Cowbell Miking

[mrcog]

I've got a show coming up where a cowbell is a fairly vital part in lots of the music throughout the show. Therefore I've come to blue room for some advice! Would you reccomend having a seperate mic just for the cowbell? I was thinking possibly a Beta 57 A, pointing up from underneath the cowbell to pick up the instument? Would that be suitable or should I be looking for something else?

 

Any comments would be much appriciated :)

 

Cheers,

 

James

[Doug Siddons]

If its that important to the show definitely mic it separately. With regards to the mic would use a condensor but the beta 57 should work. With a sly grin I would suggest that the sound of cowbell exactly suits the sonic abilities of the C1000 :)

[ceecrb1]

appologies for the trolling, but cant resist saying, check the saturday night live "more cowbell" videos, they were in a studio recording cow bell.. surely you could do as they do! :) :** laughs out loud **: :** laughs out loud **:

[Bobbsy]

With a sly grin I would suggest that the sound of cowbell exactly suits the sonic abilities of the C1000 :)

 

I tend to agree. The C1000 would be just about the perfect thing to hit the cowbell with!

 

If you need to mic it, then my first choice would be a small diaphram condenser (though an SM57 would also work)...but when struck with gusto, a cowbell is pretty loud to start with. Depending on the size of the venue and the other competing sounds, you may find you don't even need to mic it.

 

Bob

[Kevne]

Might I suggest that you use a radio mic for this application.

 

Otherwise it might be difficult to get the cow to stand still.

[BlueShift]

ideally I'd go for something like a Beta98 - but if you want more isolation from surrounding noise, go for a 57 or similar. I'd definately mic it from the 'stick' side though (the side the stick hits) otherwise you'll lose some of the attack. For more click, move the mic up the bell (away from the mouth) on the stick side. For more 'honk' put the mic closer to the mouth on the underside.

[mackerr]

I've got a show coming up where a cowbell is a fairly vital part in lots of the music throughout the show.

 

Just make sure they play Don't Fear the Reaper. ;-)

 

Mac

[organised confusion]

I've got a fever, and the only prescription is....

 

 

Yea SM57 on stick side, although cowbell can cut though quite a lot

[stevebunting]

Use an SM57 or similar dynamic underneath pointing at the front of the bell. A condenser will be too sensitive, and positioning the mic underneath will enable you to get it at a reasonable position without getting hit. If you really need more attack,you can try positioning it above.

 

I would suggest getting the rest of the mix up before fading in the cowbell, as they do tend to be audible without amplification!

[lightsource]

I tend to agree. The C1000 would be just about the perfect thing to hit the cowbell with.

Bob

 

 

For Cowbells, in the past I've used SM57, Beta57, C1000 and SE1A. All with acceptable results, quality of eq on your desk, may be an issue.

 

They are generically loud, so spill from the rest of the kit may be an issue.

 

I think in your circumstance, I'd go with the SM57 as first choice, but then again, that's only my oppinion.