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Post by cynical1 on Jan 12, 2009 1:26:59 GMT -5
Greetings -
Well, after 25+ years my old AKG finally gave up the ghost and I'm mic-less at the moment.
Right now I'm trying to record the bass directly into the PC with a BP-80 through an old Bass Rockman to boost the signal...but it just ain't the same.
I have no PA, board or recording deck anymore, or any way to amplify the mic signal...just the old PC and Soundblaster card...
Does anyone out there have a recommendation for a good kick drum/bass mic (or warnings on a bad one)...that isn't going to break the bank? I'm cool with used, but it's been ages since I've bought a mic and would appreciate any input based on someone else's hard earned experience...
Thanks
Happy Trails
Cynical One
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Post by ashcatlt on Jan 12, 2009 13:24:37 GMT -5
I can't say as I've ever used a mic on a bass cabinet. It's just so much easier to run a DI. Especially in a home recording environment where your room is likely not particularly well treated acoustically. Standing waves alone make this more of a headache than necessary most of the time.
Then, if you're looking to mic the thing you'll also need to find something to use as a preamp to actually get the mic-level low-Z input into the soundcard. The soundblaster style cards do have a preamp, but...
My suggestion, FWIW, is to think about what's wrong with your DI chain and maybe look into an amp simulator type deal that sounds better to your ears. I'm very happy with my Behringer Bass V-Amp. Lots of people who do this for money on a daily basis swear by the Sansamp Bass Driver DI.
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Post by andy on Jan 12, 2009 13:49:41 GMT -5
Yes, as Ash says, given that you are recording straight into the soundblaster it may be worth looking into other D.I. options. I tend to use a blend of amp and Line 6 POD (for guitar) which can sound quite good. However, whilst I can't vouch for any particular brand, any mic designed for kick drum will do a good job. But assuming that AKG was a D112, you probably know that already!
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Post by cynical1 on Jan 12, 2009 17:15:46 GMT -5
Actually, it's an old D12 mic...probably older then I am... It's back in the box awaiting better days when I can look into possibly having it repaired.
I'd love to grab a Line 6 or a real DI interface...but any major purchases are on hold. I was toying with the idea of a mini-mic preamp and something used off of eBay, or hoping there was something dynamic out there I hadn't heard of.
What grabs my a__ is that I used to have all of this stuff in abundance...but that old marital bliss creeps in and it all seems to vaporize over time... I envy you guys with understanding spouses...
Well, thanks for the input (pun intended) Guess it's back to the same old for now.
Happy Trails
Cynical One
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Post by ashcatlt on Jan 12, 2009 22:42:37 GMT -5
Well, if you're looking to spend little or no money, you could try the old "sub-kick" trick. Take speaker, connect it to a mic pre-amp, done! I hear a 10" or 12" can be great for that really deep low end. I'd imagine something (much) smaller would do as well as a 57.  May not sound good, but it might sound funky! Believe it or not, somebody actually sells these things. |
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Post by gfxbss on Jan 14, 2009 22:39:23 GMT -5
Ash, good call, that was deffinately going to be my suggestion.
the last studio i recorded in, i played through a Grace Pre. sounded great, but i cant say how much it costs. BTW, I play bass in my band....
My personal fav for an electric bass sound is a Shure Beta 52 combined withe a 57. of course, depending on what you consider breaking the bank this may be out of the question.
Also, a D-12, ive never even seen one, but i know i would love to hear anything that you did get to record with it. please let me know.
Thanks,
Tyler
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