Double Bass Weird mic problem

[Bass Catcher]

Hello -

I recently put an SM57 onto my bass using Sam's rubberband method. I've been mixing it with my Full Circle and playing it through my Clarus and Wizzy. I'm loving the sound!

One problem I've encountered every time I've used it. I plug it in, set all the levels. Then about 15-20 minutes later, the mic "kicks on" (don't know how else to describe it). It suddenly boosts in volume a TON. At that point, I've already set the levels pretty high, so when it boosts in volume I get horrible squealing feedback. Fortunately, I realized this while playing with at home, so I know what to expect when I get to a gig. So at the gig, the first set is always way lower volume from the mic, because I know it will "kick on" eventually.

I really want to keep the mic in my setup - but am really annoyed by this problem. Any one know what this is? Thanks!

Matt

 

[PaperbackRyder]

Could it be that a minor shift in the mics position, as it settles after install/transport, causes a "proximity effect"?

 

[Michael Glynn]

That's kind of odd. My first though would be a loose connection somewhere, though the fact that it consistently happens after 15-20 minutes is weird. Have you tried jiggling the mic and cable before and after the volume kicks in? After that I would try to systematically go through your signal chain to find the source of the problem. So first try the same setup with a different mic (if you have one around), see if the problem occurs. Then try with a different cable. Then try switching the inputs you are using on the Clarus (that model has XLR inputs on both channels, right?). If you think the problem is related to a specific channel on the Clarus I would try adjusting the settings on that channel to see if they have any effect (Filter on and off, effects on and off, etc.).