Newb Recording Bass Gear Question. Amp? Cab?
 

Hey guys, my first post so hopefully this is the right area.

I am looking for a bass rig for my studio and don't want to spend a ton. I do mostly indie rock to metal stuff. I don't need a rig for live but just for studio so I don't think volume is a must.

I have been eyeing an Ampeg pf500 and am leaning that way so opinions on that would be great (or other contenders).

Second question is cab?? What cab should I be looking at for a great recording sound but won't take up all the recording space?
svt410h? svt410hlf? Bergantino NV610?? etc.....

Thanks much

You can probably get started just running a DI from your head. PF is a good choice.

I always use a blend of DI and mic when I am recording but a lot of people get by fine with only DI.

If you dont need to play live or super loud a good 2x10 or 1x12 should do the trick for your purposes. I prefer 10's for recording. What is your budget for cab specifically?

Well, I have the DI situation already as that's the way I have been recording for a long time with a Ba115. So I want to upgrade the Ba115 part and at first was looking at B15's but don't really want to spend $1500-$2k. So I'm prob looking at max $700 for cab and I don't mind used either.

PF-500 and a PF 115LF.

Also you can find versions of used B15 for a lot less than 1500. Actually, if you are setting your sights on all tube, I would look for a V4b, and a decent cab.

Well I do mostly rock music so maybe shy'd away from the pf115lf thinking that it would be more jazzy. Would it record great compared to a 4x10 cab??

Looked at the v4b and intrigued but don't know anything about the vintage amps and would hate to get ripped off.

Why would the 115LF be jazzier than a 410? For the most part each cab has its own specific tonality, none of which is attributed to the speaker diameter. I recommend you go play through as many cabs as you can. Get the one that sounds good to you.

Well I think there is a re-issue in the works.

Can you guys tell me what's the going rate on B15r's. Should I be looking at one of those?

there are plenty of combos, amps & cabinets in your price range.. i wouldnt get hung up on ampeg until you have tried out everything that your local stores can show you.

well i just found a b15r for $1000 but don't know if that is a great deal or not?

It's not bad at all considering it sold for $2000 new. Justin Meldal-Johnsen uses a B-15R on a lot of his recordings...the best example of that is "Paper Tiger" by Beck, where the bass is only recorded through a mic'ed B-15R. However, you can use a myriad of different amps to mic for a recording, including your BA115.