Recording bass with compression?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Resonator
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Resonator

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I always play bass with compression on. But for recording bass, it is best to play as dry as possible (without effects). Is this also the case for compression? Should I record a compressed bass or should I aply the compression after the recording? Any suggestions?
 
Both.

You'll play differently (better) if you record with light compression then without especialy if you play with compresion all the time.
 
I agree.I prefer some light compression while tracking bass.A limiter is nice , too.
 
I do it. Some compression on the way in, makes the bass 'behave' better when you go to mix the track
 
i have tracked some bass dry and then applied cakewalk tape sim to it and that beefed up the track a bit

steve
 
I would also say that it depends on how you play. Compression is obviously there to tame dynamics. If you are able to play evenly you could get away with little or no compression.

Personally, I have met very few people who couldn't use at least a touch of comp during tracking and probably more during mixing. It also allows you to get your bass track a little hotter to tape and minimize or eliminate digital overs.

Good luck.
 
Thank you guys,

I'm afraid I'm not the type of Bassplayer who can play evenly. So I will take your advise to track the bass with some compression. I also think that it will make me feel more comfortable.

But StevaReno, what's cakewalk tape sim you were talkin' about?
 
yo res,

the tape simulator is a plug-in
it give you the option to have 7 or 15 or 30 ips just like real tape recordings, it also allows you to fatten up those lower frequencies

ckeck it out - i believe it is available on-line

simply put it gives you that analog feel to your recording as if they were recorded on tape

sometime i'll run a mix through it and it gives it that tape feel
it will even allow you to saturate stuff it's a good tool to have

if you can't find it i'll try to locate it agian and give you the link
but i'm sure if you do a search for vst or direct x plug-ins you should find it

steve
 
Vintage Warmer by PSP sounds way, way better and is way more versatile!

variable hard/soft knee, single or multiband compression, brickwall limiter. . .

And it's great on the two-bus!
 
I agree with malcore pop, I have had great success with the Vintage Warmer on bass.
 
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