bass recording opinions
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Posted on Jan 19, 2008 10:19 pm
Dematrix
http://www.reverbnation.com/2ndg
Member Since: Nov 27, 2007
what do you guys use as prefered method to record bass? i usually go D.I. and have played around with micing up a cab.
i think the ol D.I. method sounds better to me so far, just wondering if there may be a better way. i just got a new interface im yet to try, if i do go direct input, do you think i would be better of going in the instrument jack or buy a good qual. D.I. box? Is there much differnce in sound qual?
Why dont i just try the interface i hear you ask, computer is in fa repairs cant do anything for a while. not a happy camper.
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Jan 20, 2008 12:40 am A lot of folks swear by the DI boxes because of the extra oomph they give. I just use the line input on the mixer with a little extra gain boost, and it works well for me. You can also use a 1/4" to XLR adapter into the mic input. It's a matter of taste.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 20, 2008 11:58 am I am also the DI type guy. Although my UX-2 has some killer bass amp rigs that have become used more often.
Otherwise I will sequence a bass part with a synth or sampler.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jan 22, 2008 12:34 pm DI for me, a nice flat bass signal to begin with and then I do all tweaking in software.
Alas, I plan on buying a KB37 and will probably use that when I can afford it.
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Jan 22, 2008 01:55 pm I'm absolutely in love with my SansAmp units. I have the Bass Driver DI (the original, foot pedal size), and the Tri-AC. Both give a great tone, very tubey, and add that "oomph."
The Tri-AC I've only begun using lately for bass, but it has a high end that the Bass Driver doesn't quite have. Nice for those grinding "Tool" like lines. Very SVT. There's a Presence control on the Bass DI that helps here, and I do use that unit a lot, but I tend to use it more for the mellower stuff with the presence down.
Haven't yet tried to get a good bass tone on my Digitech RP250. I'm sure I could...
Sometimes I'll run the signal through my little Behringer tube pre for a little "something."
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 22, 2008 01:59 pm I never DI anything. Just stick a mic in front of the amp.
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Jan 22, 2008 02:07 pm Bass is tough to record by micing an amp.
Remember that the low 'E' on a bass (if anyone still tunes like that) has a 28' wavelength. Tough to catch that with a mic. Multiple mics give you phasing problems, and still doesn't match the ease and depth of a DI'd bass. A D-112 (anyone remember the old D12?) can do a reasonable job, but there's always something missing to my ears.
Another thing to try is to DI the sound, then mix it with a mic aimed at the fingerboard - just to get a little fret/hand noise (a little dab'll do ya).
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Jan 22, 2008 02:08 pm Oh, and the Helian 1st Bass plug in can do wonders if you want that "old school" type sound - similar to a distant mic'd cab.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 22, 2008 02:13 pm Tall chap, adding the fretboard noise is a cool idea. I'd never thought of that.
Regarding using a mic for bass recording I tend to have the amp up quite loud with the mic a long way away.
I'm not a big fan of adding reverb afterwards you see.
Although saying that I haven't got any new software for years and the only reason I am here now is cos of my hard drive failing. Maybe digital reverb has come on a long way in the last couple of years.
Stil, nice helpful forum. I think I'll stick around.
James
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jan 22, 2008 02:46 pm I never add verb to the bass personally, unless you count mastering reverb.
I too like the idea of the fretboard mic, just a pinch though :)
JDOD, do indeed stick around, most helpfull home recording forums on the net imo :) Always good to have more opinions and techniques at the disposal.
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Jan 22, 2008 03:41 pm Yes, welcome to HRC JDOD. Stick around.
I rarely go anywhere else these days.
Remember that we're all learning, and there's always something new to learn. I've got some amazing advice here.
<-Note to self: Renew subscription to PRO this week...
For software, try the Helian 1st Bass (or 2nd Bass - more gain). They are free VST effects. If you like that distant mic sound it is very cool. It also includes a compressor so it won't hurt to try a DI'd bass, and then adding a little of the VST. You'll be surprised, and your neighbours will thank you. Loud bass amps have the habit of putting the neighbours' wall-hung china collection in jeopardy.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Jan 22, 2008 05:08 pm It seems that any time I combine a DI bass signal with a mic'd bass signal, I end up throwing away the mic'd signal and just using the DI. The DI still retains all of the essence of what a bass sounds like, and it responds well to VST effects. Even a little room reverb works well IMO.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 22, 2008 06:55 pm Yeah, welcome aboard, JDOD, always good to have some more experience on the board.
I'm another of the 'plug the bass into the mixer' types. I've been pretty happy with the sound, and often don't have to do much to the track.
Course I try and practice a bunch before hand, so I can track well.
Maybe i'm just making mediocre bass tracks . . . hmmm . . .
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 23, 2008 04:08 am A few people have mentioned this now. What are VST effect? I few people mention adding them afterwards to a DI'd bass.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 23, 2008 08:01 am effects, that can be added to the wave file of the bass track, non-destructively.
VST is steinbergs format they created some years ago.
So I may have a bass track, that's a little out of control dynamically, so I can add a VST compressor to the bass track. This way I have compressed bass track, that I can change later if desired. Nothing is permanent until I render the project (or track).
Additionally, there's tons of other types of plugs you can add to tracks: EQ, limiters, gates, reverb, modulators, enhancers, bit processors, etc.
Some programs may not be able to use VST plugins, most do now, but some older ones don't have it.
DX is another plugin format that's around. Some proggies use this, instead of VST. I think Cubase dropped DX support in C4.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Jan 23, 2008 08:40 am Cheers, Cool Edit has heaps of effects and you have a fair bit of manual control over each one too. I often add flanges and delays etc. I just need to get into the terminology. What does VST stand for?
I've never got on with digitally added distortion. Its sounds terrible. I just use the amp distortion mic'd up
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 23, 2008 09:48 am from uncle wiki:
< begin snippet >
Steinberg's Virtual Studio Technology (VST) refers to an interface standard for connecting audio synthesizer and effect plugins to audio editors and hard-disk recording systems and also giving the plugins a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for easy manipulation. VST and similar technologies allow the replacement of traditional recording studio hardware with software counterparts. Thousands of plugins exist, making VST the most widespread audio plugin architecture. The technology can be licensed from its creator, Steinberg.
< end snippet >
I don't usually add VST distortion, but I have been playing with this guitarport (last night, actually), and with this current project being a free one, I may use the sounds I can get from there, as they're pretty decent.
Fretted synth just came out with Free-Amp 3, which is getting some good reviews (albeit from individuals). I haven't tried it yet, but probably will before this project is over.
