Critique my tone! =D

makanudo · #1 07-03-2010, 05:19 AM

So i uploaded a cover using an amp modeling software and i wanted to see what you guys think about it.

The setup (not the real ones but based on them):
Amp: Mesa Boodie 400+ Bass: 1.5, Mids: 3.3, Highs: 0.5
Cab: Ampeg SVT810AV mic'd in Dynamic position 2

Stomp:
Gate

Equipment: Ibanez SR505 running straight into PC through amp modeling software.

So here you go tell me what you think:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adghkOE2oXI

cnltb · #2 07-03-2010, 05:24 AM

Slightly muddy to my ear in terms of tone and not really that solid and "in the pocket".

Not bad though.
I think under the slight vail that seems to be hanging over the tone( sorry ,best way I can describe it just now) there's a good sounding bass tone.

makanudo · #3 07-03-2010, 06:08 AM

Yeah i guess you can never get the sound of the real thing using low quality means but at least i tried.. any tips for a better tone?

Kwesi · #4 07-03-2010, 10:27 PM

To be honest, tone is one thing that I think can't really be critiqued because what everyone wants in there tone is such a personal thing. Playing can be critiqued because while we all may have different standards of good playing we all know what it looks like when we see it. I will say that I thought you sounded awesome. The only reason it was muddy is probably because you were running it into the PC and it's really easy to get low end distortion when you do. Had you been running that through an amp it would've been perfect.

IconBasser · #5 07-04-2010, 12:09 AM

sounds like every Ibanez SR505 I've ever heard. You're also out of tune.

tom once dead · #6 07-04-2010, 12:15 AM

Sounds really muffled, especially doing a bodom cover.

Nightwolf55 · #7 07-04-2010, 12:39 AM

i think it sounds good.

however, i really have no clue what "muddy" means.

i'd like to know though......

bass_snake · #8 07-04-2010, 12:48 AM

Sound' s not bad and your playing is good.

Fred

Meddle · #9 07-04-2010, 06:25 AM

A bit undefined really. A good tone for youtube videos maybe, but not going to work in a live setting. It needs more balls. Your lowest string especially does not cut through, and if you raised the backing track's volume to match the volume you played along with your bass would vanish.

Infidelity · #10 07-04-2010, 10:24 AM

For me it's kinda muddy.. You'll be lost in mix in no time if ever you will be doing it live.. That's just my opinion..

jay43 · #11 07-04-2010, 01:56 PM

what software did you use?

makanudo · #12 07-04-2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay43

what software did you use?

Reaper and GTR

Meddle · #13 07-04-2010, 02:08 PM

Is it a general criticism of software that it sounds weak? I know how much it sucks to record bass too hot and get those clipping fuzz tones on the attack of the notes.

bassslater19876 · #14 07-04-2010, 02:49 PM

I'm not a fan of COAB, however I am a fan of the bass.
It does sound rather muddy at some points, kind of "poppy" as well.
What kind of tone were you going for?

makanudo · #15 07-04-2010, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassslater19876

I'm not a fan of COAB, however I am a fan of the bass.
It does sound rather muddy at some points, kind of "poppy" as well.
What kind of tone were you going for?

I just really boosted mids and added a lil bit of bass, i had been asking for some help to get some good tones but never really got any..

LaBassGuy · #16 07-04-2010, 03:05 PM

Honestly, and no offense, I think it's your playing that's lacking a bit. Just doesn't seem tight enough. Your tone seems fine.

But the surest way to get a more defined tone is to roll off the neck PU just a bit--5% maybe. Once you do that, you might need to flatten the mids you say you boosted.

kaputsport · #17 07-04-2010, 03:11 PM

You need more cut, and less boom. Playing is fine, but could be sharpened... The issue is the more in the lack of frequency your "rig" is making. It has no presence. I think more eq work is needed.

Listen to my tone on the below link, and you'll see what I mean. It is deep, but also cuts through.

makanudo · #18 07-04-2010, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaBassGuy

Honestly, and no offense, I think it's your playing that's lacking a bit. Just doesn't seem tight enough. Your tone seems fine.

But the surest way to get a more defined tone is to roll off the neck PU just a bit--5% maybe. Once you do that, you might need to flatten the mids you say you boosted.

Yeah this isn't my best cover by far but im too lazy to redo it

perfektspace6 · #19 07-05-2010, 02:09 PM

Man, folks are harsh but I guess that is what you were asking for.

As far as being muddy: I would agree but if this is the type of music you are playing there isn't much "tone" that's going to be heard live unless the engineer is really cranking you. I always found EMG's to be the best sounding bass pickups/Preamp in a heavier band. They just sound crisper. That alone would clean up your sound a lot. I love Ibanez but pu's/pre on the cheaper basses just suck.

I have always found the amp modulators to be crap. They just don't sound good to me. I would just work on saving up some cash for a good used rig or combo amp with 10's to give yourself a tighter sound (I know that wasn't how you recorded this but just a suggestion).

I don't think your playing is bad at all. Yeah you are a little off-time on some parts but this type of material is tough to be spot on with. I didn't think you were out of tune. Nice work!

Dark Horse · #20 07-05-2010, 02:12 PM

I'd look at pulling out 2-3dB's around 240hz or so - that should help the muddy bottom end. Don't remove too much though, as it is really easy to make your bass sound "thin" if you ditch too much in that range.

Subtractive EQ is far more useful than additive EQ.