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
 

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...

1. Will you be in a control room with the sound of the bass being isolated? I am going to assume yes...
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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...

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...

Thanks to both of you for your suggestions.
 
t
 

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.

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