Help On Recording Upright Bass

[Mike Church]

Hi Everyone,

I need some suggestions on recording the upright bass. I heard mic placement can be around the bridge, although I am sure that this is subjective. I am using a condenser mic.

Basically what I am looking for is some tips on EQ and compression. Should I record the bass flat and just add the EQ and compression later? What are some basic settings on the parametric EQ and compression that will get me heading in the right direction?

This will be an all acoustic recording consisting of 2 guitars and maybe a mandolin.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[cavedog101]

Two particular points I've found on the uprights...
one...just below the level of the bridge facing the bass or at bridge heighth at a 90 degree angle (to the side)...
two...at the neck joint...angled up or down slighty .. the bass usually decides this angle on its own

Are you using a large diaphram or small diaphram condenser?

on acoustic bass...two mics are usually better than one


Ive used a LD on the body at the bridge an a SD at the peghead or at the upper bout at a 90 degree angle (ie the side)...
as always...your ears know more than your brain....

 

[Mike Church]

Right now, I 'm using one Neuman large diaphragm mike at about bridge height. I do have two more condenser mikes, one small diaphragm and one large diaphragm. But these are Marshall mikes which are not near as good as the Neuman.

Any advice on the EQ and compressor settings? Should I do the EQ and compressing before or after recording?

Thanks.
Mike

 

[Harvey Gerst]

I do have two more condenser mikes, one small diaphragm and one large diaphragm. But these are Marshall mikes which are not near as good as the Neuman.
Mike

Just because it says Neumann on it, that doesn't mean it's the best choice for every application. If the small diaphragm Marshall mic is the 603, it may work better in this situation. Trust your ears, not your eyes.

 

[cavedog101]

Compression and eq going in are very subjective.Maybe just a bit of compression initially...3:1, 4:1.....and i never eq going in unless theres something thats obviously going to get in everthing elses way and then only eq to cut. Like Harvey said, there aint nothing wrong with a tool that aint broke...use the mics you have. the MXL's may make the neumann sound better.