jmorris
New member
Any advise as to a rack unit/effects pross. I can use to get a better elec bass sound on tape. I currently go direct in to a DI box and compress on to tape. I just do not get the punch I desire. Jim
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JC Lives
New member
There are so many different efx units out there to recommend. It all depends on what you are trying to capture. It also depends on what your budget is. If you are looking for low budget, try the Zoom 506 for around $100. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. For references and reviews, I would try searching the web at some of the on line stores for products and reviews. And have you tried any magazines> I beleive that there is a mag call BassPlayer. Hope this is a good starting point.
Gear_Junky
New member
Things like compression and preamping may affect bass punch, also EQ can help bring it out. Effects are spices, you should really try to start with a good sound before FX. Reverbs may muddy it up. Chorus, though, may help make it fatter.
Also, do you not get the punch, when listening to your mixed recording on a regular player, or is it just in the headphones? I once mixed a song with upright bass + ac. guitar and I thought I'd lack bass, but when I played it in my car, it was just great.
Tech 21 Bass DI Sansamp is a great box, it simulates tube amps, has EQ controls. It'll still need preamping, though.
Also, do you not get the punch, when listening to your mixed recording on a regular player, or is it just in the headphones? I once mixed a song with upright bass + ac. guitar and I thought I'd lack bass, but when I played it in my car, it was just great.
Tech 21 Bass DI Sansamp is a great box, it simulates tube amps, has EQ controls. It'll still need preamping, though.
jmorris
New member
Gear junky, It may be a matter of peoples basses needing setup. One guy in particular has a rattling bass sound. He says it sounds great live but as we all know thats a different thing than recorded. EQing will help. I add compresson to tape and then the entire miw when mixing down, I just want to get away fron that steril,plain no excitment sound. I thought a rack unit might simulate more of an AMP soung as when playing live. Jim thanks
Gear_Junky
New member
Well, I already mentioned the Tech 21 Bass DI - it simulates tube amps. As far as racks, you're probably talking about some fancy bass tube preamp that's gonna cost a fortune. I dunno what else can fatten up a bass. Chorus should work nicely, too.
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enemyofthesun
New member
I am bass player and I own a small recording studio. Bass is a bitch to record.
Ive found the best thing is to have a point of reference. Listen to a cd of a bass player you want you bass to emulate in the mix. If you dont have a reference its hard casue you start hearing alot of possibilities and never get it just right.
First get a good tone out of your cab then run a line from the bass head into a compressor then to a preamp then into the board and record with all eq at the center position. Play around with the preamp till you get a fat sound and record. It should sound good on playback
The problem really starts at mixdown. Getting the bass to sound right in the mix is kinda tough. You have to do a real balancing act. The reference cd I mentioned though should really help cause you can gauge your mix to the mix on the cd.
Ive found the best thing is to have a point of reference. Listen to a cd of a bass player you want you bass to emulate in the mix. If you dont have a reference its hard casue you start hearing alot of possibilities and never get it just right.
First get a good tone out of your cab then run a line from the bass head into a compressor then to a preamp then into the board and record with all eq at the center position. Play around with the preamp till you get a fat sound and record. It should sound good on playback
The problem really starts at mixdown. Getting the bass to sound right in the mix is kinda tough. You have to do a real balancing act. The reference cd I mentioned though should really help cause you can gauge your mix to the mix on the cd.
kristian
New member
well, if you have the tracks, DI one track and mic the other. But if you only have one channel, what are you DIing with? a real amp or some DI box? you might want to try buying one of these tube mic pre amps, and using it as a DI, but overload it not too heavily, but just enough gain to make it sound like its coming out of a 4x10+15 speaker cab.