For live bass sound

[LooksLikeBass]

I have usually DIed my bass amp in the past and have been less than happy with the tone. I want to try and have a mic setup but my question is which mic should i use?? I know alot of bands go for the SM57 but Ive also seen bassist use a bass drum mic. I've even seen guitarists use expensive shock mounted studio mics. Should I just go for the trusty 57 or try something different?

 

[GaryNattrass]

A specialist bass mic will be a better choice if you want very low resonance.

An electrovoice RE20 or an AKG D12 or D25 are good or even a large diaphragm condensor with a 10db pad. The Shure SM7 is also a good mic for close bass miking.

Also a good way to make a bass sound huge is to add some stereo room reverb to it.

And try mixing a mic and the DI together and even miking the rear of the cabinet to get that low resonance.

 

[LooksLikeBass]

thanks, ill try that.

 

[LSchefman]

Audio Technica ATM25 is another nice mic, and it's cheap.

I usually place the mic near the edge of one speaker, and aim it at about 30 degrees toward the tweeter, if the bass cab has one.

That way, you pick up a little of the upper end.

 

[Bassomatic]

Originally posted by LSchefman
Audio Technica ATM25 is another nice mic, and it's cheap.

I usually place the mic near the edge of one speaker, and aim it at about 30 degrees toward the tweeter, if the bass cab has one.

That way, you pick up a little of the upper end.

+1 on the ATM25. That and a Sansamp Bass Driver DI, and i'm set.

 

[lookslikemeband]

Cory's as bad as I am. His tone is AWESOME, but always thinks it can be better!

 

[LooksLikeBass]

He thinks it can be better

It can be!! It will be!!!

Thanks for the info guys.

 

[jokerjkny]

from what i've read and heard, the SM57's roll off really drastically at around 50hz, despite being marketed as hitting 40Hz. made my Acme B-4 sound lifeless and limp.

while, most any kick drum mic will do, my personal fav is the old Audix D4. its response is rather flat and neutral, and wont introduce funky resonances or overlap with your drummer's bass drum mic. for recording, cant beat my Shure KSM32 (pad on, of course).

but to be honest, you asked about "live sound", and i think a mic isnt gonna be feasible. most clubs i've played in will NOT ever let you take the time to setup a mic. its DI, or die.

IMHO, if you dont dig the DI from your bass amp, then you might wanna invest in a better amp. a good amp should/will have a great sounding DI that'll translate a good sounding tone to the house PA.

course, if your bass is up to snuff, best to just send it to the board via its own DI, like the aforementioned Sansamp, or better yet, you can step up to an all tube DI like an Aguilar DB900, or my fav, the glossier Demeter VTDB-2B. course, the venerable Countryman DI has worked flawlessly for me.