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Double Bass very best microphones for live use

LukeS

LukeS

Sep 10, 2009
37
10
New York, NY
www.lukesellick.com
#1
I've been sifting through forums quite a while, and I think it would be beneficial to have a thread where experienced microphone users list their favorite choices. Maybe top 3 or something like that.

I want to get rid of my pickups/amps and go with a mic, either into a PA, (like a Mackie, with a pre-amp) or an Acoustic Image with built in pre-amp. I'm willing to spend fair money, as long as I can get a really good sound that is workable in a live context.

Could those who have had success in this regard list their top microphone choices? I want to get a good idea of 2 or 3 great mics which I can then rent/borrow to see which works best with my instrument.

Many thanks, and sorry if this post is somewhat redundant, I hope it is beneficial to everyone to have a discussion limited to this topic.
 
#2
LukeS said:
I've been sifting through forums quite a while, and I think it would be beneficial to have a thread where experienced microphone users list their favorite choices. Maybe top 3 or something like that.

I want to get rid of my pickups/amps and go with a mic, either into a PA, (like a Mackie, with a pre-amp) or an Acoustic Image with built in pre-amp. I'm willing to spend fair money, as long as I can get a really good sound that is workable in a live context.

Could those who have had success in this regard list their top microphone choices? I want to get a good idea of 2 or 3 great mics which I can then rent/borrow to see which works best with my instrument.

Many thanks, and sorry if this post is somewhat redundant, I hope it is beneficial to everyone to have a discussion limited to this topic.
Click to expand...

Larry Grenadier uses a Schoeps CMC6 with a supercardiod capsule and the aptly named FMR Audio "Really Nice Preamp" if you are flush with cash this is a incredible system into a Mackie 450 powered speaker. He mounts the microphone, with an Explore Audio Clamp for bass. This rig is very expensive.

Personally, I use a DPA 4099B into the mains. They have excellent isolation and a wonderful timbre, easy to get on and off the bass.

For most gigs however, I use an Ehrlund Linear Microphone Pickup and Pre amp. On my bass, it sounds just like using a mike with better feedback resistance. Personally, IMHO, with my bass and amps it's better than the DPA.

Ric
 
#6
I'm trying to figure it out as well....

Been using a mic (only) for about 4 years now... but I go straight to amp that i stand in front of. I do have to get pretty loud at times.......

IMOP - The expensive condenser clip-ons are too hot (for the way I use them anyway) and pick up everything. Sometimes I can hear the bartender mixing drinks through these things.....feedback is very hard to control and you get the crazy exaggerated highs (sizzle) that condensers produce. On the other hand- your average everyday dynamic mics are too large to clip on the bass. This has led me to try alternative type mics......

Currently I like this cheap low tech radio shack mic...its really small and has a built in power supply.

Hands-Free Tie-Clip Omnidirectional Electret : Microphones | RadioShack.com


Also, after a discussion with the maker, I have this one on its way to try out....

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Looks like I'll have to check out Ed's mic too........
 
#7
Ric Vice said:
Personally, I use a DPA 4099B into the mains. They have excellent isolation and a wonderful timbre, easy to get on and off the bass.
Click to expand...
There are a few versions of the 4099 out there, none of which I've ever used, so if someone could answer this one for me: Are the various designations like 4099-B and 4099-G just mounting differences but the same mic, or is there more than one mic?

I ask because we do a lot of different things in our house, and it could be cool to have a single mic solution that would, e.g., work for the trumpet, the guitar, and the bass.

Thanks in advance.

-S-
 
#8
#9
SteveFreides said:
There are a few versions of the 4099 out there, none of which I've ever used, so if someone could answer this one for me: Are the various designations like 4099-B and 4099-G just mounting differences but the same mic, or is there more than one mic?

I ask because we do a lot of different things in our house, and it could be cool to have a single mic solution that would, e.g., work for the trumpet, the guitar, and the bass.

Thanks in advance.

-S-
Click to expand...
it's all the same mic, only the mounting changes. that said, there are differences in the adaptors, with the basic module having a bass roll-off, the bass one, which is flat, and the trumpet one, which i believe is simply padded. i'd have a conversation with the good folks at dpa.

jeff.
 

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