Mic for live and quick recording?

[Ramirez]

I've been playing and recording my double bass much more often lately, and would like a mic to accompany the Krivo magnetic pickup I have installed. There are two reasons for this really:

 

1. The Krivo works well, but doesn't sound particularly like a double bass. It would be nice to have a mic for the quieter gigs. I don't use an amp, and I'm usually always on IEMs when I play. Resistance to feedback isn't paramount, but it would be nice to have something that could be used alongside a quiet drum kit.

 

2. I work at a studio with a well-stocked microphone cupboard so the recording options are well covered, but sometimes it's useful to do a quick take on the DB in the control room when the band are in the live room. I'd like something quick and easy that sounds good enough to be a 'keeper' under the right circumstances.

 

 

From what I can see, the main options are:

 

*DPA 4099 - We have a couple of these at the studio and they're very useful. I've used it a few times on the DB and it pretty much does what I need. I don't want to constantly borrow the studio mics though so I'm looking to purchase something myself. It's also useful for other instruments which would give added value to me.

 

*Neumann MCM 114 - Interesting and fairly recent addition to the Neumann line-up. Seems to be competing head-to-head with the DPA.

 

*Remic D5400/D5400LB/D540 - I've heard a lot of good reports about these, but they seem quite hard to find in the UK right now.

 

 

My plan is to hire the Neumann and a Remic and test them alongside the DPA we have, but would like to hear opinions/other options.

 

Thanks

Aled

[TorturedSaints]

I was going to suggest the Sound on Sound forums, but I see you have already asked the question there!  😀