was after. Very well, as long as he's happy...

Gee, I didn't drive this topic off into the weeds or anything, did it?...:laugh:
Click to expand...
based on the OP's choice of mic, I made the assumption that budget was the major factor in choice... but the chosen mic is inadequate for bass.
I didn't go there, but I agree with your recommendations - Beta 52, RE20, Audix D6, Sennheiser 421 - as I would guess they are outside the OP's budget!

Altho' predominantly kick-related, I would have added a AKG D112 and Heil PR48 to the list tho' :thumbsup:
 
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#7
s0c9 said:
It's lower frequency range is 70Hz, so no.. it won't even pick up an open A string at 55Hz!!
Why use a mic that will not pick up half of a 4-str bass??

The following frequencies are standard tunings on a 6str bass.
Click to expand...

Well, I know how to tune my bass and how to divide keyhole-A to calculate the HZ (been working with pro engineers for far too long...).

As Geri O also noted, these mics would do just fine to catch the cab and amp characteristics (which are not in the sub-70 register), to be combined with the DI for the fundamental frequencies. I was assuming we're talking about mic+DI, because why would anyone mic the bass when on a budget? It wouldn't make sense.
 
#11
fathom66 said:
Would a Shure PGA57 mic be good enough to mic a Hartke hydrive 5410 combo amp?
Click to expand...

Yes, but there are likely better choices.
The Shure PG series are a distant second to the equivalent SM series mic. An SM 57 mixed with the DI would be a good choice. I'd choose the DI over the PG, but if it's possible in your situation, a mix of the two might be acceptable.
 
#12
If I was on a budget and was determined to mic my bass cab, I would try the AKG P2. Frequency response is claimed to be 20-16k and it can be purchased from Northern Sound & Light for a mere 76.25 plus shipping (listed under AKG Perception Live Microphones). Found out about this mic on Talkbass. Thank you. Even though I own a Shure SM57 I never mic my cab. But if an AKG P2 showed up...who knows? :)

M. M.
 
#13
I really like the SM57 sound . If you look close at my avatar you will see the 57 ready for action. I usually mix it with the DI from the SVT, sometimes with the DI from a sansamp BDDI. If I had to have only one I would take the SM57. On our live recordings at rehearsals it sounds pretty dang good. In a live mix it seems to bite thru really well. And the 57 I have is a least 25 years old. You cant beat that.
 
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