Simple Recording with a Realist

flyingmarcel · #1 09-20-2006, 11:44 PM

Good evening,

I have a question that I never really found an answer to using the search function - I appologize if it has already been covered. I also hope that I've found the right home for this thread.....

I'll start by saying that I'm not very advanced when it comes to the technical side of music, having only focused on playing and not so much the musical "gadgets" available to me. What I'm hoping to do utilize my computer as a sort of audio notebook to take down ideas, etc and have been trying to find a simple (and easy!) way to do it.

Several months ago, I purchased an M-Audio fast track USB interface (I know its a cheapy, but as I said - I'm not looking to sell the output, just keep notes and such) that I was hoping to use to record upright tracks onto my computer. I use a Mac, so I intended to use Garage Band for this process.

The problem I am having is related to the Realist pick up, which my bass is equipped with. Now, as I said before - I know very little about this sort of thing, so I assumed that the power that my Realist needs to function would come from the USB interface - as I'm sure most of you know, however, this in not the case. So.....I have been unable to accomplish what I originally intended - the simple set up of bass - USB interface - computer. Instead, the only way I have managed to successfully record has been bass - amp (AI contra) - USB interface - computer, which is not simple and easy to set up when you want to get something down quickly. Also, I like to work at night and since I live on the top floor of an apartment building, the downfiring Contra will not do!

So, I'm hoping my problem makes sense and I'm REALLY hoping someone has a logical and easy solution! If the problem is the M-Audio device, please say so, as I would rather replace it then mess around with it to later find out it is the real problem. Or, if there is a simple fix - I'd love to hear it. I've picked several brains about this, but I have come to the conclusion that if you aren't an Upright player and/or haven't used the Realist, its a difficult one to answer....

Anyone?

Thanks,

fm

drurb · #2 09-21-2006, 08:45 AM

fm--

You do not say what the problem is that you encounter when you use the Realist==>USB==>Computer setup. Is the level of the signal too low? No signal? Distorted signal? Which inputs are you using on the Fast Track when you attempt this?

Also, as you may now know, the Realist needs no power at all to operate as it is a passive transducer that converts vibration to voltage.

The fact that you are successful using the AI in the chain suggests that this is a matter of having a pre-amp between the Realist and the M-Audio. The Realist, however, should supply enough voltage to drive the M-Audio given that the device can accomodate a guitar input directly.

Please give more details.

flyingmarcel · #3 09-21-2006, 09:49 AM

Hello Again,

My appologies - I totally forgot the part about the outcome of the Bass - M-audio - Computer set up. Basically, I get no signal whatsoever, basically just what sounds like an empty track (usually static, due to the high volumes I am trying to use to get some sort of signal)

Thanks for the reply,

fm

drurb · #4 09-21-2006, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyingmarcel

Hello Again,

My appologies - I totally forgot the part about the outcome of the Bass - M-audio - Computer set up. Basically, I get no signal whatsoever, basically just what sounds like an empty track (usually static, due to the high volumes I am trying to use to get some sort of signal)

Thanks for the reply,

fm

Which inputs on the M-audio are you using? Are those the same inputs in use when the AI is in the chain? Feel free to PM me if you wish to take this Q&A out of the public eye.

flyingmarcel · #5 09-21-2006, 10:46 AM

Hi Drurb,

Thanks again - sorry, I'm having a bit of a stressful day at work today, so I'm not answering as thoroughly as I should be! I use the same input with and without the amp - I am just using the guitar input, not the SLR input.

I don't mind chatting about it on the forum, if it can benefit others - But if you prefer PM's feel free to reply that way

thanks again,

fm

Ric Vice · #6 09-21-2006, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyingmarcel

Several months ago, I purchased an M-Audio fast track USB interface (I know its a cheapy, but as I said - I'm not looking to sell the output, just keep notes and such) that I was hoping to use to record upright tracks onto my computer. I use a Mac, so I intended to use Garage Band for this process.

The problem I am having is related to the Realist pick up, which my bass is equipped with. Now, as I said before - I know very little about this sort of thing, so I assumed that the power that my Realist needs to function would come from the USB interface - as I'm sure most of you know, however, this in not the case. So.....I have been unable to accomplish what I originally intended - the simple set up of bass - USB interface - computer. Instead, the only way I have managed to successfully record has been bass - amp (AI contra) - USB interface - computer, which is not simple and easy to set up when you want to get something down quickly. Also, I like to work at night and since I live on the top floor of an apartment building, the downfiring Contra will not do!

Anyone?

Thanks,

fm

Flying Marcel,
The Realist is a very high output device. The signal coming of that pickup is very hot. I'm fairly sure that you won't get an acceptable signal unless you buffer it somehow. We attempted to use it for a studio recording several years ago and they had to
use a Avalon U-5 to DI get an acceptable signal. Even, then it didn't sound near as good as a mic. I use a Realist all the time for live performances in small venues. When we try to use it into the mains on larger concerts it takes a lot of adjustments at the DI and the board to get it to sound decent.

flyingmarcel · #7 09-21-2006, 11:46 AM

Hi Ric,

Thanks for the reply - I would have never thought that the realist was too high an output device, I would have suspected the opposite. Proof of my theory that I really know nothing about electronics...

So, would this problem be fixed by picking up a DI box and running Bass - DI - Fast Track - Computer?

If not, perhaps I will just look into picking up a microphone for the recording I want to do...

thanks,

fm

Jaromir · #8 09-21-2006, 12:14 PM

Hi guys, recently, through long and patient testing at the Realist dealer shop here in Prague, I've found out that there are TWO KINDS of the Realist.
One, which I would call the "old" or traditional Realist has relativelly low output (little lower than Underwood for instance). Than there is the other one, lets say the "new" one, which really has unbelievably high output AND also lot of trebles in it's sound. I couldn't believe this is true, but it is. And the worst thing is, you can't distinguish them before you try them.

Jaromir

drurb · #9 09-21-2006, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyingmarcel

Hi Ric,

Thanks for the reply - I would have never thought that the realist was too high an output device, I would have suspected the opposite. Proof of my theory that I really know nothing about electronics...

So, would this problem be fixed by picking up a DI box and running Bass - DI - Fast Track - Computer?

If not, perhaps I will just look into picking up a microphone for the recording I want to do...

thanks,

fm

Actually, too high an output does not square with your report of getting an empty track except for static-- unless that static is at the maximum level of the system as a result of overdriving it with the pickup. In that case, you'd still hear the rhythm of what you played. That is, virtually no signal between notes and distorted sound when notes are played.

drurb · #10 09-21-2006, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaromir

Hi guys, recently, through long and patient testing at the Realist dealer shop here in Prague, I've found out that there are TWO KINDS of the Realist.
One, which I would call the "old" or traditional Realist has relativelly low output (little lower than Underwood for instance). Than there is the other one, lets say the "new" one, which really has unbelievably high output AND also lot of trebles in it's sound. I couldn't believe this is true, but it is. And the worst thing is, you can't distinguish them before you try them.

Jaromir

That's good information but even if fm was using the "low ouput" version, one would expect some signal to come through on an input designed to accept a guitar directly.