Which cab? Or both?

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UberGawkman

UberGawkman

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We're going to be recording bass pretty soon, and we're mapping out a battle plan.

The facts: our bass player does lots of "slap and pop" stuff (think Incubus S.C.I.E.N.C.E.), likes to have a moderate mid scoop between 300-900hz, and we have a lot of room to work with in the between 500hz - 3khz midrange-wise in getting them to mix with the guitar tracks (that's where the "hole" in the guitars is).

We plan on three (four?) tracks:

-Direct for consistent low end
-Micing the bass cab
-Micing the bass itself (the cabs are gonna be in the other room for slap and pop definition.

Now, it's a matter of micing the bass cab in a way that captures good-sounding midrange (if that makes sense). Midrange harmonics that sounds good and smooth, without that honky-quality.

We have two speaker cabinets to choose from, also. A 4x10 cab, and a 2 x 15 cab.

I'm experienced with micing guitar cabs, but not bass. So, with that in mind:

-Which would probably be better suited for getting a present, clear, cutting midrange... the 4 x 10, or the 2 x 15? Or we could do both at the same time if we wanted to... would that make it sound thicker, or just muddy up the sound?

-What micing positions for each do you recommend? How close should I be getting for close-micing on the 4 x 10? The 2 x 15?

-Any specific mic considerations? If we're not trying to get a lot of bottom (since the direct is doing that), would any certain mics sound better? Would a shure sm57 do? Large diaphragm condensor?


I did a search on micing bass cabs, but really didn't find anything that helpful....

Thanks!
 
As I understand it, the consensus is that mic'ing a 15" speaker will not net good results...I'd try the cab with the 10s in it.
 
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