Another bass guitar recording question.

[NLAlston]

Hi all ~

I have a QY700 MIDI music sequencer that I compose music on. The problem is that I am not too keen on the bass parts. I am not a real bassist but I have fooled around on a regular guitar, and I also sing, which helps me note wise. I am considering picking up a used bass (Fender Precision) and recording into Cakewalk Pro Audio 9. Aside from my Behringer 802A mixer, what else (if anything) would I need? What I do is not for that within a professional vein but, rather, for family and personal gratification. I would appreciate any and all replies.

Nate

[AlChuck]

You didn't say, but I'm assuming that you already have the PC and soundcard needed to run Cakewalk. Depending on the soundcard, you might want to have a MIDI interface to communicate with the QY700... but you should be able to record a fairly nice clean bass sound through the mixer's preamps.

[NLAlston]

AlChuck,
Thanks for replying. Yes ~ I do have a PC with Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 installed on it. My soundcard came installed with my PC, so it isn't one to rave about at all (Creative Labs 64D) but it will suffice for my needs. I don't know much about MIDI, or this Cakewalk program (my brother shipped it to me, but the manual didn't accompany it)but I had given thought to a MIDI interface. The problem is (if I understood correctly) by utilizing the MIDI route I would have to settle for the voices incorporated on my sound card - which doesn't even come close to my QY700. So what I have been doing is recording the music from my QY700 in "real time". It is, however, refreshing to know that my little mixer may be all I need to get a pretty decent sound from a bass guitar. Thanks again.

Nate

[AlChuck]

The problem is (if I understood correctly) by utilizing the MIDI route I would have to settle for the voices incorporated on my sound card - which doesn't even come close to my QY700.

Naaaah -- where'd you get that idea? You can just as easily send the MIDI information out the soundcard's MIDI interface instead of to its own on-board synth. To do this you might need to buy the adapter that allows MIDI cables to be connected to the soundcard's D-connector, but I think that's under $20.

As far as the synth sounds, yeah, the SB AudioPCI 64V is pretty so-so. But the SB Live cards allow you to reserve some of your system RAM for Sound Fonts, which are sample sets that you can load off of CD-ROMs or hard disk. Some of them sound fantastic. You can probably find the Live Value card for $50 or less.

For more info, if you're interested, check out

http://www.prorec.com/prorec/article...2568D700634565

and

http://www.prorec.com/prorec/article...2566B20024C532

-AlChuck

[Wide Awake]

You can't just plug a bass guitar into the mixer, because the mixer is looking for a different impedance and signal level than what the guitar can deliver. You need something to raise the signal, like a direct box or preamp.

An inexpensive preamp would do the job, but a bass amp modeler is a better choice if you can afford it. A preamp won't give you the tonal control the way a modeler will. However, a preamp could cost less money(if that's important) and can be used for many other things. If you want a great bass sound buy a modeling device. The Line 6 Bass Pod and Johnson J-station are good choices.

[Shailat]

Originally posted by Wide Awake
You can't just plug a bass guitar into the mixer, because the mixer is looking for a different impedance and signal level than what the guitar can deliver. You need something to raise the signal, like a direct box or preamp.

Not exactly.
It depends on different factors. Some basses can be pluged directly into a line input of a mixer with out a DI. Even more so if you have active pickups you might even distort the signal.

It depends on the level your bass outputs or if your mixer works at -10dBV or +4dBm.

[NLAlston]

You can just as easily send the MIDI information out the soundcard's MIDI interface instead of to its own on-board synth. To do this you might need to buy the adapter that allows MIDI cables to be connected to the soundcard's D-connector, but I think that's under $20.


AlChuck - thanks again,

I was not aware of this. Previously, I was informed (being that MIDI instruments send out note data, rather than the actual voices themselves) that one had to route any MIDI out info back through that same unit in order to be able to hear the voices in proper fashion. My main goal is to transfer my musical pieces to CDR via my burner, and if traveling the MIDI route would enable me to do so in better fashion then I am, definitely, all for it. With this to be the case, I would even spring for the SoundBlaster Platinum live 5 with the front panel "live drive". What do you think of that card?

Nate

[virtual.ray]

If it's within your means,the ART Tube PAC works pretty well for bass; it's got a tube preamp and a tube compressor and if you set the levels well it can enhance the recorded bass sound.I got mine for $199 new at Mars.

[Wide Awake]

shailat-

When I said raise the signal(I was probably wrong)...I meant that he needs to closely match the impedance. If he doesn't, just adjusting the trim and faders will add all kinds of coloration and he may not get a good sound. The odds of him finding a bass to match his Behringer 802 mixer is not very likely. A $60 direct box would fix that. That is if he wants a direct raw, unadulturated sound. He probably won't have the tools to shape the sound once it's in the recorder or to re-amp the track.

That's why I recommended a modeling device. I think the most natural way to hear a guitar is through a speaker, like in a live situation. A modeler will simulate the coloration that the speaker imparts to the sound. I just think they are amazing tools for the home recorder/hobbiest and should definitely be considered.

Or he could buy an amp and a good mic. That would also give him something to practice with and jam with other musicians.

[NLAlston]

Thanks everyone. Your info has been very helpful, and I will more than likely spring for the modeler.