Recording Bass Guitar

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mrmeggs

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I am about to endeavor to record an Ampeg classic amp (I dont know which out is the di) and would like to know the best way to about recording bass in general. I usually DI and mic up with a bass mic such as d112 (only just got the m88). I usually always have trouble getting the right bass sound Also if someone could shed some light on eq'ing the bass and what compression it needs, so that I can workshop these. Here is a list of some of my equipment just in case you have some ideas for that. I am using m-audio 10 10, millenia pre, I have akg414, sm 57's, beyer m88. That should do for bass i think. Cheers
 
What kind of bass? Active or passive pickups? What type of music? There really isn't just one good bass tone.
 
Using active pick ups (Musicman stingray), more like coldplay, Radiohead sort of sound.
 
mrmeggs said:
I am about to endeavor to record an Ampeg classic amp (I dont know which out is the di)
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On my SVT Classic's I can use either the "Balanced Out" or "Preamp Out".

and would like to know the best way to about recording bass in general.
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I like going direct and miking the cab... try your M88 first.
 
String sound

In addition to the cab and DI, you could also try adding another condensor mic, trained on the strings, as you would when recording an acoustic guitar. Blending in some of the acoustic sound can really add some life to it, if that's what you're looking for. Not really familiar with the 'Radiohead bass sound,' so might not be your thing.

I've yet to experiment with this, but there can also be a slight delay issue, between your DI signal and mic'd (cab) signal (unless you're right up against the grill, I guess), which by delaying the DI signal a hair can snap it into focus. I can see how this would be an issue if the mic is set away from the cab.
 
My rules of thumb when recording bass:

1.) Keep amp volume low to moderate.

2.) Keep the amp sound tight, without much bass (can cause rattling in the cab or room).

3.) Use a high quality dynamic like a RE20 or MD421 (D112 is too blurry for my taste).

4.) Blend with direct signal thru a quality preamp. Lately I've been using a Focusrite ISA 428 for direct bass.
 
Farview said:
What kind of bass? Active or passive pickups? What type of music? There really isn't just one good bass tone.
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There is more than just one good bass tone for sure... but I have never met a bass track where a Fender Jazz or Precision bass, preferably with flatwound strings wasn't the ticket. From "folk" to "jazz" to "country" to "death metal" and "industrial" [if a bass is used at all] the Fender P or J bass works like a charm.

If working DI... then out of the bass into the DI into the desk and be done with it... if working with an amp, get the bass sound you like from the amp and record it [it ain't rocket surgery... though getting a good tone out of the amp can be torture]... if recording both mic and DI [or doing a "re-amp" thing with a DI track] I would highly recommend you investigate a Littlelabs "IBP" to get the two sounds to work and play better with each other creating the bass track that is most appropriate for the song on which you're working.
 
Fletcher said:
There is more than just one good bass tone for sure... but I have never met a bass track where a Fender Jazz or Precision bass, preferably with flatwound strings wasn't the ticket. From "folk" to "jazz" to "country" to "death metal" and "industrial" [if a bass is used at all] the Fender P or J bass works like a charm.

If working DI... then out of the bass into the DI into the desk and be done with it... if working with an amp, get the bass sound you like from the amp and record it [it ain't rocket surgery... though getting a good tone out of the amp can be torture]... if recording both mic and DI [or doing a "re-amp" thing with a DI track] I would highly recommend you investigate a Littlelabs "IBP" to get the two sounds to work and play better with each other creating the bass track that is most appropriate for the song on which you're working.
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I'll second Fletcher's Fender American P and J bass comments, etc... and include the Rick 4003... I own all three. ;)

mrmeggs said:
thanks heaps
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You're welcome... oh, and by the way... I use a U5 DI, and mic a little 10" bass speaker in a tuned front loaded cab. Also, believe it or not... the Rode NT3 can kicks ass on small bass cabs.

PS... I could use some positive rep ponits... hint, hint. ;)
 
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Anyone read the TapeOp interview with Carol Kaye? Pretty interesting read on bass and recording.
 
robin watson said:
In addition to the cab and DI, you could also try adding another condensor mic, trained on the strings, as you would when recording an acoustic guitar. Blending in some of the acoustic sound can really add some life to it, if that's what you're looking for. Not really familiar with the 'Radiohead bass sound,' so might not be your thing.

I've yet to experiment with this, but there can also be a slight delay issue, between your DI signal and mic'd (cab) signal (unless you're right up against the grill, I guess), which by delaying the DI signal a hair can snap it into focus. I can see how this would be an issue if the mic is set away from the cab.
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damn you just beat me to that strings micing technique.
 
Track Rat said:
Anyone read the TapeOp interview with Carol Kaye? Pretty interesting read on bass and recording.
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I just finished that article. She definitely has some interesting opinions on playing and recording. Great read.
 
just what I needed

My brother is a bass guitar soloist - Brady Muckelroy is his name ( www.bradymuckelroy.com ) good stuff.

I'm about to bring him into the studio, and he plays a Carvin 5 string w/ active pickups, a Blue...........fender, not sure, and a nice Zon fretless. He puts it through a nice Gallien Krueger head and cab, and he told me that when in the studio last time, they used both a direct signal, and miked the cab.

What would be the general recommendation for a close-mike mic? I'm getting mixed responses, so anyone use a bass cab mic that will give the earthiest sound possible? Need something that will make the harmonics sing.

Cool beans.
Callie
 
Try putting the amp in dead ISO booth (one without bass buildup) and mic it about 4" to 6" off the grill and maybe a little off axis depending on the mic and etc... rememeber... the center of the speaker gives more hi's and towards the rings gives more bass... anyway, just move the mic where it sounds best. Also... it helps if you can get someone to move the mic around for you while you listen in the control room for the sweet spot.
 
DJL said:
I'll second Fletcher's Fender American P and J bass comments, etc... and include the Rick 4003... I own all three. ;)

You're welcome... oh, and by the way... I use a U5 DI, and mic a little 10" bass speaker in a tuned front loaded cab. Also, believe it or not... the Rode NT3 can kicks ass on small bass cabs.

PS... I could use some positive rep ponits... hint, hint. ;)
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Sorry don't know how to do that/?
 
Track Rat said:
Anyone read the TapeOp interview with Carol Kaye? Pretty interesting read on bass and recording.
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Yeah, I enjoyed that... oh, and in the new "Christian Guitarist + Bassist" issue on page 10 there are some helpful bass recording tips too. ;)
mrmeggs said:
Sorry don't know how to do that/?
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That's ok... it's no big deal, and it's the thought that counts anyway. :)
 
DJL said:
I'll second Fletcher's Fender American P and J bass comments
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That's great... but our P-bass is a Mexican P-bass... cheapest one they had in the store. I spent about 4-5 hours getting the setup pretty happenin' and it's an exceptionally viable instrument.

I have a friend with a Japanese P-bass that kinda kills our Mexican one... and there are a couple of "vintage" ones in the area that are on par with our Mexican one [there is something about my buddy's Jap P-bass that is just fucking incredible].

Ya know what... I'll bet you even money that if Jimi Hendrix were alive today he'd walk into some guitar store, point to the Strats and say "I'll take a dozen of those" without stressing about American, Japanese, Mexican build, nor year/vintage/etc.

A good instrument is a good tool for a purpose... they're not meant to be hung on walls or get put into temperature controlled vaults... they're meant to be used to create music.
 
Fletcher said:
There is more than just one good bass tone for sure... but I have never met a bass track where a Fender Jazz or Precision bass, preferably with flatwound strings wasn't the ticket. From "folk" to "jazz" to "country" to "death metal" and "industrial" [if a bass is used at all] the Fender P or J bass works like a charm.
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Yes!!! flatwound strings are the sound that most of us "older" guys grew up listening to and loving. Round wounds can certainly be cool, but those flats have their unique and distinct spot in the mix (or live for that matter).
Never seen round wounds on a standup bass, and the electric bass was originally made to solve some of the logistic problems inherent in micing and hauling the standup instrument. The standup bass is a marvel to listen to, but a J or P bass with flatwounds is just as good.

IMHO,
Terry
 
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