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Top 5 Best Microphones for Bass Amp
Recording a bass amp needs a different kind of microphone than what you would use for vocals or studio singing. We tested several microphones with bass amps and put together this guide covering five strong options, along with what to look for before you buy.
Table of Contents
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What Is a Bass Amp?
A bass amp is an electronic device that amplifies the sound of lower pitched instruments so they can be heard clearly by an audience. It is mainly used with bass guitars, double basses, and other bass instruments.
If you are looking for microphones for vocals or singing instead, our guide to best microphones for vocals, singing or recording covers more suitable options.
Best Microphones for Bass Amp
1. Electro-Voice RE20
The Electro-Voice RE20 is one of the most recommended microphones for bass amps in the industry. While brands like Blue, Rode, Audio-Technica, Shure, and Sennheiser are well known names in audio, the RE20 has earned its own reputation through professional sound quality and useful design features.
It is a dynamic broadcast microphone with a cardioid polar pattern and XLR connectivity. The design has a vintage look, and the metallic build feels durable in regular use.
It has a frequency response of 45Hz to 18kHz and a large diaphragm capsule that delivers strong noise rejection. It includes Variable-D technology, which helps reduce the bass boosting proximity effect that some microphones experience when used close to a source. A switchable bass roll-off gives you additional control over the low end.
We found this microphone performs well across broadcast, on-stage hosting, and live performance settings, in addition to bass amp recording.
Best for
- Bass amp recording in studio or live settings
- Broadcast and on-stage hosting
- Users wanting reduced proximity effect
Key features
- Cardioid polar pattern
- 45Hz to 18kHz frequency response
- Large diaphragm capsule
- Variable-D technology to reduce proximity effect
- Switchable bass roll-off
Pros
- Enhances vocal and instrument clarity
- Durable build quality
- Option for a suspension shock mount
- Strong noise rejection
Cons
- Front-heavy, which can affect balance with a standard mic clip
- Requires more gain than some alternatives
Who should buy it
- Users wanting a versatile microphone for bass amps, broadcast, and live use
Who should avoid it
- Users without enough gain available in their setup
Final verdict
The Electro-Voice RE20 is one of the most well rounded microphones for bass amp recording, with added versatility for broadcast and live performance.
2. Heil PR40
The Heil PR40 is a dynamic cardioid studio microphone designed for use with boosted bass amps, and it is one of the more professional options in this list.
The design is classic, with an all-steel body that adds to its durability. In our use, this microphone delivered strong audio quality for bass amps while also working smoothly for vocals in a studio setting.
It has a frequency response of 28Hz to 18kHz, capturing low frequency sounds clearly, with noise rejection that performs well in studio environments.
Best for
- Professional bass amp recording
- Studio vocals alongside instrumental recording
- Multi-mic setups
Key features
- Dynamic cardioid polar pattern
- 28Hz to 18kHz frequency response
- All-steel body construction
- Suitable for multi-mic setups
Pros
- Versatile, all-rounder microphone
- Strong bass extension for kick drums and bass instruments
- Handles a wide range of frequencies well
- Works well in multi-mic setups
Cons
- Higher price point
Who should buy it
- Users wanting a professional, versatile microphone for bass amps and studio vocals
Who should avoid it
- Users on a tight budget
Final verdict
The Heil PR40 is a strong alternative to the Electro-Voice RE20, especially for users who want a versatile, professional microphone for both bass amps and studio recording.
3. Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 is one of the most talked about microphones when it comes to recording bass amps, and it is the most budget friendly option in this list.
Shure has a wide range of microphones across nearly every category, and the SM57 is a dynamic microphone built for both studio and stage performance. It has a cardioid polar pattern with XLR connectivity, and the design feels durable with a die-cast steel construction.
It has a frequency response of 40Hz to 15kHz. In our use, it performed reliably for bass amps while also working well for vocals, and it comes with a mic clip included.
Best for
- Budget conscious users recording bass amps
- Studio and stage performance
- Users wanting a reliable, no-frills dynamic microphone
Key features
- Cardioid polar pattern
- 40Hz to 15kHz frequency response
- Die-cast steel construction
- No phantom power required
Pros
- No phantom power required
- Durable die-cast steel construction
- Strong off-axis noise reduction
- Affordable price point
Cons
- None significant for its intended use
Who should buy it
- Users wanting solid bass amp performance at an affordable price
Who should avoid it
- Users specifically needing the highest possible SPL handling for very loud sources
Final verdict
The Shure SM57 offers reliable performance for bass amps and vocals without a high price tag, making it a strong budget pick.
4. AKG D112
The AKG D112 is a dynamic kick drum microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, designed specifically for bass-heavy sources like kick drums and bass amps.
It has one of the highest maximum sound pressure levels in this list at 160dB, allowing it to handle very loud sources from drums, guitars, or other instruments without distortion. The frequency response is 20Hz to 17kHz, capturing low frequency sounds clearly.
The metallic body adds durability, and the mic mount is flexible to position. In our use, the audio quality stood out as one of the more impressive options here, particularly for bass-heavy sources.
Best for
- Kick drum and bass amp recording
- Users needing very high SPL handling
- Studio setups recording loud instrumentals
Key features
- Cardioid polar pattern
- 20Hz to 17kHz frequency response
- Maximum SPL of 160dB
- Durable metallic body with flexible mount
Pros
- Industry standard for kick drums
- Versatile, well balanced frequency response
- Rich, detailed sound
- Durable build
- Affordable for the performance offered
Cons
- None significant for its intended use
Who should buy it
- Users wanting a dedicated kick drum and bass amp microphone with high SPL handling
Who should avoid it
- Users who do not need very high SPL handling and prefer a more general purpose mic
Final verdict
The AKG D112 is one of the best choices for kick drum and bass amp recording, especially for users who need to handle very loud sources.
5. Sennheiser MD 421 II
The Sennheiser MD 421 II is a large diaphragm cardioid dynamic microphone popular among artists and audio professionals.
The design is clean and attractive, with a metallic build that feels reliable. It has a frequency response of 30Hz to 17kHz and a maximum sound pressure level of 160dB, allowing it to capture a wide range of sounds without affecting quality.
It includes a five-position bass roll-off switch, which gives strong control over noise rejection and low end response. This makes it a popular choice for radio announcements and broadcast work in addition to bass amp recording.
Best for
- Professional bass amp recording
- Radio announcements and broadcast
- Users wanting adjustable bass response
Key features
- Large diaphragm cardioid polar pattern
- 30Hz to 17kHz frequency response
- Maximum SPL of 160dB
- Five-position bass roll-off switch
Pros
- Professional dynamic microphone
- Refined steel basket and glass composite capsule
- High SPL handling
- Versatile across recording situations
- Five-position bass roll-off for noise control
Cons
- Does not include a mic clip
- Higher price point
Who should buy it
- Users wanting a professional, industry standard microphone for bass amps and broadcast
Who should avoid it
- Users on a tight budget who do not need adjustable bass roll-off
Final verdict
The Sennheiser MD 421 II is an industry standard choice for bass amp recording, especially for users who want adjustable bass control and broadcast versatility.
FAQ
Can you use a microphone with a bass amp?
Yes. Dynamic microphones with cardioid polar patterns, like the ones in this guide, work well for capturing sound from a bass amp.
What type of microphone is best for live performance?
Dynamic microphones are generally best for live performance due to their durability and ability to handle high sound pressure levels.
Do microphones need an amplifier?
For live performances or recording instrumentals, using a microphone with an amplifier setup can improve performance and audio quality.
Conclusion
All five microphones in this guide perform well for bass amp recording, with different strengths depending on your setup. The Electro-Voice RE20 and Heil PR40 stand out for versatility across bass amps, broadcast, and studio vocals, the Shure SM57 offers reliable performance on a budget, and the AKG D112 and Sennheiser MD 421 II are strong choices for high SPL handling and professional use.
For more on microphones suited to vocals and singing, see our guide to 5 best headset microphones for singing.
