Options for Recording Bass Direct?

[fearhk213]

Hey what's up. I'm a guitarist that has a question about recording a good bass tone. This is new territory for me. Recently I just got a PodXT Live (guitar version) with the intent of downloading the bass models so I could use that for recording bass and use the cabinet models to record my guitar's tube head direct. However I'm getting an Axe-Fx soon, so my guitar related needs with the PodXT Live are not there anymore. So would you still keep the the Pod and download the bass packs or would you sell it and get something else (Sansamp or something?) that's comprable in price but more dedicated to bass tones? And if so, what would you get?

Thanks,
Frank

[ricoh]

This will not be any help. I have used a guitar pod with good results at times. I used a tube pre after the pod.
That said I want a Sans Amp for bass recording!!!!

[Greggy]

The tech 21 RBI bass preamp is a good piece of kit. I've had one for a couple of years now, I likey. Lots of options on that thing, great for the home studio.

[Gary Ladd]

Avalon VT-737sp :JAM

[Roach]

I used the Bass Pod Pro for recording for quite awhile and never found a sound that satisified me. The Sansamp RBI is great and very versitile. My Demeter VTBP-201 less versitile, but my favorite. Other good pres out there too.

[fearhk213]

cool, thanx for the info. I wish the Avalon was an option, it would definately be a nice addtion to my project studio that's coming together slowly.

Hey Roach, you say the Demeter is less versatile. What do you find it excells at, and what does it not do as well? As a side note I play modern technical hard rock/metal sounding stuff.

[TeleVision]

For years I have used the same recording set-up: a G&L 2500 into an Avalon U5 into the recorder, with a dual bass signal through a PodXT using a guitar amp setting I can't recall now (and that signal on a separate track) as I am not in front of it. The Avalon U5 is just a terrific preamp and does not cost what a 737 does. I use the #6 setting (I think) which rolls off the low end and boosts the upper mids. The PodXT channel signal is very dirty but when mixed down relative to the Avalon channel helps give the bass sound great definition in my recordings which usually feature a lot of guitar tracks, keyboards, lot of vocals. I also compress the signal after recording using an RNC (a good, clean, inexpensive compressor) which also helps bring up the bass level overall without overwhelming the recording with low end. I really recommend the Avalon U5.

[fizzogy]

I have used a sansamp and it's a pretty standard method for going direct, but I also use the Radial Bassbone preamp. It does not have the tube simulator option like the sansamp, but it has more eq control, a true bypass effects loop/clean boost, tuner out, 1/4in and XLR out and a few preset eq's as well for about $230.

[LaXu]

I've been quite happy using the Ampeg SVX plugin for recording. There's a demo available so give it a try. I hate all amp sim software for guitar, but for bass that one sounds pretty darn good to me.

For other gear I've just got a Yamaha bass and a Behringer DI/preamp box which is apparently a copy of the Sansamp Bass Driver DI. Actually sounds pretty good when you use the preamp in it.

[TedintheShed]

First off, if one is going to spend the bucks for a VT-737SP, there are better options at that price range for recording bass.

Second, abandon the POD. IMHO even a Bass Pod sounds like ca-ca recorded.

Third- I agree with the U5. If you can afford one ($450.00 used), it is a very versatile addition to any home studio, a great bang for the buck. Some bassist use them as a full time pre-amp in their rigs.

Lastly, if you want tonal nirvana for a bass and can afford a bass dedicated unit, Demeter is the bees knees. I use an HBP-1 live, and the older VTBP-201 (1 1/2 rack space units) with the Jenson output transformer records wonderfully. Again, around $400.00-$500.00.

[pedalhead]

on a budget, i have used the Hartke vxl pre, and an old marshall DRP.
The MXR di+ is a good option too

[TedintheShed]

The MXR di+ is a good option too

For a tight budget it is- I actually have one that is for sale. :D

[landru64]

the most important thing for getting good bass sounds 'on tape' is the player :)

[PB+J]

I never liked the sounds in the Pod. I use an Avalon U5--it always sounds great with bass AND guitar. But any high quality dedicated Di will be good. I would get the best Di you can--a simple Di, with few bells and whistles--then if you want amp effects use software modelers in your DAW. You can always modify a good basic tone, but no amount of modding in software can overcome a lousy initial tone, IMHO.

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

i like the avalon U5, but actually prefer the groove tubes 'the brick' for recording bass.

[Denyle_Guitars]

Well, since this one hasn't been recommended yet...

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/mercenary-audio_1958_40667930

[megl]

Groove Tubes The Brick is really good for Bass DI.

/megl