Recording bass

[UKPete]

Was wondering the best way to record bass onto my computer software. I have a delta 1010lt sound card, Trace Elliott amp. I can D.I from the amp also output it direct into my soundcard. i also have a pre amp.. the trouble is, it spounds a bit dull, does it help if I get new strings on?

Or maybe record the amp with a microphone?

[scrubs]

There is no one "best way" to record bass. There is only the best way for a particular song and setup, depending on what you want to achieve. Try out the different options and find out what sounds good to you. I usually go DI, but sometimes blend a miked amp with the DI signal. The DI provides the low end fullness, while the cab provides the high end definition, imo.

[Atterion]

I'd run the DI out of the Trace Elliot to the Delta and use the Mic and Pre on the cab. Not sure of your speaker size, but I prefer to mic a 10" speaker rather then a 15" or 18". The 10" will give you better definition (And I've found that unless you get just the right combination of components in the signal chain, a 15" or 18' woofer will generally sound "Flappy"). New strings are a big plus, especially where you claim your sound is dull.

[tourettes5139]

I second the suggestion of new strings. That will make a huge difference. I know it did in my recordings.

[peteuk90]

Cheers guys, will try the combinations, and I totally agree about the strings! It's either £25 or boiling them.. hee hee

[CarcPazu]

Originally Posted by peteuk90

Cheers guys, will try the combinations, and I totally agree about the strings! It's either £25 or boiling them.. hee hee

Boiling them? Is this working? I mean can you actually get old strings better doing this?

[Blade_Jones]

Try running thru a high end channel strip like a $2,800 Focusrite ISA 430 MKII and you'll hear a sweet, smooth EQ and a limiter that kicks butt. It also helps to record bass parts in sections. On my bass the A and G strings are not as loud as the E string. So you go back and actually DOUBLE some of the quiet notes. So basically a combination of high end gear and recording technique might help you a lot.

[Atterion]

Originally Posted by CarcPazu

Boiling them? Is this working? I mean can you actually get old strings better doing this?

Yeah it helps. It basically cleans out all the dead skin and grime that builds up in the string windings (Which is one of the biggest culprits of giving you a dull tone). It doesn't return your string to quite brand new sounding, but brings it back to life for sure. More like the sound you get after you had played your strings for a couple of weeks. I actually prefer that sound over the brand new sound of strings (which always seem just a bit too bright), but I'm far too lazy to actually boil mine.

[Monkey Allen]

I mic up the amp with a condenser mic, goes pretty well

[AGCurry]

Originally Posted by Blade_Jones

Try running thru a high end channel strip like a $2,800 Focusrite ISA 430 MKII and you'll hear a sweet, smooth EQ and a limiter that kicks butt. It also helps to record bass parts in sections. On my bass the A and G strings are not as loud as the E string. So you go back and actually DOUBLE some of the quiet notes. So basically a combination of high end gear and recording technique might help you a lot.

Are you serious?

[Atterion]

Originally Posted by AGCurry

Are you serious?

Sounds like he's serious. And sounds like he needs to readjust his pick-ups too. I've never had that problem.

[giraffe]

Originally Posted by CarcPazu

Boiling them? Is this working? I mean can you actually get old strings better doing this?

been here, done this, it works.

[CarcPazu]

Originally Posted by giraffe

been here, done this, it works.

And what about baking them with HP sauce in microwave?

[giraffe]

actually, i've also thrown them in the freezer overnite, it works, but not as good as boiling them.

[snow lizard]

Originally Posted by CarcPazu

And what about baking them with HP sauce in microwave?

A conventional oven would be better, but I've never been partial to HP sauce.

Habanero oil and lemon juice... that's different. It's a matter of taste, I guess.









(and just boiling them in plain water will temporarily bring back some life to the tone.)


sl