How to Mic an Upright Bass

The upright bass has a reputation as one of the most challenging instruments to record in the studio environment. The instrument's tone, the model of microphone and the placement of the mic can all have a pivotal effect on the resulting sound. Properly miking the upright bass is critical to effectively capturing this instrument.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microphone
• Microphone stand
• Upright bass

Mic an Upright Bass

1. Place the mic in front of the upright bass. Situate the mic stand so that the mic is approximately 15 inches from the body of the instrument.

2. Adjust the mic's height on the mic stand. Situate the mic so that it is approximately midway between the bottom of the neck and the bridge of the bass. This is a good starting point for balancing the instrument's lower and higher frequencies.

3. Aim the microphone between the strings and sound hole. Adjust the angle of the mic per taste: closer toward the strings for higher frequencies; closer to the sound hole for lower frequencies.

Tips & Warnings

• Try different microphones. Condenser mics are generally used to record an upright bass, but each mic has its own distinct sound. Experiment with a variety of models to find the best overall sound.

References

• Mojave Audio
• UprightBass.com