Recording Bass

[Bass Ninja]

Does anyone know a good way of recording bass. Do I need a DI? How about effects like compression? I tried using the "line out" from my amp to my 488 and it sounds like crap.

[Proveras]

if you have the direct box, try it.... but if you want to buy one, try the BBE direct box ($85)

if you have the compressor, try it; if you want to buy one and you have the money, everybody talks good about the behringer comp ($180), or try the nanocompressor ($90).

-why dont you try a very short, and good Hi z cable from your bass directly to your tascam.

theres a lot of info in the internet of how to get a great bass sound, including mic the amp with a sm57...

http://members.tripod.com/~PROPAC/4track.htm#h4

http://homerecording.about.com/music...g&TopNode=4911

and http://www.homerecording.com

maybe using the line out of your amp is causing a lot of HUM with the Hiz cables.
(Theres an amp from crate, that it has a low z line out)

[twist]

Ninja,
You don't HAVE to have a DI. I record my bass through a compressor directly to my 488 with good results.

Twist

[england]

Ditto...I run mine through a compressor directly into my 424. Sometimes I add in the signal chain a little 'chorus' from an effects processor to fatten up the sound.

[Bass Ninja]

Thanks guys. Now will all these recommendations work with either active or passive basses?

[twist]

Ninja,
Mine is active. I also add a little EQ to help even out the overall sound.

Twist

[england]

Mine is passive. Never had a problem.