Good Bass Guitar Sound?

  • Thread starter Thread starter KenL1
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KenL1

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Hey gang! What is the secret top getting a good bass guitar sound? I am only using it for recording on my DAW. I have tried running it through my POD on the tuber preamp setting but it still sounds weak and has to be cranked in the mix to the point of over powering the guitars. Any advice on EQ'ing or certain effects would help a bunch. Thanks.
 
try using the search function as this has been covered many times

welcome to the board
Tukkis
 
since it is only your 5th post i'll help you out a bit. You need a compressor. Most likely and Preamp/Compressor would be good for you. What is your budget? You should look up what a compressor is and what it does before you go out and buy one.
 
keilson arnt you assuming just a bit that this person has no exsperence at all based on the fact hes a newbie to the form? im sure if you have a daw you have a compressor unlike some! here is a general starting point for bass compression and let your ears decide on this fully threshhold -4.4db ratio 2:6:1 attack 45 to 50ms release 180 -200ms
 
Well, actually the secret is to get a real good-sounding bass and to buy a bunch of new strings untill you find a nice-sounding set. Then experiment with the pickup and tone switches untill you get a nice, neutral sound that compliments your playing.

Oh, and I almost forgot: Experiment with where you're picking. If you're using your fingers, try playing both above the pickups towards the neck, or below the pickups (to the right if you're a righty) and even in-between. Somewhere, you should find a sweet spot that changes the tone of the guitar quite drastically to where it sounds fatter and punchier when you record.

In terms of what you plug it into, I'm afraid it doesn't really matter a whole heck of a lot. This is an instance, however where not only is it okay, but actually it's advisable to use a cheapo toob mic preamp like the ART Tube MP. Starved plate designs are very bass-friendly. Sansamp also has somthing for the bass I've heard some raves about.
 
I've used an ART Tube MP and a Meek MQ3. Both helped a lot, but at the moment I"m addicted to the MQ3. Compression can be a crutch, but if you're as lousy as I am on bass, I'll take any help I can get!

Fab
 
I've got an Avalon 737sp rented.. can't wait to try it out for laying down some real bass tracks.. just doing scratch tracks for the cd right now.. once we get drums down, I'll get to play with it.. will report in. :)
 
Hey...

A lot of people will suggest running a compressor in the chain while tracking to keep really loud notes under control, then compress more in the mix. In most cases, I haven't found that I've needed to compress while tracking, and sometimes it can actually decrease the bass's punchiness if you're not careful.

If you're working with a skilled bassist who can control their dynamics, then just rely on a good DI and pre - especially if you're recording at over 16 bit, where you don't have to worry about recording at an earsplitting level. Then you can run compression in the mix.

I have an MXR M-80 bass DI that I got pretty cheap, and I love it. It also helps to have a quality bass with decent pickups. I used to record with an old Ibanez TR bass P/J combo. I could never get a good bass sound with it. Since then, I've gotten a Carvin Neck-Thru model... No contest. My lines are smooth, consistent, and always punchy with little or no effects in the mix.

For a DAW compressor, I personally like the Waves R-Compressor, because it is stripped down and simple. Not much to screw up.

Just my 2 cents...

Rick

P.S. - I have a copy of AmpliTube, and there are some bass presets on there that are rather interesting... I'm not sure that I dig them all, but if you're looking for that "special something" it's worth a look. I've liked it better than the Pod in some instances.
 
the best thing to do with the compressor is put it in the bassists chain during tracking


otehr then that it jsut depends on what you have. I use a MD421 and a E602 on the bass cabs. Both mikes right next to each other. I dont use DI unless the cab is total caca. In that case I use a sansamp bass driver or one of those MXR bass pedals and go direct from those into the board or motu.

on mixdown boost the low-mids and cut the lows. add a touch of compression and just a hair of reverb and it should sit very well in the mix
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. Its already starting to sound better. I have been playing for 17 years, but I just got this DAW about 2 weeks ago so all of your advice is appreciated. And thank you duolos for giving me a bit of credit. lol Really, though, thanks everyone.
 
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