How To Record Double Bass With the R84
The classic ribbon character of the R84 Series comprises detailed mid-range, extended lows and a figure-of-8 polar pattern, making it a terrific tool to record an upright bass.
The R84A is an active version of the R84 that retains the same sonic character of the R84, with an additional 12dB of output and a stable impedance. This gives a consistent frequency response and greater flexibility with different preamps. These techniques and audio samples apply to both the R84 and R84A.
Close Miking
Try positioning the R84 1 to 4 four feet in front of the instrument, at the approximate height where the instrument’s neck meets the body. Within that range, moving the R84 closer will accentuate low-end response, while pulling back or angling it away from the sound hole, will reduce that affect and capture more room tone. For more attack, move the R84 up vertically towards the player’s bow or plucking fingers. For less attack and more overtone, lower the R84 so it is parallel with the sound hole.
Distant Miking
The upright bass, like most acoustic instruments, draws substantial benefits from room tone, so capturing that aspect of the instrument’s sound is vital. The versatile R84 excels at recording instruments and ensembles from a distance. From as far as 15 feet away, the R84 captures detailed, balanced sound of an instrument section and supplements it with massive room tone.
Distant Miking and Sections, Ensembles, and Orchestras
The versatile R84 excels at recording string sections, quartets, orchestras, and other ensembles from a distance. From as far as 15 feet away, it captures detailed, balanced sound of an instrument section and supplements it with massive room tone. When arranged 6 to 8 feet from the source, in Blumlein configuration, two R84s create a massive, detailed room image without the need for any support microphones.
