Bass input

[JerryD]

I'm purchasing a bass guitar to add to my songs. Just wondering can I run that directly into the mixer or do I need an amp?

If a amp is needed do I use condenser or dynamic mic?

[tbone36109]

lots of options depending on the sound you want. you can run it straight into a mixer but it wont sound very good so you have to options. run it direct input or an amp. if you run run it direct into the mixer you will want to use a direct box first. this is the easiest method because you wont need to worry about micing an amp and in terms of bass guitar you typically need a pretty good room to record in to get a really nice sound. but running through a di box for bass guitar is very common even in alot of proffesional studios. or if you would rather go through an amp you can do that too but you will want to worry about room acoustics. as for mics there are alot of mics that will sound good on an bass amp dynamic and condesor. alot of large diaphram condesonsers sound good but also alot of dynamics mics like the sm7 and kick drum mics like the d112 it all depends on the sound you want but if your on a budget and just starting out i would really recomond getting a nice bass di box like the sansamp

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by JerryD

I'm purchasing a bass guitar to add to my songs. Just wondering can I run that directly into the mixer or do I need an amp?

If a amp is needed do I use condenser or dynamic mic?

You can plug a bass directly into the high-Z input of most mixers.

If you mic an amp to record, you can use either a condenser or dynamic mic. Experiment and decide for yourself which you like better.

[Jouni]

Even if recording for an album, I prefer DI, and I've got some 2k worth of gear for gigging. (gigs I don't even have).

Unless you've got a specific setup and sound you want to capture... I'd go DI.

You can get any sound you want through a DI, without the hassle of getting a cab, mics, and a room where NOTHING RESONATES with your cabs.

At least on our spaces the drums, other cabs and the wooden walls start ringing when I play.. no use micing that..?

[ez_willis]

Originally Posted by tbone36109

you can run it straight into a mixer but it wont sound very good so you have to options.

Not true.

Depends on the mixer and if it has on-board compression that is halfway decent.

Bass is not that hard to get a good sound out of.

[tbone36109]

well ok let me rephrase it wont sound as good going straight into a mixer as it will if you use a nice di box first

[thewanderer24]

If you are using a passive bass, you probably want a DI. If you are using an active bass, you are less likely to need a DI, but there are a million variables, from the bass you are playing, the sound you want, what you are plugging into.

I have a very nice active bass (sadowsky) which I generally run through a boutique bass pre, into whatever direct slot. That works for me.

[JerryD]

Okay I have a simple small mixer so I will need a DI box.
You guys have preferences on DI boxes?

Thanks for your time and help.

[rayc]

Direct into the mixer will depend on the preamp in it.
My old 4 track ahd built in pres that loved bass gtr. My INCA Break out box doesn't.
I know this'll sound silly but the Behri Bass DI is quite good. I like to blend DI & mic'd usually - can't always be done though.

[punkin]

I'll probably get bashed for this but I've gotten nice results using a POD. My bass player even uses a guitar POD 2.0 version. Used units can be picked up at a reasonable prices. He gets some really great sounds from it...Bass -> POD -> Mixer.

Just a thought.

[JerryD]

I have a little cheap Mackie 1202. Each channel has a balanced mic pre and a 1/4" jack that I don't think has any pre. I think I will need a DI box like the fellows above said. Thanks for all your help.

[ez_willis]

Originally Posted by punkin

I'll probably get bashed for this but I've gotten nice results using a POD. .

Yup. Me too.

[ez_willis]

Originally Posted by JerryD

Okay I have a simple small mixer so I will need a DI box.

Just a suggestion, but since you already have a bass, a mixer, and a means to record the instrument, why not just plug it in, fiddle with the eq for awhile, and see if you can get an acceptable sound.

Or go spend a bunch of cash, whatever.

[ez_willis]

Originally Posted by JerryD

I have a little cheap Mackie 1202. Each channel has a balanced mic pre and a 1/4" jack that I don't think has any pre. I think I will need a DI box like the fellows above said. Thanks for all your help.

You will not need a seperate DI.

Plug the bass in and play it.

[JerryD]

K, I'll try it. Thanks.

[thewanderer24]

agree. If you have the bass and the mixer, why not just see what you think before buying anything else

[Slowrider]

Just like EZ said. You do NOT have to buy any boxes to get the tone you want. All the Pro. studios I played in.., just plug it in and technique IS everything.

[COOLCAT]

another vote: Direct In.

the bass and a cable.

Possibly for a amateur, beginner BASS track, a compressor is nice as it tames the "plunkers" down. but tracking is all about performance, so maybe stop the compressor and just learn how to play really well and controlled.

you don't need an amp and mic thats for sure....of all the HR stuff, the bass can be done really well direct....much better than 6-string (which will sound like ASS plugged straight in).