Recording bass DI

[Creighton]

I have a nice Hofner bass to record with but no bass amp so I would like to get the best possible tube amp like tone recording the bass lined directly into a Zoom R24 recorder. To achieve the most tube amp-like sound should I purchase a preamp like the Sansamp or Aguilar Tone Hammer?

 

[Creighton]

Or do I need a direct box to emulate an amp? Looking for something within a couple hundred dollar range. I've actually used the A Designs Reddi in a studio before and it was great but not looking to spend that much for a direct box at the moment.

 

[loudboy]

The tech 21 unit has consistently sounded great whenever I've used one.

 

[electricity17]

http://arkhamsound.com/octling.html

The Tone Hammer pedal works nicely, I've used it for recording and gotten good results. But if you want tubes, the Arkham Octling has them. It's the preamp stage of an Ampeg B15, one of the classic old school bass amps, and it sounds great. Other options would include the A Designs REDDI which is well loved, but more expensive and would require a preamp.

 

[bgood]

Aren't there insert effects in the R24 that might work for you? I think my R8 has some amp Sims gut I am not positive. Sansamp is probably a great option.

 

[sacakl]

I just got the ampeg SCR-DI and it works pretty well. Probably not as versatile as some other DI's but does the ampeg sound pretty well, plus the option of adding a little hair with the scrambler feature.