sm57 for mic-ing a bass cab?

[DankStar]

I'm kind of limited to what I have in my little studio set-up, but do people use sm57s for micing bass cabs? I need to mic my bass instead of running direct, and this is my "best" mic right now. Would I be foolish to use it for bass? I'm so used to just using it for vocals and guitar.

 

[sosomething]

Re: sm57 for mic-ing a bass cab?

It won't sound good for bass, especially if you're already using it for guitars and vocals. SM57s aren't huge on bass and have a distinct resonant peak in the upper mids. If that peak is present in all your tracks, it's going to sound like pigeon poop all together.

 

[RW James]

Re: sm57 for mic-ing a bass cab?

I don't know what your set up is - but if it's anything like mine, I would mic the amp and set it to one track, then direct line to another track, then pan between them to get the sound you want.

 

[DankStar]

Re: sm57 for mic-ing a bass cab?

I don't know what your set up is - but if it's anything like mine, I would mic the amp and set it to one track, then direct line to another track, then pan between them to get the sound you want.

I like that. I can mic the cab, and use my ultra-g to run a direct line into my mixer, and mix them both. It's brilliant! thanks.

 

[WeatherReport]

Re: sm57 for mic-ing a bass cab?

I'm kind of limited to what I have in my little studio set-up, but do people use sm57s for micing bass cabs? I need to mic my bass instead of running direct, and this is my "best" mic right now. Would I be foolish to use it for bass? I'm so used to just using it for vocals and guitar.

It can work. Its all about placement. Phil Specter used them in bass drums. Its not a first choice for bass and I would definitely suggest recording a direct line from the bass for the primary tone and mix the the signal from the mic to taste for a little grit and clarity.