Double Bass Using a Nadine Mic for a Recording...

[Ric Vice]

I would think that “under the microscope” the Nadine would sound great. Whereas, in my limited experience, the times when I’ve thought that my pickup sounded better when I listened back to the recording the microphone always a sounds better. I can usually get a very respectable sound in the room with my pickup, but it doesn’t seem to translate to the recorded tracks.

 

[ole Jason]

Just for something different it might be worth trying a dynamic mic. One of my favorite mics on my bass is the Sennheiser e609 of all things.

 

[neddyrow]

I would think that “under the microscope” the Nadine would sound great. Whereas, in my limited experience, the times when I’ve thought that my pickup sounded better when I listened back to the recording the microphone always a sounds better. I can usually get a very respectable sound in the room with my pickup, but it doesn’t seem to translate to the recorded tracks.

I noticed that last time we were in the studio. I thought my DI from my pickup would sound great and when listened back, I hated it. I was confused as to how the recorded version sounded so different from the like version of my bass tone.

 

[Sam Reese]

I've recorded quite a bit with Nadine -and- Lifeline pickup. Two separate tracks and depending on all kinds of variables, one or the other or a blend is viable in mixdown. A "trick" for tone variation is to mount the mic between the D & G strings rather than A & D strings. I like the consistency of having it mounted on the bass. Just my take...have fun!

 

[John Chambliss]

You could start trying with the Nadine on a stand at different positions and distances from the bass and record tests with a cell phone if you don't have other recording devices. You may want to get an inexpensive microphone shield for later.

 

[Francois Blais]

Just for something different it might be worth trying a dynamic mic. One of my favorite mics on my bass is the Sennheiser e609 of all things.

How do you use it, if I can ask please?
I happen to have one. (e609 silver)

 

[Ric Vice]

I noticed that last time we were in the studio. I thought my DI from my pickup would sound great and when listened back, I hated it. I was confused as to how the recorded version sounded so different from the like version of my bass tone.

The only time I got a decent sound from a pickup was running it into an Avalon U5 (a very expensive preamp)and even then it still had the some of those pesky artifacts that come out as each note decays. I’ve used a Remic 5400 (RED) microphone and gotten the sound I was hoping for every time. Just my take however.

 

[jjcarswell]

I used the exploraudio H clamp for close micing with a Rode NT 5, here is an example of the sound, I was pretty happy with it:

 

[ole Jason]

How do you use it, if I can ask please?
I happen to have one. (e609 silver)

Using it with a MOTU M4 I run the gain at around 1 o'clock and put the mic 4-6" in front of the treble f-hole (or thereabouts). The tracks always sit really well in a mix without much processing. I've used it mostly for singer songwriter type stuff, not sure if I'd like it as well for jazz but I plan on trying it.

 

[Ric Vice]

Great music, beautiful bass sound and playing, It’s apparent that the Rode NT5 combined with your bass and playing are a perfect match.
Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately for me, I’m one of the few folks that can’t use an Explore Audio H-Clamp on his bass because it won’t seat and slips off. That’s not an issue for most players.

 

[jjcarswell]

Great music, beautiful bass sound and playing, It’s apparent that the Rode NT5 combined with your bass and playing are a perfect match.
Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately for me, I’m one of the few folks that can’t use an Explore Audio H-Clamp on his bass because it won’t seat and slips off. That’s not an issue for most players.

Thanks!! I guess fortunately, the H clamp works on both of my basses..have you tried to attach it at the waist of the bass?

 

[neddyrow]

Update:

We started the recording process testing different mics for all the different instruments and the Nadine passed the test. It sounded great in all the recordings and better than the other options - especially the pickup.