Double Bass Xlson Chuck Israels or Schoeps CMC6/Mk41?

[tito mangialajo]

Hi,
I have the opportunity to buy on of this microphones to use in live set (where possible).
Apart from the price (Schoeps is double in price) what are pros and cons?
What do you suggest?
Anyone tried/tested both mics?

 

[Jim Dedrick]

Ive been using the CMC1MK4 for a year a year or so. Best ever. Using it live 4-5 days week. Never an issue. Also use it in studio and will be on my soon to be released new album. Its really well worth the money if you can afford it. CMC1 and 6 are same functionally and the 1 ia a bit smaller. Either will be fine. I was looking for the MK41 and after speaking with the rep went to the MK4. Check out the website and mic patterns.

 

[LaFaro01]

I checked out the MK41 and found really deeply impressing and it went to my "get soon as possible"-list... until I tried the Sennheiser MKH 8050 a few months later and this mic worked for my ears and with my basses even better than the MK41. I had no possibility to test the Chuck Israels, but if I have to buy another mic to complement the Remic, I will go for the Sennheiser MKH 8050

 

[Wasnex]

With a bunch of great mics, it could be a very personal decision.

I have not used a Schoeps on bass. I have used CMC6 bodies with Mk4 and the obsolete multi-pattern Mk6 on a variety of sources for live sound reinforcement of concert bands. My impression was they were very detailed and authentic sounding, with just a touch of added warmth.

I don't think there is a published response plot for the Xlson. I believe it has a tailored response. It's designed specifically for upright bass.

So you may find your choice depends on what you are doing, playing live VS recording.

@rickwolff uses own an Xlson. Not sure if he has tried a Schoeps.

 

[tito mangialajo]

I checked out the MK41 and found really deeply impressing and it went to my "get soon as possible"-list... until I tried the Sennheiser MKH 8050 a few months later and this mic worked for my ears and with my basses even better than the MK41. I had no possibility to test the Chuck Israels, but if I have to buy another mic to complement the Remic, I will go for the Sennheiser MKH 8050

Thanks for your suggestion. What are the main differences between Schoeps and Sennheiser? What dou you feel?

 

[LaFaro01]

For my ears the Sennheiser seems to be more "focused" in some way and it sounds crystal clear and very open and "dynamic"...it seems to be at least as low-noise or "noise-free" as the Schoeps.. but I think, that you should check-out with your instrument(s) and your equipment...the Schoeps MK 41 especially with the CMC 1 is a really great mic, also for double basses...

 

[Ric Vice]

Hi,
I have the opportunity to buy on of this microphones to use in live set (where possible).
Apart from the price (Schoeps is double in price) what are pros and cons?
What do you suggest?
Anyone tried/tested both mics?

Tito,
Looking at your profile I remembered you use a Headway EDB-2. Unless you own the newer EDB-2 H.E. (which has a 48v Phantom power supply)
the original EDB-2 has a 18v phantom power supply, which isn’t ideal for powering the Schoeps or the Sennheiser.

 

[tito mangialajo]

T

Tito,
Looking at your profile I remembered you use a Headway EDB-2. Unless you own the newer EDB-2 H.E. (which has a 48v Phantom power supply)
the original EDB-2 has a 18v phantom power supply, which isn’t ideal for powering the Schoeps or the Sennheiser.

Thanks Ric, I know that Headway hasn't 48 v Phantom. But maybe I will buy an italian combo by GR Bass very interesting: the Acoustic Cube, that has 48 v Ph. And soon they tell me that they will produce a preamplifier based on that combo (two channel; mic input; 48 v ph; two separate DI...very interesting...)

 

[Ric Vice]

T

Thanks Ric, I know that Headway hasn't 48 v Phantom. But maybe I will buy an italian combo by GR Bass very interesting: the Acoustic Cube, that has 48 v Ph. And soon they tell me that they will produce a preamplifier based on that combo (two channel; mic input; 48 v ph; two separate DI...very interesting...)

Tito

Sound's interesting, if that doesn't work for you the newer Headway EDB 2 H.E. has 48v phantom and has gone on sale recently for a substantial discount.