recording bass direct

  • Thread starter Thread starter sonarstar
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sonarstar

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i was just looking for some thoughts on the best way to record a bass direct when you dont have the option to mic an amp. what are good direct boxes? is there something better. i used a pretty basic box once and i couldnt really get a good bass sound. any ideas?? thanks a lot!
 
I think amp modelers and simulators are a very good way to record bass because they allow you to shape the sound to some degree. They usually have EQ, overdrive, and some have compression and cabinet simulation.

Line 6 Bass POD $350
SansAmp Bass DI $190
SansAmp Bass RBI $300
Johnson J-Station $150
MXR M80 Bass DI $120

There are some good direct boxes and preamps too. Too many to list really. Aguilar, Demeter, Summit Audio, Countryman, BSS, Avalon. Those are popular among bass players.

Do you have a budget/amount you can spend ? Do you have any preamps or compressors right now ? Does your recorder have a Hi-Z input ?
 
sonarstar said:
i was just looking for some thoughts on the best way to record a bass direct when you dont have the option to mic an amp. what are good direct boxes? is there something better. i used a pretty basic box once and i couldnt really get a good bass sound. any ideas?? thanks a lot!
Click to expand...

I've been using Joe Meek VC6Q that I had originally bought for vocals but have found use for it as a DI for my Bass. Does a good job but not much for variety. I'm looking at getting something like a POD for more sounds.

Is it just me or does the Sans Amp Bass DI seem expensive?

I'm leaning toward POD, but what about the new POD copies from Buh buh buh Behringer? I'm gonna give those a serious listen.
 
One of the best-kept secrets (Bass D.I.)

One of the best direct boxes for bass is the ART Tube MP mic preamp... VERY big and fat-sounding. MF has them on sale for only $59. You can use it for other things too, but it's drop-dead amazing on a passive bass when used as a D.I. Try it... you won't regret it.
 
Preamp Recommendations

If you have a high end budget to work with, I personally recommend these three preamps:

1. Kern IP-777
2. Alembic FX-1
3. Demeter VTB or HBT (for the para-eq)

The Kern is difficult to find nowadays, Kern may have ended production of these units recently. All of these units are quite pricy indeed but are among the absolute best offered.
 
I know a pro engineer who has been saying good things about what I think is a Focusrite preamp used for bass....I'll check when I see him the week after next.
 
Avalon U5 DI.....$500 new...less used....da best
 
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