Recording bass into Fostex MR8 ?
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Posted on Sep 15, 2007 03:41 pm
kellyapp
Member Since: Sep 15, 2007
Hi, I am new to the forum, so thanks to anyone in advance that takes the time to answer my questions. I have an MR-8 multitrack recorder, ART tube preamp and a Fender Jazz bass. Have not been able to get a clean bass sound in the MR8. Sounds tinny or muddy, difficult to hear what notes you are playing. Have heard that maybe a bass preamp is necessary using a line out from that to the MR8. Would appreciate anyones suggestions on what is the best way to get a full bass sound with something like the MR8.
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Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Sep 15, 2007 09:35 pm Well the ART should possibly work, but it sounds as if it is adding too much gain and clipping or simply adding distortion.
And yes, I DI unit made for bass works a charm for doing that. I am guessing the MR8 doesn't have the best pre amp section so using a DI will probably help a goo deal to get a good line level signal ito the MR8.
The pickups as well on the Jazz bass are not known as being extremely high output either, so that could add to having to set the gain so high on the ART.
Sep 16, 2007 04:39 pm This Fender Jazz is mexican made, but the pickups on this one are Dimarzio upgrades, not stock fender. Any suggestions on what kind of preamp unit I need? Something affordable, hopefully. No sure what DI means.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Sep 16, 2007 05:17 pm Di is just slang for a Direct Box. There are several out there made for bass guitars.
What kind of budget do you have to spend on it?
There are some simple cheap ones, and then there are some very good ones. I know SansAmp has several models that are used in live situations as well. Very good tone with those units.
Sep 16, 2007 08:21 pm Would like to keep it under $100 if possible. Can anyone suggest some brand names and models so that I can do some comparison shopping. I have no idea what to look for as I am an acoustic guitar not a bass player. Are they called bass preamps, DI units, direct box or what? thanks
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Sep 17, 2007 10:31 am DiMarzios for bass tend to be a little (okay, a lot) hot. They can break up really quickly if you add too much gain at the pre-amp stage.
The ART should work a treat for you. Just remember to keep the gain down. Go for as clean a signal as possible. I shouldn't have to mention new strings....Set the controls on the bass to full on (including the tone). It should punch right through.
As Noize mentioned, SansAmp have a number of great products for DI. I use the Bass Driver DI, or the Tri-AC. Not sure what the used prices are. New they are about $180.00.
Good luck.
Sep 17, 2007 03:55 pm TallChap, thanks for your advice. Would you use the 1/4" inputs or the XLR's? I can use either with the ART and the Fostex MR8. Have tried XLR from bass to ART and same to MR8 but it seems quite noisy.
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Sep 17, 2007 05:40 pm 1/4" to 1/4" from bass to ART, then XLR to XLR for the output (at least that's how I've done it with my Behringer MIC100 - same thing, different box).
Make sure you don't have the phantom power on (not needed), and try with the -20dB pad if it has one. Keep the gain LOW, and the output as high as possible without noise. If you have too much noise you may need a new tube...Just thinking out loud.
If your recorder has built in effects, try bypassing them as they could be adding noise. I've found that any preset on those things (I have a BR532) or on other multi effects that say "Std. Bass" or similar are very noisy. Clean, clean, clean is what we're looking to get. Try the "Jazz Guitar" patch if there is one...just see what it sounds like,
Don't try to record with too much guts. Once it's in the mix it should sit nicely.
The key here is to experiment until you get close, and then experiment a little more....hehehehe.
Let us know how you do.