Do I need a mixer to record elec bass?

[Jacksondog]

Hello, yeah I'm a noob.

Well, I would like to record electric bass into cubase easily and affordably. My question is do I need to purchase a mixer to go from bass amplifier to sound card? Or, can I plug the bass amp directly into the sound card using the cable and 1/8" adapter? Or, should I get a direct box thingy instead?

Thanks for your help.
Jacksondog

 

[Gidge]

you can get a decent sound going from the amps line out going into the line in of the soundcard......

however, if you wanna step up in quality, use a direct box like the Countryman DI or Johnson J-Station or Bass Pod.....

by all means, try it direct first....

 

[AlChuck]

Jacksondog, be sure it's a Line Out and not the speaker output!!!

 

[Krakit]

What's your budget?

A Line6 Pod is very nice (to be sure) but are you ready to spend that kind of bread?

There are less expensive ways to go direct than that, but the Pod brings a lot to the table if you can spring for it.

Carl

 

[Hugh Jazz]

The Sansamp Bass Driver DI is the best DI for bass for the cost (~$150). Not only will it thicken up your sound, but you can add some slight overdrive to it as well. It can also be used as an effect pedal in your signal chain, i.e. bass-->SABDDI-->amp.

It is very strongly recommended by most bass players.

 

[Jacksondog]

bass

Wow great info!
I do not have a huge budget for this. Can I spend under a $100 for a DI?
One reason that I have been so confused is that some people say to plug right in from the amp to sound card, others say the mixer is the way to go and still others recommend a DI.
I am just starting out and would like to learn more, and it looks like I am in the right place. Sounds like the DI is the way to go. What exactly does the DI do for the bass signal? Why do you recommend that over a mixer?

Thank you all greatly,
Trevor (Jacksondog)

 

[Gidge]

http://www.americanmusical.com/item.asp?UID=2002021312560517&menu=&keyword=&item=COU+TYPE85

i think the Countryman is as good or better....again, best advice is to gather as many opinions here and audition them yourself.......myself, i rather the J-Ststion but im notgoing by MY nereds, im going by what may be best for someone else......

 

[Krakit]

Here's a very good online presentation from Craig Anderton

Bass Direct Boxes

Carl