recording bass

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 3:25 pm

What does everybody recommend for the best Bass amp mic set up for under $300?

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 3:50 pm

I have used a lot different mics. I like the RE20, AKG D112, Rode NT2. I recently got some earthworks QTC 50's I am egar to see what they do on a bass amp.

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 6:07 pm

1st, it has to be a damn good bass amp. Most bass amps are fine for live, but don't really do a good job in the studio.
2nd - no matter what you mic it with, take a DI as well.
3rd- I've had good results with Senn 441 which you can sometimes find used for about your budget.
Also an Audio Technica ATM25 which is also in your price range

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 4:45 pm

"best Bass amp mic set up for under $300?". Is this for recording or live performance?

For strictly recording purposes, I wouldn't bother with the amplifier and cabinet. I would use a quality device such as the Bass POD or a SansAmp Bass direct box (DI).

Recently I mixed a rock-and-roll band's CD in somebody else's studio and had the opportunity to utilize an Empirical Labs Distressor, which I elected to use on the DI bass track. I was blown away by how great a sound I got from the bass with that Distressor! It may very well become my next purchase?

Distressor free
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:55 pm

Beyer M88

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 10:33 pm

Again, for those paying attention. There is no best. On the less expensive side, I like the MD421 or AT4047 although you will likely need to buy used to fit your budget.

Remy, where have you been hiding. The Distressor has become an industry standard now for several years. Capture your face expression the first time you use one or a pair on drums or on a room mic...

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 2:59 pm

I consistently get killer bass with my Beta52, mic'ing 10" drivers. The results have been so reliable that i stopped taking a DI line a few projects back as it would never end up being used.

-Dave

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 4:36 am

An easy set-up "on the cheap" is to run the bass into an Ampeg B15 AND a 60s Fender Princeton, mic both amps with EV RE11s and mix to taste. The Princeton adds a lot of clarity and definition to the otherwise fantastic bass tones from the B15.

This setup could be recorded with SM57s or 58s just as easily, and still sound fine.

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:09 am

Really...? I have a tan Tolex '63 Princeton. If somebody even thought about running a bass through its' speaker, I'd shoot to kill !

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 3:35 pm

REMY,

So you ran the bass into the DI then into the Distressor? Sounds like a cool idea. I have a distressor and will be buying a sans amp bass driver soon. Thanks for the info.

Justin

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 5:03 pm

moonbaby wrote:

Really...? I have a tan Tolex '63 Princeton. If somebody even thought about running a bass through its' speaker, I'd shoot to kill !

I'm with you on that. The idea of putting a bass through one of those sends chills up my spine.

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 5:14 pm

The best sounding bass i have ever recorded has been DI into an avalon wile compressing it. it always works real well for me. i have yet to record a bass amp, but i look forward to doing so with a nice amp.

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 9:34 pm

Small guitar amp and bass at a LOW VOLUME.

This is the key. The detail will be evident the moment you hear it. The Princeton's ten is very quick and will not over-excurse creating speaker flap and buzz.

Again, LOW volume.

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 4:47 am

moonbaby wrote:

Really...? I have a tan Tolex '63 Princeton. If somebody even thought about running a bass through its' speaker, I'd shoot to kill !

Yes, lower volume IS the key. I like it at just under half (say, 3.5-4), so it's loud enough to light the tubes up a bit, but not push the speaker too hard. Due to the open back cabinet, much of the low end is canceled out anyway (hence the clarity). And since this amp does not break up very much at higher volumes, it does no good to crank it.

I have used my BF '66 Princeton since it was new for practicing guitar and bass! Never had any problems... It was also my first PA!

The Princeton is my favorite "clean" amp to record guitar, bass, most keyboards and electric pianos, and even some vocals through. Mine has the original ceramic Jensen speaker (gold/brown Fender label). Sounds great! Very Happy

Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 11:21 pm

try an Audix D6. It has a nice meaty low end punch... blend with a DI.

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