Double bass mic question

[Downside Studio]

I did a tour last year with a AKG C5600 mounted in the bridge of a double bass. I was very pleased with the results. Because of the way it was fixed inside the bridge ( with two elastics holding it ) it gave me precise the sound I was looking for, the perfect mix between body, string and air.

This bassplayer isn't on this years tour, and the bassplayer we've got now has only an element fixes in the bridge. I'm not even going to consider using the element (I've heard it) since this is an all acoustic theatertour with 3x acoustic guitar (GT MD1), 12-string (GT MD1), 4x vocal (Neumann KMS140),
grand piano (AKG C3000).

I've tried a AKG C3000 in the bridge with an angle of 45 degrees off-body. This was the best solution I could figure out so far. It still isn't what I'm looking for. I'm getting to much 'boom' because its to close to the body. We are working with monitors so I have to be carefull with micplacement etc. Not because of feedback, since the bass itself isn't on the monitor, but leakage of the monitor sound into the mic.

I prefer using the C3000 mic, since it's on that tour anyway. If I have to I can replace it with AT4033 or AT4035, Rode NT1, EV RE20.

I'll have 3 shows coming up this weekend, so I can experiment a lot (still 50+ shows to go). I'm going to try the C3000 on a short boomstand, but I'm not in favour of this since the bassplayer has to be able to move on the stage. I would need 2x C3000 and 2x boomstand which is no problem, except of the audience in the front row who will have look at 2 more micstands in front of them.

Who can help me with the solution ?

 

[Cave Dweller]

hmmmm tough one....i dont think you said why you couldnt use the old configuration that you liked? otherwise, a C3000 is a really good mic for the application. you could use the bass roll off to reduce boominess. how about putting the mic near the neck/body joint, like close micing an acoustic guitar? or right behind the bridge. these always seem to be the places on an acoustic instrument that have the most attack....i have not personally miced a standup bass (yet), these are just a few ideas based mostly on extensive experience with acoustic guitars
good luck,
Matt

 

[Tom Hicks]

try the c-3000 off the bridge about 12-18" (warm and woody)

Tom

 

[Downside Studio]

I experimented a bit this weekend and found my first solution (45 degrees off-axis) still the best. On some stages it's tends to be boomy (especially wooden stages) but thats quite normal. The boomstands where no succes. The player has to have a lot of moving around on stage.

(The old setup with the AKG was not suitable this tour because the old bassplayer took it with him. He won't sell me the mic. The budget is ok, but I'm not going to get paid extra for buying new mics. That's why I want to use the mics in our stock, which are pretty ok though)