Recomndations for a Studio Bass Amp.

[Mongoo]

Hi, I need to pick out a Bass amp that will primarily only be used for recording in a studio. It's just going to sit there most of the time.

I've been leaning towards an Ampeg model so far, maybe around 200 watts or so. If the bass gets recorded alone Watts may not matter, but for bands that want to record live it may.

Do you have any thoughts as to what features to consider in bass amp selection for a studio? Any brands or models you think I should look into?

Thanks,

Mongoo

 

[snow lizard]

The Ampeg SVT has been a classic for years. I've demoed a couple of their solid state amps and wasn't thrilled with them, but the SVT is great.

Ive also played through a Sunn - I forget which model. 400 watt tube head. Very nice amp.

For solid state stuff, I really like SWR. Something around a Workingman 4004 should give plenty of power (260 watts into 8 ohms), plus they sound good. For a cabinet, 10" speakers are very nice for recording or just good bass tone in general. Again, I'm pretty happy with SWR. The Goliath series cabinets are great for handling lots of power. The cab I use is a 2x10 with a horn. The horn can be too much, but there's an attenuator knob that lets you dial it out. Options are good. The Super Redhead is also a good studio amp, but a 4004 with a Goliath Jr. is less expensive. A Workingman's series cab will be a bit cheaper than the equivalent Goliath, but I like the extra power handling. Super clean.

Sometimes running a bass amp through a 4x12 guitar cabinet can be interesting.


sl

 

[Mongoo]

What about combo's?

Snow lizard,

What do you think about Combo's vs. Head & Stacks? I do like tube amps. I have an ampeg tube guitar amp as it is and like that very much. Versitility or just one awsome sound is what I'm going for I guess. I'd like to keep the entire package under $1,000 if possible.

 

[AGCurry]

Well, it really totally depends on your intentions. If you want something that's very versatile, you're best off getting a something middle-of-the-road, like a solid-state amp with good EQ capabilities. If you want "old school", an Ampeg B-15N can't be beat.

In the studio, big is not better, and it's often worse; and, truth be told, you're gonna end up going direct with bass often anyway. So I'd recommend something with maybe 2 10s or a 12, low noise, and good EQ.

 

[Mongoo]

What about DI boxs

Thanks AGCURRY,

What are the best and also middle of the road direct box's you can get for bass DI recording?

I think we have a proco direct box laying around here somewhere. Honestly I don't know much about DI Box's. Where would you rate the proco's DI Box's?

 

[snow lizard]

I prefer using a separate head & cab. I'm not crazy about the sound of most combos out there, but there's a lot I haven't played. A typical 1x15" combo can be inexpensive, but 15's seem to be hard to focus for a tight sound. They're great for filling in a lot of low end in a club or something (if they have enough power, which many don't), but this isn't always a good thing for recording. Very woofy, lots of spill. 10's are way more defined, 12's are growly & good for distorted bass.

Also, most of the combos I've tried have very little going on in the flavour department - much of the reason for micing an amp in the first place. (A Redhead-type being an exception, but it's out of my price range.)

Having a separate head also allows you to get it off of the speaker cab to reduce the chance of rattle.

The Sans Amp Bass Driver DI seems to be a popular choice for direct recording.


sl

 

[AGCurry]

Mongoo -

Again, the choice of DIs depends on whether you want a coloration to the sound. When I'm recording myself, I just use a passive box like the ProCo - but I'm not looking for coloration or enhancement. As Snow Lizard says, the Sansamp is highly regarded in the "enhancement" category.