Recording Bass tube pre or not?

[MercyfullMusic]

I am doing my first real project for someone else other than my band (and for free too I might add for experience). I will be recording their bass direct into my DMan 2044 Card with either an Audio Buddy preamp or dbx Tube pre with the 12AX7 in it. Would the tube make the bass muddy? Can I just record straight in and maybe bump the lower level EQ a bit? I want a solid alternative rock sound.

Also I am clueless on how to use compression, especially on vocals. I understand the concept, it's just that when it comes down to practically using it it doesn't seem to do what I want. I am using the plug in compression in Sonar. How do I know where to move this little curve to get what I want? Also I am getting this dbx mic pre soon, with a tube in it can't it compress a little itself?

And what about expanders? They seem awesome to use but do I want to do it on individual tracks or wait until the end mix and do it in stereo?

Oh questions questions......

 

[warlock]

Use your ears.....
It depends on the bass and the player.
Depending on the style... Some tube may sound cool on bass.

Keijo

 

[Gidge]

definitely use a preamp....if you have access to a countryman direct box, even better.....

as far as compression goes, less is more...but usually some degree is often needed on vocals and bass....if you are not up to speed on setting one, try using the presets if they have them....start with the mildest and move until until you get what you need.....

for crash courses on compression:

http://jerrykelley.bizland.com/compression.htm

http://www.digido.com/compression.html

http://24.61.136.253/

http://www.prorec.com/prorec/articl...b425578c027460898625661000745390?OpenDocument

 

[vulcanofga]

I like the tube pre on bass.I also like to mic a good bass amp with my kick drum mic and blend the two tracks together.The DI signal gives it a little punch and the amp mic gives it some full bottom.