recording bass (di box?)

  • Thread starter Thread starter lopie
  • Start date Start date
You can use a DI box, You can plug directly into the mixer or you can mic your bass amp. I usually record the bass direct, It does work best for me. It's just a matter of preference.
 
As far as I know, direct into the mixer (along with a mic on the bass, to get the sound of your fingers) works good.

But I read where all the pros use a DI box for recording and in live situations to cure phase distortion and give you "presence", blah blah blah. I wonder if it's all a way to spend another $1K or if it really makes a difference to our ears. You have to admit that the sound a pro gets doesn't just come from playing well, a lot of money went into that signal chain.
 
Many engineers use both signals, DI and mic'd amp. Di signal gives you the crystal clear high end and snap while the bass cab gives you a bottom flavor and punch the DI cannot. Usually both channels are heavily compressed and brought together on the console. By moving faders for each up and down, you can get an EQ kind of phase between the two, resulting in the best of both worlds.
 
The Sansamp Bass driver DI has a parallel output that you can route to an amp or other signal chain. I have used both paths and blended the signals to create some really nice bass tones.
 
Bass guitar straight to console sucks. The sound is lifeless and dull, and the impendance is not matched.

Use a dedicated DI or mic the amp. If you want the best, do both.
 
I agree. The Countryman has long been considered on of the best D.I.'s for electirc bass. I have an MXR M-80 that I've used with varied results.

A
www.aaroncheney.com
 
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