Who's using mics for live performance?

I disagree with Chris on the large diaphragm mics feeding back too easily in live situations. Several people do it; mostly depends on which mic.

My .02 is that you won't find a mic in your price range that will be worth using live. I've used an SM57 in a pinch once, but it leaves a lot to be desired. If you go up to $200, your options will be better.

I use (and so does Brent Nussey who is around here) the AKG C3000. It is no longer made (the C3000b is different) but can be found on Ebay for ~ $200. I use it with the hypercardiod pattern.

Another great mic for live use is the AKG D112, a mic that looks like a big egg. The pattern isn't as tight is the C3000, but it can handle extremely loud situations without feeding back.

Monte

 

Yep, that is what it mostly is used for.

Also used a lot on bass though, because it can handle high SPL's and low bass frequencies.

Monte

 

IMHO, specs are worthless, at least for me. The best thing is to try them. Another good thing is to find what others use. Christian McBride used the EV Re20. There are 3 of us here who use the AKG C3000 or its updated version the C4000b. There are a lot of opinions on this board if you doa search on what people use.

Just don't believe marketing people. Very rarely will you find a mic specified for double bass. I only use specs to make sure the mic can handle low end well enough. Someone who knew more about the physics of sound and mics could probably give you a more definite answer.

Monte

 

While you can use a studio mic for live performance, I believe that purpose-made bass mics do a heck of a lot better. I used an AKG C4000B and also a AT 4047/SV for live performance for a while. The sound was great but definitely had limits before feedback and bleed were problematic. The AMT I am using now allows me to get a heck of a lot more volume.

 

Well, I'm afraid if have to disagree here. I believe it is all about how you use a mic live - and what the rest of your gear consists of. Purpuse-made bass mics are a bit more convenient when it comes to user-friendliness (is that a word?), but, in the end, (and in my experience, of course, YMMV, etc.) the results obtained by a good-quality mic, used in the right manner and with the right gear, are (sometimes far) superior to many of those bass-specific devices.

Vincent

 

Ditto.

If used with the right stuff, I can get a stupid amount of volume before feedback with my AKG C3000. Granted, I haven't tried an AMT in something like 2-3 years, and they probably have gotten better.

Monte

 

I've been using mic only for about a year now. For live performances I think the Golden Trinity is pretty good for the price. The guys in the band play a bit different when I use a mic only, and pay more attention to dynamics, to the point that even if it's goign to be a loud gig, I still prefer the mic only set up, becasue that helps keep the band more focused.

 

There are so many variables that it is very hard to make relative judgements. For example, my current bass is a lot louder than my previous bass and consequently the signal/noise (where noise is anything but the sound of the bass) input to the mic is a lot higher. It depends a lot also on the room, the proximity of other instruments, etc. As with any kind of mic, you tradeoff one thing for another.

 

You can hit the bay and get a couple LD mics. The condensor mikes will sound "better".

The d112 is the p bass of mics. You'll be down in the mix where you "belong".

I used a Audio Technica 4047 to record a bit a long time ago. Even if it isn't the sound you want for your bass it's a great mic to have.

 

I got my Audix D-6 on Ebay for $98, and use it whenever I need to go through the PA.

 

I use a Sennheisser MD 409 U and that goes through the PA not an amp. I've never been happy with the sound of the mic through an amp, but I've never tried using a mic preamp or anything.
For what it's worth, Neal Miner prefers using an SM 58...

 

Ahem: There is an Audix D-2 for sale in the classifieds for 60 bucks including shipping .

I have used it on my Eberle ply and it does a great job. You can place it touching the top (with a windscreen) and it provides a pretty good job of reproducing the bass. Never had a feedback problem.
I now have a D-4 (more than 100 bucks though).... which has a lower frequency range but I really can't say it blows away the D-2.
Either mic will do the job. So would a Shure Beta 57 or 58 if you want to spend a few extra $.
Apologies for the shameless shill but it was hard to resist.

 

I use a sm 58 wrapped in foam and stuffed in my tailpiece and am pretty happy with it. It never feeds back and picks up more of the notes than the slapping when I play bluegrass. I've been using it over the AKG D112 which I used to use and still like but I've been singing more and using the 58, I don't have to pay as much attention to keeping my f-holes near the D112 which I would have mounted on a short stand.

 

For live performance, either the AMTSP25B or the DPA 4099B are very good choices. Unfortunately, there over your $100.00 price point. Since the DPA came out I've seen quite a few AMT's going for less than $400.00

With that as your criteria, I would think a Shure SM58 would be the way to go, their dependable, and I've seen several bassists use one including Drew Gress.

Since all basses are different, personally, I'd want to demo anything before I laid down the cash for it. Try asking friends to at least borrow one for a trial run.

Well, I've always have a pickup as a backup. Just my opinion though. It's saved my backside more times than
I care to mention. I only send the mic FOH.

I've really only heard one mic that I really liked for live and that was the Schoeps CMC6 but talk about expensive. Larry Grenadier uses it and it sounds exquisite.

 

I've had the same experience with the mic/amp thing. I either use a SM58 shoved through the afterlengths or an Audix D2 on an h-clamp pointed at the g-side ffhole.

 

I was at a bluegrass festival a couple weeks ago and was visiting with the sound guy about one of the bassist's setup on her borrowed bass: Shure SM58 which was shoved thru the after length, right in the middle with no padding, to the PA.

It sounded pretty darn good.