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!  😀

[Apeneck Sweeney]

Have you managed to test the mics yet?

 

The Neumann has been getting some good reviews. There's also the xylson .  I haven't had a chance to try either. most of my gigs are in tight spaces with an amp. The xylson is reputed to have good isolation but has to be taken on and off each gig.