Recording bass

[krankguitarist]

I'm looking for a way to do a direct input to my computer for recording bass. Right now the front runner is the line 6 Bass PODxt, that I can pick up for about 200 dollars used. Anybody have any other suggestions that would be worth checking out?

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Recording bass

If you just intend to use it for computer recording? For $200 NEW! you can get a Toneport. Guitar,Bass and Vocals, the whole ball of wax.

 

[krankguitarist]

Re: Recording bass

Already got my XT for all my guitar recording needs...though the vocal features on the toneport do seem appealing. Definately somthing to look into.

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Recording bass

Already got my XT for all my guitar recording needs...though the vocal features on the toneport do seem appealing. Definately somthing to look into.

Just make sure your RAM is 512MB's or better. I was ready to pull the trigger on the TonePort until I noticed that's the minimum it requires. Not a big deal if your computer runs on DDR Ram like all the rest in world. My machine runs on Rambus RAM that is stupid expensive. Over $100 a chip and they have to be replaced in pairs.:smack:

 

[J Moose]

Re: Recording bass

Already got my XT for all my guitar recording needs...

Then why not use that to record bass?

Pick a cleaner model & build a preset or three from there...it's not like reinventing the wheel or anything.

Normally I use a DI & amp or sometimes two DI's...one clean and one post-pedals or whatever, depends on the players rig. But I'll get those phase aligned BEFORE the computer, sprinkle a little compresson & EQ if/as needed and print them to seperate tracks.

 

[RGN]

Re: Recording bass

just use the guitar POD XT with the Tube Pre-Amp. It sounds very good. I do it all of the time.

 

[krankguitarist]

Re: Recording bass

Then why not use that to record bass?

Pick a cleaner model & build a preset or three from there...it's not like reinventing the wheel or anything.

Normally I use a DI & amp or sometimes two DI's...one clean and one post-pedals or whatever, depends on the players rig. But I'll get those phase aligned BEFORE the computer, sprinkle a little compresson & EQ if/as needed and print them to seperate tracks.

Hmm...well, its somthing i've tried in the past, I've just never been able to get it to sound all too great. Then again, it did take me somewhere around the vacinity of 3 weeks before I started getting a tone I was happy with with my PODxt. Maybe its worth another shot.

I've already got a gig of DDR ram, so the toneport wouldnt be a problem.

 

[xerxes]

Re: Recording bass

yea, just use the guitar one, and **** around with the settings...

 

[krankguitarist]

Re: Recording bass

Anybody got any reccomended presets? I've been experementing with it for a little bit and all I can get is a tubby-ass sound.

 

[J Moose]

Re: Recording bass

Hmm...well, its somthing i've tried in the past, I've just never been able to get it to sound all too great. Then again, it did take me somewhere around the vacinity of 3 weeks before I started getting a tone I was happy with with my PODxt. Maybe its worth another shot.

The POD won't totally kill the tone, if it sucks that bad even after a new set of strings then I'd try another bass or just work on your chops. It's not just like a guitar with less strings.

Don't roll off any of the top end, it should be there so the bass doesn't get buried by everything else. I'd also avoid piling on tons of low end at first unless you're shooting for a reggae vibe.

What kind of bass sound are you shooting for?

 

[krankguitarist]

Re: Recording bass

The POD won't totally kill the tone, if it sucks that bad even after a new set of strings then I'd try another bass or just work on your chops. It's not just like a guitar with less strings.

Don't roll off any of the top end, it should be there so the bass doesn't get buried by everything else. I'd also avoid piling on tons of low end at first unless you're shooting for a reggae vibe.

What kind of bass sound are you shooting for?

I played bass in my old band for about two years...so I know what ya mean about it not being like a guitar with less strings ;-).

I'm shootin for a smooth, punchy, clean sort of bass tone. I'm not big on using picks...I much prefer the sound I get when I use my fingers. I'm usin a fender p-bass lyte deluxe, which has a p-bass pickup on it and a j-bass style humbucker at the bridge. Its got active electronics, and I've just restrung the thing. She's set up and ready to go.

 

[J Moose]

Re: Recording bass

Dig it.

Depending on the style of tone your aiming for, I'd probably start with one of the Bassman or cleaner models & a tiny little bit of compression...nothing else & work from there. Try a few of 'em and see what "pops" out of the mix while sitting in and creating a solid foundation.

There are so many different sorts of bass tones it's pretty hard to generalize...I wouldn't dial up the same thing and try to stuff a Paul McCartney-ish tone into a Kings X tune or vice versa.

 

[TheArchitect]

Re: Recording bass

Get a kick ass direct box and have at it. I prefer the Groove Tubes "Brick" tube pre myself. It doesn't get any more pure than that.