Consistent Representation of Tone

Seedouble · #1 08-26-2010, 08:10 AM

Hi there,

I'm new here, so please point me to the relevant thread if my question is already answered or discussed heatedly and at length. A quick search didn't seem to come up with much.

How might I go about getting a consistent representation of tone between my practice space, recording and gigs? I understand that there are infinite possible combinations of amplification settings and acoustic environments, but I was hoping someone might know a kind of "rule of thumb" one might use to get a ballpark tone.

I am currently using a cheap musicman copy, to be replaced an excruciatingly soon by a '79 Ibanez Silver Series P/J. I run this into a SansAmp Bass Driver DI and that into a Hughes and Kettner BassKick 300.

Thank you.

JimmyM · #2 08-26-2010, 10:40 AM

there's really no rule of thumb. as you said, the environments change and that's got a huge impact. so best thing is to listen listen listen and react accordingly.

okcrum · #3 08-26-2010, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

there's really no rule of thumb. as you said, the environments change and that's got a huge impact. so best thing is to listen listen listen and react accordingly.

+1. I know Jimmy does this, and I do too. Make sure you can get out front to hear what you sound like during sound checks. A long cable or wireless rig is perfect for this. Out front is where you want to sound great.

Seedouble · #4 08-31-2010, 07:08 AM

Thanks guys, didn't think there was alot I could do!

Petebass · #5 09-19-2010, 01:33 PM

The rule of thumb is to listen with your ears, not your eyes. Don't go looking for what sounds good in particuilar rooms. Instead listen, then react. Learn how to use EQ, it's very powerful once you understand it, and even better again once you learn to trust your ears.

DukeLeJeune · #6 10-10-2010, 01:24 AM

One of the reasons for different tone in different setting is, you're hearing different relative levels of direct and reverberant energy. Where there is a significant spectral discrepancy between the direct and reverberant sound, the perceived tone will change as their relative levels change. Cabs that minimize the spectral discrepancy between the direct and reverberant sound are likely to have more consistent tone in a variety of settings. This is not the only factor, but it's a start.