bass cab mics

[CDSager]

I have used a Microtech Gefell M990 tube mic on the bass cab, about 3 to 4 inches from one of the cones. I also compressed the signal with about a 3:1 ratio with a relativly slow attack time. Mixed in with a DI signal, the result sounded liked a polished missile of bass. Then again, I think that more so than almost any other instrument, the quality of the actual bass is more important to the sound than the mic choice. Lucky for me, the guy was using a custom Tobias bass. I have also used a 40 year old EV665 to get that rugged Sabbath tone. Also, I think that analog tape adds more balls to a bass tone, especially at 15 IPS. (obviously)



Rock and Roll

[KingOlaf]

I'll second the Shure KSM-32.

[mr scratchy esq]

Another vote for the RE-20.

[Dyno]

Tracked Bass last night with a sm7 thru a V76 > 1176. Killer.

Dyno

[AnalogElectric]

Here's what I'll rotate through:

(not particular order)

SM7
SM58
ATM23HE
ATM63HE
421
U87
RCA 74b jr

It depends on the tone, obviously. I'll generally use the SM7 or the ATM23HE as my top choice. I also will use a seperate DI track for support.

--Adam Lazlo

[Dave jett]

last session, Digi. First I layed the bass direct through an Avalon U5 on tone setting #2 which is a scooped setting, and that was pretty fat. Then i ran the signal out of the 001 to a x over (Behrenger has them for cheap). Sending the high signal out at a 350HZ crossover setting to one of two guitar cabs. For heavier songs the cab was a fender Tonemaster powerd by a super driven JCM 2000. For less aggresive tunes it was a moderately hot AC15 combo. Both cabs were miced by a beta 56 going thru a Grace 101. No compression. The sound was super clear tight lows with a comparatively rippin' to ragin' top end. It sounded like rock. If you try this flipp the phase a few times to see what sounds the biggest.[/list]

[joel hamilton]

Depending on the style:

TLM170 gotham
FET47
SM57
AT 4033
RE20

I usually start with the BLUE mouse these days for edgy, rock bass played with a pick. Some of the tracks I like best for bass have been captured with the TLM170 and/or the BLUE mouse.

[joeysimms]

I have also used a 40 year old EV665

Me, too. Good sound, and I got mine for $28.

[cgarges]

I'm gonna second the Beyer M380. There's something so cool about how that mic pretty much always captures the tone of the amp well. My other favorite is the Neumann FET47, usually back about a foot or so.

I've also had good luck with the Beyer TGX50, EV RE20, AKG D112, AT 4047, AT 4050 (esp. in bidirectional mode), Oktava ML52, and even the AT 4051! I've had pretty hit or miss results with AKG 414s and Telefunken tube U47s.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[ryan_c]

We've had some good success with an ATM25.

[Leopold]

Beyer M88, great mic, you can use it on a lot of stuff as well from vocals to horns, guitars, etc

[chetatkinsdiet]

for loud and rumbly rock stuff...it's hard to beat an RE20 or SM7 in front of an ampeg tube amp.
later,
m

[loudmusic]

I just want to toss in that I use a SAMSON q3 over a 4033, and d112 all the time. It's not ALWAYS right, but distorted sloppy pounding bass lines come across well through it...Just a shout out to folks who aren't ready to spend the coin on the big boy mics yet.

I keep trying to get rid of the q3, but it keeps beating other mics?
I think I might have stumbled onto a sleeper.
Cool.

Martin

[Slider]

421 = Janes addiction
U47 = beatles

the amp plays a major role obviously.
Not a big fan of the beta52 or d112 on bass.
the re-20 is sometimes alright.

[gravy boat]

I've also had good luck with the Beyer TGX50,

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

That's my favorite for loud rock stuff. I bought it as kick mic, but it sucks in that application. It's even pretty cool for vocals sometimes.