Steve Albini demonstrates how to achieve a balanced and clear bass sound using two mics. He combines a Beyerdynamic M380 and a Sennheiser MD 421 to capture both low and high frequencies from a Traynor TS 50B amp.
The M380 is positioned close to the speaker to exploit the proximity effect, enhancing the low-end response, while the MD 421 captures high-frequency detail. By aligning the diaphragms to maintain phase coherence, Albini ensures a clean and articulate recording.
In the control room, he blends the two mic signals, similar to how a woofer and tweeter work in a hi-fi system, providing an accurate representation of the speaker's sound. This flexible approach can be adapted for various instruments like electric keyboards and synthesizers to ensure they all have strong bass presence.