Jazz Recording

[Jinssz]

hi, i'm a audio technology student.
i'm having a jazz recording assignment but i have no idea how to record double bass.
any tips for me? =P

this is the lists of mics that my college provides:
Shure SM57 and SM 58
Sennheiser MD421
AKG C3000, D112 and SM58 Replica
Beyerdynamic MC740
AV-Jefe PHM921
Rode NT5, NT4, NT2, NTK and NTV
Audix mic which are for drums

thankz...

 

[leddy]

Start here:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/remo...-recording/64710-upright-bass-still-pita.html

I assume you are recording with an esnemble. Use as much physical isolation as you can (gobos, etc.). If it's a live situation with drums and gobos are not possible, your best bet is the mic with the smoothest off-axis response. There will be bleed, and it can be severe. You'll need to capture the bleed as if it was intended to be there. I don't like shoving dynamic mics up close to the bass and getting tons of proximity effect. By the time you EQ it out, the drums and stuff that was bleeding in will sound terrible.

I've tried at least a dozen mics on upright bass in live settings. My top choice is an Earthworks omni suspended in the bridge. As for the mics you have: Sm57/58's can work as long as they're a few inches away. I love Beyer mics, I'd try that first. Above all, try to capture the bass in a way that will require the least amount of EQ.

Do not mic the F-hole. Try pointing the mic at the bridge.

Give us some more info on the specific details of the playing situation.

 

[gtrman_66]

The MD-421 isn't a bad mic for the upright bass. Make sure you have the bass rolloff in the "m" position and don't be afraid to heat the pre gain up a bit. Then move it around to find the "sweet spot".