Acoustic Bass Mic Recomendations ?

[mickeyb]

I know a lot of bass players love the Neuman U97 however I sure these are very expensive.
Any other thoughts?

[Chris H]

I always use two mics. A pencil mic like a Neuman KM85 or the SE3 is a good option for micing the the neck region. To mic the body i use an STC ribbon. For new mics the SE for $1500 is nice.

[Barney Loveland]

I am still undecided which is my fav, but been using a Neumann CMV 563 with M7 capsule lately and getting good results. Have also used a 414, and U87 (with U89 internals).

More so than the mic, the room is absolutley critical in my opinion, i have used lesser mics in good rooms and been happy. Some double basses will have the odd note that is a tad boomy and then add in a small room with its own resonant freq, hmm there's only so much eq can do!!

[rick]

i use a u 47
whats a u 97 ...?

[Mark Bassett]

They're made by Soundelux.

To my knowledge Neumann do not make a U97



"The U97 Multipattern FET Condenser Microphone - a smaller, more affordable condenser microphone that emulates the best characteristics of previous Soundelux designs and some vintage European models. The Soundelux U97 will feature four pattern capabilities (omni, hepercardioid, figure-8 patterns, and cardioid) giving it unmatched flexibility across a wide spectrum of applications."

From http://aes.harmony-central.com/Newp/105 ... S-U97.html

U97 (transformerless FET mic)

specs:
Patterns: omni, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure 8
Freq. Range: 20Hz-2OkHz
Sensitivity: 8mV/Pa
Equiv. Noise: 23dB (unweighted) 12dB "A" weighted
Max SPL: 138dB for .5%THD@1kHz
Impedance: 50 Ohms
Dynamic range: 126dB
Capsule size: 1"
Dimensions: 2.06" x 5.75"
Weight: 0.95lbs (15.3oz)
Power Consumption: 4.4mA@48vdc phantom powered
Includes lacquered wood box for mic & mic clip.

That's right, a LACQUERED wood box!

[mickeyb]

Sorry guys, I'm terrible with remembering all these model numbers.
I've spent years in major studios ( and non major) as a pianist not paying any particular attention to the recording process other than endeavoring to play the piano, which I find challenging enough.
Most of the double bass players I know love the sound of the Neumann U87 (i think.... I checked out the Neumann sight)). Of course as somebody already pointed out the room is all important and every bass player and instrument is going to be different, however , not withstanding that I am interested in all opinions.
I noticed Turrumurra Music are advertiosing one at $4399.
Thanks for any advice.

[mal stanley]

If you want to use one mic..an LDC like an 87 or maybe the 97 you are talking about..89s work well..or a FET 47..
spaced somewhere between F Hole and the strings...or facing the lower fingerboard if you want a drier
less warmer sound...I often use two..a KM 84 for the fingerboard.strings and an 87 more for the warmth near,
but not pointing into the F Hole...different tunes sometimes have differing requirements for the bass..if it's
a slower, open piece..maybe the 87 is better as dominant..if it's more full on then the fingerboard mic
can often be useful as the main signal...