JTyson
Well-known member
anyone stumbled onto anything new that works?
sebby123
New member
Direct is the best way to go
rsm
Well-known member
Haven't tried this yet, as I'm still researching my recording solution (and still dealing with amp/preamp/modeler GAS), but my plan is to use my Tech 21 Sansamp Programmable Bass Driver DI into whatever audio interface (most likely an Apogee Duet or One) I get. If that fails to deliver, I would try my Trace Elliot MP11 preamp into the audio interface, Again, this is all theory at this point, but its my plan. Both the Sansamp and TE sound great (IMO) into my Bose L1 FRFR rig. Though I use it more for guitar, I also have the Tech 21 PSA 1.1 that can handle bass tones as an option, or go direct instrument to audio interface.
JTyson
Well-known member
Well, I've gone direct from the amp (SWR) it was meh 
, I've gone direct and miked, 
I've gone direct from the sansamp bass driver. it was ok. we went from the sansamp into a avalon mic-pre, it sounded way better 
, gonna try going from the sansamp into the Universal Audio pre, I think the compression will be better (faster) Having trouble finding the magic combo The mic-pres in the digidesign stink 
Thinking about trying the sansamp into my kosmos pro, anyone ever try that? none of these sound bad, they just dont knock my socks off.
, I've gone direct and miked, I've gone direct from the sansamp bass driver. it was ok. we went from the sansamp into a avalon mic-pre, it sounded way better , gonna try going from the sansamp into the Universal Audio pre, I think the compression will be better (faster) Having trouble finding the magic combo The mic-pres in the digidesign stink Thinking about trying the sansamp into my kosmos pro, anyone ever try that? none of these sound bad, they just dont knock my socks off.
JTyson
Well-known member
Well, the sansamp into the kosmos pro was no good, takes out too much of the meaty mids, some basses worse than others. we have a Rickenbacker, a Ernie Ball, and a Fender Jazz bass...... back to the drawing board.........
Phrygian
Active member
I'm splitting into an API 512C and a Great River MP-500NV, always checking phase of course. They both sound killer for DI bass. The API has that mid bump/punch...classic API sound, and the Great River is smooth with massive low end and you can push it or keep an open sound, a nice versatile pre. Usually after that I run the Great River track through multiple settings I've made on my Sansamp PSA-1 but honestly the latest stuff I did didn't even need it. I ended up using a Studio Devil Bass plugin on the API track just to make it sound less like a DI and more like a real bass/amp and I ran an SSL Channel on the Great River track just for an extra touch of mojo. I then run two auxilary busses. The first is final EQ and some compression. The second buss is for the grit I sneak in there, either from the Studio Devil Bass plug or Izotope's Trash. I filter out some low and high stuff because I prefer not distorting certain ranges. I've been really happy with my sound!
On the cheap, the Sansamp PSA-1 direct into an interface can still do wonders.
On the cheap, the Sansamp PSA-1 direct into an interface can still do wonders.
JTyson
Well-known member
I'm sure the API would be the ticket, for sure with the Rickenbacker, I just dont have one of those beauties lying around my doghouse 
Interesting about running the API with the Great River, you are running two aux busses each, or one to each pre? Are you tracking that way, or adding the aux busses later?
Interesting about running the API with the Great River, you are running two aux busses each, or one to each pre? Are you tracking that way, or adding the aux busses later?
Phrygian
Active member
I record through the API and GR at the same time then add the aux afterwards, with both recorded tracks going to each. Hey, a really cheap way to get a decent sound would be to DI then add a Studio Devil Bass plug. They're not expensive and sound really damn good! Best bass plug I've ever used. Maybe try it out! You might even be able to download a demo.
Audioholic
New member
Generally I go direct into PT, and I like using the SVT bass plug in from IK multimedia. Actually sounds pretty good. I have taken a line out from tube amp heads to success as well, but if going direct, a good pre is essential to getting the best from your bass, instrument in. I also have used the AXE fx for direct bass, but honestly so far I still think amplitube bass plug in sounds better.
once you get a good recording, then mixing techniques will help it sit the best
once you get a good recording, then mixing techniques will help it sit the best
dawnofdreamx97
Well-known member
sansamp rpm rack mount into a neve 1073 dpa split w/ a countryman active DI for the direct tone. Sometimes I'll reamp it back through the svt classic with a d112 or re20 or even a 421 depending on the style and etc...
BOOM!
BOOM!
Phrygian
Active member
dawnofdreamx97":3onuv0en said:sansamp rpm rack mount into a neve 1073 dpa split w/ a countryman active DI for the direct tone. Sometimes I'll reamp it back through the svt classic with a d112 or re20 or even a 421 depending on the style and etc...
BOOM!
Yep, that would definitely do it lol. I used to reamp through an SVT myself but I just found I was getting what I needed going DI.
JTyson
Well-known member
Thanks guys, I'll chew on that a bit 
nbarts
New member
Distressor definitely helps.
Other than that try that Ampeg plugin & combine it with a DI track.
I found tracking bass really easy until you go below D, the nightmare begins when you go lower than that. That said I'd love to mike a rig to get that punch, but the rigs I dig will cost me about 10K.
Other than that try that Ampeg plugin & combine it with a DI track.
I found tracking bass really easy until you go below D, the nightmare begins when you go lower than that. That said I'd love to mike a rig to get that punch, but the rigs I dig will cost me about 10K.
digwhisper
New member
I use my Axe Fx standard direct. I feed two chains simultaneously direct into Pro Tools. One chain uses a tube preamp model with no cab and the other through an Ampeg amp and cab model. Depending on the part played I may use a little compression but I prefer to EQ and Comp in Pro Tools. I'll blend those two to taste. If I'm still not 100% feeling the tone while tracking I'll send in a dry direct signal in so I can reamp later.
Phrygian
Active member
nbarts":13isnro9 said:Distressor definitely helps.
Can't believe I forgot that lol I'm going through my Distressor on one of the tracks. I'm pretty sure it's on the API because that pre is hot and the Distressor helps pad it after the pre is pushed...plus the Distressor sounds great!
nbarts
New member
BTW When miking & mixing the DI make sure they are aligned otherwise it's gonna sound like poo. Try an SM7B on bass cabs, sounds great! Something like little labs IBP helps too, when you wanna combine DI track with miked track. One thing is for sure, having a good compressor on the way in is a lifesaver. If I was spoiled I'd go tube pre/distressor direct & combine it with SM7/solid state pre/LA-2A or maybe 1176. Another thing is tape, it does magic for bass IMO. Tape simulators do a pretty good job ITB too.
JTyson
Well-known member
yeah, I ran into some alignment issues in the past, I have some LA-2A, LA-3a, and 1176 emulations in Universal Audio's plug ins, but dont have the actual stuff. They are surprisingly good though, their is also a Fairchild emulation that is very good. I cant track with them, but I can add them later. I have had some latency issues trying to track with them, but it works out better adding them later. A distressor is on my list, those things are awesome. I have a lot of things that would benefit having one of those Still working on it, thanks for the help guys
Still working on it, thanks for the help guys 
stephen sawall
SEMI ERECT MEMBER
Try going with just the Avalon. Maybe run it a bit hotter than you think you should. Do not over do it.