Acoustic Bass recording - samples to compare

[pianokeys]

Everyone - I've long been a follower of wonderful and informative topics here and on other stellar recording forums! Today i'd like to share two short 30 second samples of upright acoustic bass recordings.

Here are the details - both mics were used simultaneously - with carefull care taken in matching their position and angle to the same bass - same recording take.

1 was recorded with a Neumann M149 Tube, the other with an AKG c414TLII

Both through a LaChapell 992 EG preamp (one channel each - all settings identical)

No compression.

Converted through Crane Song HEDD at 24 bit - 44.1 with some tape saturation (equal on both mics)
Then level matched and dithered to 16 bit with HR22 on wavelab - I left the files in wav format for optimum listening and comparing but please be patient as each file is mono - about 2.6 MB. (on my computer about 5 seconds to stream from online)

To keep things interesting I plan to keep the answer a secret for one week while you offer opinions, preferences, and comparisons. I have to soon make a decision regarding those mics and I record a lot of upright bass. Your opinions will be a great help in my decision - so thanks in advance!

I chose this upright sample because it is the simplest of the bunch - not distracting the ear with too many fancy riffs, nor intonation problems.
I look forward to your thoughts and will reveal the answer in 1 week time. Just for kicks I even flipped a coin to determine sample numbers

Sample 1 - http://www.getreadytoplay.ca/Bass_1.wav

Sample 2 - http://www.getreadytoplay.ca/Bass_2.wav

[Grizzly]

Thanks for posting those samples.

Sample 1 mic sounds more evenly balanced to me (computer speakers ) although sample 2 sounds a tad warmer and closer to what I'd expect from an upright bass IMHO...

My guess would be C-414 on N°1 but I'm not familiar with the Neumann so I might be wrong...

I'd get both mics and use the 414 to get the sweet upright's "fingers on strings" flavour mixed with the big lows...

Have a nice day,

Olivier.

[Tomer1]

Both sound excellent thats for sure. thumbsup
I would say the first is the AKG the second is the Nuemann

[pianokeys]

Ok - results in a few days - any bass players out there care to lend an opinion?

[MrVelvet]

The first one sounds more balanced to me, but rather boring compared to the second... It has more energy in the lows and brings out the woody tone a little more... both are nice I'd guess the second is the Neumann - I'd take a little bit of low end out and go with that one.

[pianokeys]

bump

[matucha]

nice samples

1) is a bit too flat for me

2) yep this one has urgency, thick body... I prefer this one

[pianokeys]

last bump - answers tomorrow

[pianokeys]

You all rock - great ears!

Mic 1 - 414XLII
Mic 2 - M149

Cheers

[matucha]

thanks, it was fun

[Han]

There's a long and very informative upright bass recording thread at Steve Remote's board which may help you.

I have an M149 too and use it on upright every now and then, but lately I found out that even a cheap SP B1 can give very good results in a band at once recording with loud horns. Aim it close to the bass between the bridge and the neck and you'll be a happy camper.

In the mean time the upright remains a pita.

[rockyroad]

Pretty cool Pianokeys. I preferred #2 as well.
Care to share any info on the position, distance, angle of the mic(s)?

[pianokeys]

Sure - the mics were positioned fairly low -4 to 6 inches left of the left F hole (facing the player) about 18 inches away but facing slightly up (to get more high end)

Of course he is a great player (these samples are nothing for him) and that always makes a huge difference a consistant even tone with some punchy yet not overly agressive attack.