Mic/DI - What are you using and why?

[Ben Clarke]

The natural course of another thread brought this issue up.

Live, I use an Audix D4, which has a really balanced sound and great low end extension. For a DI I use an IMP2, but if the sound co has one, I much prefer the Countryman Type 85. As I said in the other thread, I insist on using both. I find it's the best way to get the real deep low end through the DI, and the great, warm mids through my B-15's cab.

In the studio, I'm a lot more flexible. Most times, I'll just go direct and run it back through an amp later. Saves time and lets me capture the moment without worrying about the perfect mic placement.

How 'bout you?

 

[Ben Clarke]

What mic would u suggest instead of a SM 57 for a bass rig?

Obviously, I like the D4. The Shure Beta52 is great, too. It has more of a pre-EQed response to it that works really well on a lot of systems. There's a dip in response in the 300-500Hz (to my ears) area that has gotten me out of jams before, especially if the desk has really basic EQ.

ACtually, the 57 is a workhorse that can be very useful in many situations. It's identical to the most used vocal mic ever, the SM58, except it lack the integrated windscreen. I've used it on everything from kick drums (not by choice) to marimbas. What's nice is any engineer who's been around at all knows exactly how to get what they need from them, within its limits.

Some of the cheap side-address condensor mics on the market work amazingly well for bass amps, as long as they don't bottom out at live levels. You'll know that when you hear it . They look really cool, too.

 

[nismaniac]

Live, I use a DI only. It is the Beringer ultra DI. In the studio I like to use both direct and miked tracks.

 

[TSanders]

Live with my band I send two signals to the house. A direct bass signal through an Avalon U5 DI, it doesnt get any better than the Avalon. It also works wonders in the Studio. I mic my Gallien-Krueger 410RBH with either an AKG D112 or a Sennheiser E602. Both mics give me a good low-mid punch and nice low end booty. The Avalon sends a good clean, non harsh top end.

 

[0557]

Bass DI preference

Just bought the Ampeg SVT tube DI after a friend let me use it for a gig.
I used Avalon in the studio. aguilar, and groovetube brick. This one doesn't color the sound for bass and is great for the studio. The avalon is great for many instuments. but for a bongo or an SR you don't need all the extra features

Rick

 

[tkarter]

Just bought the Ampeg SVT tube DI after a friend let me use it for a gig.
I used Avalon in the studio. aguilar, and groovetube brick. This one doesn't color the sound for bass and is great for the studio. The avalon is great for many instuments. but for a bongo or an SR you don't need all the extra features

Rick

Expound please!! I myself see no need to do anything other than plug into the amp with my SR 5. I either want someone to tell me I don't know or I got it right. If I don't know tell me why I dunno LOL

tk

 

[Ben Clarke]

If it sounds great out in the house, then you've got it right.

As far as I'm concerned, my amp is very colored. It has a drastically different sound than what comes out of the bass. The combination of direct and miced signals offers great flexibility. In my case, it's really the only way to get proper low end. The old Ampeg B-15s have filters in them that cut the extreme lows to save power. Not ideal for 5-stringers. I'm considering having this filter made switchable.