How Do You Record An Upright Acoustic Bass?
• Choose your location carefully. Make sure you are in a location that is free of as much noise as possible, but is not cramped, which will make your upright sound boxy and dull. A good space should be at least 12 feet in length and width. A smaller space can be used if the ceiling is 12 feet tall or more, but no smaller than about 9X9 feet. If no such space is available, find the largest quiet space possible and place the bass about 1 foot from a side wall, facing that wall. The idea is to give the bass frequencies room to develop so that the bass does not sound hollow, or “boxy.” • Choose your microphone(s) carefully. A large condenser microphone works very well with the upright. So will a ribbon microphone. If you want a ‘slap’ sound to the bass, you can also use a dynamic microphone such as the Shure SM57 in addition to the condenser or ribbon mic. If you want a more polished, rich sound, or are using a bow to play the bass, only the condenser or ribbon mic will be needed. • Place
