tvolhein
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Micing a bass amp
I plan on micing a bass amp for a country band. Here are the variables so far:
- the bass session will be a solo, over dub into existing songs
- the room is dead
- I plan on using a Shure SM7 mic into a Grace Design M101 pre
Where do I place the mic in relation to the speaker? Where and how far away?
Thanks in advance.
Tom
Tom Volhein tvolhein@gmail.com http://www.tomvolhein.com H55 motherboard, Intel i7 870, SATA-II, TI Firewire, USB-3, 4 GB DDR3, 3-1TB HDs (130MB/Sec), Dual head video (1GB), 22x DVD/RW w/lightscribe, Windows 7 x64, Sonar Platinum, latest build x64, Fireface 800
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codamedia
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Re: Micing a bass amp
2015/05/12 08:25:17
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tvolhein
Where do I place the mic in relation to the speaker? Where and how far away?
I don't think there is a right/wrong answer to this, and I also don't believe there is a universal answer. But I'll throw my suggestions into the ring... - Will you be in a control room with the sound of the bass being isolated? I am going to assume yes...
- Place the mic center cone, about 5 - 10 inches from the cab. Make sure you have no processing or EQ going on within the DAW.
- Have the bass player play along with the song, and go listen. Too bright? Move the mic toward the outside of the cone, a little at a time. If it's too forward (in your face) pull the mic back just a little. Too distant sounding, put the mic closer. After every change, go listen.
- Repeat #3 until you like how the bass is sitting in the mix, without any EQ, compression, etc... Every change in #3 will help you understand mic placement and how much can actually be done with it. IMO - there is no one setting that works with every setup.
And finally.... don't just track the mic/amp. Run a DI and get that at the same time on a separate track. It does no harm, and you never know when you may want that sound as well. A lot of country bass is "Bass > DI > Processing"... Just my 2 cents...
post edited by codamedia - 2015/05/12 08:31:20
Don't fix it in the mix ... Fix it in the take!
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Jim Roseberry
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Re: Micing a bass amp
2015/05/13 00:41:28
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Hi Tom,
Where to place the mic depends on numerous factors.
The SM7b is a good choice: With a 10" speaker, I've gotten good results about 2" away (center of cone)
Yields a nice/balanced sound...
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tvolhein
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Re: Micing a bass amp
2015/05/13 08:50:24
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Thanks to both of you for your suggestions.
t
Tom Volhein tvolhein@gmail.com http://www.tomvolhein.com H55 motherboard, Intel i7 870, SATA-II, TI Firewire, USB-3, 4 GB DDR3, 3-1TB HDs (130MB/Sec), Dual head video (1GB), 22x DVD/RW w/lightscribe, Windows 7 x64, Sonar Platinum, latest build x64, Fireface 800
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batsbrew
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Re: Micing a bass amp
2015/05/13 11:03:51
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if you do not already have a DI, i'd say that's one of those devices every studio of any level should have.
that said,
always capture a DI when you do a MIC, you can use both, or either,
but if there is ever a problem with the mic track, having the DI can be a god send.
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webbs hill studio
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Re: Micing a bass amp
2015/05/13 18:42:50
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batsbrew
if you do not already have a DI, i'd say that's one of those devices every studio of any level should have.
that said,
always capture a DI when you do a MIC, you can use both, or either,
but if there is ever a problem with the mic track, having the DI can be a god send.
well said,plus you have the sound of the cab as well as the amp to mix down. I use a SansAmp Bass D.I. which has some very sweet modelling options. also had some success with a Beta 52A and an E604 taped together. ps:thanks for the reminder on mic placement, Codamedia,i tend to set and forget. cheers
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