bass amp for home studio.

double-muff · #1 05-07-2011, 05:19 AM

Hello

I am looking for a good combo amp for a home studio I'm putting up over the summer.
I make mostly hip hop music and I use a fretless Squier classic vibe jazz.

I need recommendations for good combo amps for home studio recording with a budget of about $600

Thanks.

fretno · #2 05-07-2011, 06:22 AM

Used
Ampeg B-15 though may run over budget
SWR Babyblue
GK MB
Genze Shuttle
EBS
EA
Markbass

soo many good choices the list goes on and on...

RickenBoogie · #3 05-07-2011, 07:29 AM

A good preamp/DI box is really all you need.

fretno · #4 05-07-2011, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

A good preamp/DI box is really all you need.

usually I agree 'cept most pro studios still mic and blend . I'm far too lazy though and 99% of the time go direct .

pasta4lnch · #5 05-07-2011, 07:56 AM

fwiw I usually record my bass w/ a U5 and SABDDI blended. That gets me KILLER tone! Occasionally, if I'm motivated, I'll mic up my LMII or Epi Univalve through a GS112 . . . that's killer too

I've also mic'd my minimark. used a few mics and it was oddly muddy, but w/ a 57 it was smoooooothville

cableguy · #6 05-07-2011, 08:03 AM

Sansamp bass driver DI. One channel tube emulation, one channel clean has been my method with good results. Used the go for $100.00 +/-

c2thej2theizzo · #7 05-07-2011, 08:13 AM

have to agree w/ Rick on the preamp / DI . You usually want the cleanest most precise sound you can get for hip hop, which will best come direct from a preamp. On the cheap, grab a new Eden WTDI(really deep clean thumpy modern sounding bass perfect for hip hop R&B, reggae etc.) The Sansamp and Aguilar tonhammer are good too but have a more authentic tone. Other guys will recommend other really nice preamps, that I've never used. But in my opinion, every bass player should have some kind of preamp DI, they will almost always make any sub-standard combo or any other amp sound way better, live or in the studio. If you truly insist on micing a combo amp, try finding one that has a coax speaker so you can get full range. Avoid amps with tweeters or turn the tweeter off for studio micing.

Sartori · #8 05-07-2011, 01:41 PM

Ampeg B15.

MuthaFunk · #9 05-07-2011, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretno

Used
SWR Babyblue
soo many good choices the list goes on and on...

I have '77 HiWatt, Mesa Walkabout, EdenWT-400, GBX, Traynor, and have used Ampeg and I find most of the time in my home studio I end up using my Baby Baby Blue DI for a great bass sound. When I want some classic tones or dirt I usually run a VT Bass pedal with it.

The Baby Baby Blue's aren't worth much on the used market, ($350-$450). I would highly recomend one for your application.

spufman · #10 05-09-2011, 06:41 AM

I totally dig my recently acquired SWR Baby Blue II. The speakers sound fantastic and it has a really great tube DI built right in. I can't imagine a better studio amp, at least for my sensibilities. If you got one for 350-450, that would be a bargain in my book. I paid more, but mine is a very nice example with low miles and the cover.

Nedmundo · #11 05-09-2011, 07:00 AM

I don't know how high you're aiming with your studio, but I've been happy recording with my Roland Cube 100, which has just been upgraded into the 120XL. The various amp models are useful for recording, and the balanced XLR switches between direct out and line out, so the models can be sent direct. I've been surprised which models I've liked on particular tracks. It also sounds good with a mic, and the compressor isn't bad if run at low levels. I'm not saying the compressor is pro studio grade by any means, but for quick-and-dirty home projects it's okay.

My Cube has one significant downside for recording IMO: some basses produce digital processing noise on certain amp models. I didn't notice this until I got Nordstrand NJ5FS pickups in my Jazz V. On the "Super Flat" model, it produces processing noise that lasts for a split second after notes fade out. On most other amp models, no noise. One of my other basses produced noise on a different model. When it exists, this noise wouldn't be audible in a band mix, and it can easily be avoided by selecting another amp model. So it's not the biggest deal, but you may want to try before you buy.

I suppose this is a consequence of the developing digital processing technology, and perhaps Roland has improved this for the new version.

TaylorO' · #12 05-09-2011, 12:32 PM

i hate(and now refuse) having my bass tracks recorded on anything that "emulates" my sound. I saved up my pennies because i like the sound of my bass+my amp+ my cabs. Using all kinds of technology and weird stuff just seems like being fake to me, in my opinion. i know lots of "respectable" people do it, but its just not for me.