Jazz Bassist & Author

Rufus Reid

    In October, 1999, I played a concert with four great bass players – Scott Colley, Ray Drummond, Earl May and John Patitucci.  We played together as an ensemble and then each bassist played a duo with me.  We all used the AMT S25B Condenser Bass Mic and the sound in the hall was absolutely fantastic!  Everyone was sold on this mic.  Akira, Tana and James Williams also played in the rhythm and had no problem hearing any of us in the trio format.  This concert was a real test for this mic and it passed with flying colors!

    The new microphone by AMT designed specifically for the double bass is wonderful!  I have been using it in many different live situations and in controlled recording studio environments as well.

    There are several reasons why I love it.   First of all, it sounds great being able to capture the true low frequency emitted by the bass. All of you double bassists know how difficult it is to be heard with the clarity, especially when we are playing in contemporary situations with two or more instruments and drummers.  Over the years, the technology developing pick ups has been exceptional. However, as you know, pickups don’t really capture the air being generated by the instrument.  Unfortunately we are unable to be in control most real life playing situations.  The AMT bass microphone is a device that can help us be more in control of the bass sound that is being reinforced by someone else.  This microphone can get physically closer to your instrument than any other microphone without having to glue you to one spot, which usually cramps your movement.  Ultimately you are uncomfortable, which can adversely affect the way you play.  Who needs that?   We need all of our concentration on the music at hand.

    AMT though of everything!  The mic attaches to the instrument with suede covered clamps to protect your instrument from scratches) that fits any size bass (from 5” min to 11 7/8 max).  The mic itself is at the end of a flexible arm that can be positioned in a very wide area to get the optimum sound (sweet spot) that your instrument is producing.  It is designed to be secured in various places on the instrument and takes seconds to attach.  For those of you who move around a lot, this mic moves with you.

    If you use this mic live in conjunction with your pickup, you will have the best of both worlds.  The rugged pre-amp runs off battery, phantom power, or optional power, and is placed on the floor.  You can mix the two together or you can have independent signals going to the sound system.  Yes – this mic will feedback as all microphones do – but I am amazed as to how much I can crank it up when playing with drums before that happens.  To be able to get the most gain before feedback this mic uses a very tight pattern to give high rejection to surrounding noise.  Bottom line, your sound is going to be heard – and it is going to be happening!

    In the recording studio you should use this mic instead of one wrapped in foam and jammed in the middle of your bridge or tailpiece.  A second mic could be used and the mixed to get the optimum sounds quality throughout the fingerboard.  This mic has really captured the attention of studio engineers and they have a very discerning ear, believe me.

    This microphone is truly impressive.   All the parameters that are a problem for the double bass seem to have been addressed.  Thank you AMT for this great product! You are truly helping to make the bass player a very happy camper.

                                                                                   - Rufus Reid

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