Condensor mic - 2 questions.

[paddy109]

1. Can anyone recomend a condensor mic that is not going to cost me an arm and a leg but doesn't compromise on sound quality?
2. What are the issues playing live with a condensor mic?
Paddy.

[crez5150]

To answer both questions it may help if you tell us what you are going to be using it to mic up....

[paddy109]

A double bass!?!

[brensabre79]

You'll need a large diaphragm mic. I don't have any particular model recommendations but the AKG stuff I have used at both ends of the budget line have all been really good.
For live use though you need to get one with a Cardiod polar pattern or you're gonna feedback lots.
May I ask why it needs to be a condenser?
I have used Sennheiser 421, EV RE20 and AKG D112 for miking bass instruments - all are large diaphragm dynamic mics (not condensers) though.
Have you considered a piezo pickup?

[jakenewmanbass]

The issues with using a condenser live revolve around just how much will leak in as they are quite sensitive, so you will also be amplifying nearby sound sources.
For DB my view is 'impractical'

[lettsguitars]

akg 404. I wouldn't generally use a condensor for live use. They like to pick up everything. a sure sm57 would be fine i would have thought.

[jakenewmanbass]

[quote name='lettsguitars' timestamp='1328627453' post='1530237']
akg 404. I wouldn't generally use a condensor for live use. They like to pick up everything. [b]a sure sm57 would be fine i would have thought.[/b]
[/quote]
Not much happening below 70 hz tho

[brensabre79]

An SM57 would be adequate, and it's the cheapest suggested here, again that's a dynamic mic. But I'm not sure a mic is the best way to go looking at your other thread about going through the PA.

[bassace]

As they say on the other side of the pond, a condensor mic is not a cheap date. It needs a good preamp with a notch filter to limit the terrible feedback that you'll get if you use your own back line and to get all the nuances that a mic will pick up a nice powered speaker on a pole will do it. Then it helps to have a piezo feeding in just to give a bit of bite. It can be done and I've had amazing results - but all that kit and all those wires. I'm with Jake, use a piezo and enjoy the gig.

Only exception is if there is a good front of house with a helpful engineer, but still monitor with the piezo.

[27 frets]

Hi
I've tended to use one of the cheap slot-in bridge piezos from eBay, but as I don't need huge volume (I play in Church), I've just ordered this clamp-on condensor to see if it gives a more natural tone:
[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140422452918&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:GB:1123"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140422452918&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:GB:1123[/url]
It looks identical to this one from Studiospares (currently out-of-stock)
[url="http://www.studiospares.com/mics-instrument/studiospares-s150-miniature-instrument-mic/invt/449180/"]http://www.studiospares.com/mics-instrument/studiospares-s150-miniature-instrument-mic/invt/449180/[/url]
but even with postage, it's only just over half the price!
I'm not sure if the bass response will be that strong, but it's worth a try for the price.
Also need to work out where best to fix it, as foot of bridge may be too thick for the 13mm max clamp opening - might try fixing to the tailpiece, or further up the bridge, or under the centre of the bridge between the two feet - trial and error!

[brensabre79]

Not convinced by the LF response of that eBay mic 27frets. Also remember there are many mics that look the same but are not inside. It is quite possible to get a genuine looking SM58 off eBay for under £50!

[geoffbassist]

[quote name='bassace' timestamp='1328629544' post='1530307']
It can be done and I've had amazing results - but all that kit and all those wires. I'm with Jake, use a piezo and enjoy the gig.

Only exception is if there is a good front of house with a helpful engineer, but still monitor with the piezo.
[/quote]

+1

[gcordez]

I'm selling my ATM 350 clip on mic for £160...

That's an excellent and cost effective condenser mic that works great. I'm only selling this to help pay for a DPA mic.