Recording Options

[BulbousMoses]

My recording setup is quite basic but I have a few questions about the different methods of recording and what are the pros and cons of each. First, the "setup"

Godin Shifter (passive 4 string)
Ampeg Micro VR and SV210AV cab
Tascam DP 008 Digital recorder
Apex 435 condenser mic
Blue Encore 200 mic
Laptop with Ubuntu Studio

I don't have an audio interface so recording will be done direct to the Tascam and then dumped to the laptop for further manipulation.

So what are the pros and cons of
1) Recording direct to the Tascam
2) Mic-ing the cabinet and recording to the Tascam that way
3) DI-ing the signal from the cab into the Tascam
4) A blend or combination of any or all of the above.

Any studio rats with experience out there that can pass on some wisdom, I would appreciate it.

[bassbrad]

I generally mix a DI signal with a modelled, amped or reamped signal, the DI gives the best attack and clarity while the "amped" signal adds color, warmth and depth.
FWIW the A to D converters in the Tascam are decent just be sure not to overload them cuz they can get very harsh if pushed. As far as mic placement goes you don't want to get too close like you might on guitar try a foot or so back.

[BulbousMoses]

Originally Posted by bassbrad

I generally mix a DI signal with a modelled, amped or reamped signal, the DI gives the best attack and clarity while the "amped" signal adds color, warmth and depth.
FWIW the A to D converters in the Tascam are decent just be sure not to overload them cuz they can get very harsh if pushed. As far as mic placement goes you don't want to get too close like you might on guitar try a foot or so back.

Thanks for the reply. I kind of thought that a blend of 2 different signals would yield a better result than any one of these on it's own. I forgot to add that I am shooting for a warmer, old school type of sound at the moment. I may have to get that once I dump the tracks into Ardour.

[enricogaletta]

In addition to record and blend a DI signal and a mic one, you can also considering the option to add a third signal of a mic that take the sound directly from you strings (a kind of mute sound, just the strings noise) that mixed together the other 2 take and blended in the right way can give awesome results ;-)
Cheers. Enrico
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[BulbousMoses]

Futher to the original question: Since I am using a passive bass, should I be using a preamp or can I get enough of a signal without one?

[silky smoove]

If you're mixing a DI'd and a mic'd signal, make sure to manually phase align them in your DAW to minimize cancellations.