Compressore overdrive - sounds good!

[warx]

So been experimenting with my PC recording gear. I just "upgraded" (*other post in recording) from Cubase 4 and Edirol 10x10 to Pro Tools MBox Pro and have been putting my bass in various combinations.

1. DI from Shuttle 9.0

2. Straight from bass (EMG DC/TX & BQC)

3. Output from Markbass Compressore

4. Output from pedal board
(Compressore->Mutron->M9)

All sounded good but #1 had the edge. Pleasantly #3 could actually get me a nice overdriven sound but turning the first gain stage up quite a bit. Not quite the same as the valve preamp in the Shuttle (which I really like) as it tends to distort more on the low end much more. It does have that valve growl though. Also a little harder to tame it as it steps in harder - might be due to the fact that the valve is in the compression stage so perhaps tweaking everying to a milder compression might help.

Mutron when not bypassed really sounds so noisy when going to full-range speakers/headphones. Yikes. I guess when its not soloed it would be better.

#2 I probably would not use - unless I find a nice compressor in Pro Tools LE (doubt)

Mike.

[spankyc52]

I do quite a bit of mixing and mastering and in my opinion I like for people just to send it straight from the bass to the DAW you are using. My favorite sound I ever get is for someone to run straight through a DI to their DAW then from the line out on the DI to their favorite amp and cab and mic it with a large diaphragm condenser. I can usually blend the two tones well or at least use the DI signal and know what kind of sound they like, I have an assortment of plugins and some outboard gear though....