head vs. di for recording

[batman1]

so im going into el studio to record. and i just wanted some opinions. better to record using my ampeg b2-re head and lineout from that? or use an avalon u5 and line out from that? i dont have an avalon u5, but could borrow one.

if it helps, im playing a warwick corvette, and i play lots of la slapping and popping!

let me know what you think!

[Dave Martin]

What does the studio have? Are you doing your own project or are you being hired to play on someone else's project? I know that the warwick I recorded last week was patched direct into a Neve preamp that the bassist brought with him, and it sounded lovely.

[batman1]

the studio has pro tools, and a bunch of mics, but no preamps or di's! ill be playing on my own project.

[51m0n]

Then mic your cab. If thats an option.

I used to be spoiled and get a line out from the head, a close mic and a mic about 4 to 8 feet back into a really great live room.

move the further mic back and forth to get it in phase with the close mic, then switch the phase button on the DI to get that in phase (if necessary). Finally blend the three tracks to taste.

Can give stunning results if you have the time.

[thefruitfarmer]

I would suggest you play using the amp / speaker set up you are familiar with so your performance is at its most natural.

You could split the signal (I would say this is essential personally) and feed a DI box too so you have the dry signal recorded as well.

When you have the wet and dry both recorded you can blend them together, re-amp the dry signal if you want or give the dry signal some other kind of reprocessing.

This way you keep your options open once the performance magic has been captured.

Slap and pop you say??

In my limited experience recording slap I have found it sounds better with plenty of mid and treble but the exact frequencies have to be such that the bass is not fighting with the guitars or vocals. For this reason I would say you especially need the dry part so you can EQ and compress the bass to fit in just right with everything else.

Hope this helps!!

[batman1]

thanks for the help guys!

[Spoiled Grape]

I got the best tone from DI, head, and a 10" mic.