Bass POD or others for DI?

xolin · #1 03-07-2004, 06:33 PM

I was thinking of getting a bass pod xt or something similar for recording on my pc. I would just use my amp head, but would the modeling and all that stuff be worth it? I dont need all the effects, but what would be the best bet?

Thanks,
Colin

HooBass · #2 03-08-2004, 11:40 AM

My $.02

I haven't to date been able to get what I consider good tone going through my bass POD (note, not an XT).

My disclaimer is that there is a lot of tweakability with the POD and I by no means have exhausted all its possibilities. My time recording is usually relegated to very, very narrow windows of opportunity. I am also forever learning, so maybe it's "user error."

However, I'm now aiming to refine my tone using a) a bass I think can give me the tone I want, b) informed EQ, c) compression, and d) maybe a pre-amp known for getting what I want (Sansamp).

I haven't given up on the POD, but I know at least it requires more intervention from me than I've given it.

Finally, I sense that others think the POD XT is indeed quite well suited for recording, saying that they'll see then in pro studios.

HooBass

CAM · #3 03-17-2004, 07:46 PM

I used the pod xt in a studio about a week ago and thought it was fantastic! It took me all of two minutes to figure how to set it up (albeit, very basically and just using the presets) but still, it did the job! It wasn't mine so i didnt really get a chance to use it fully at home, but im saving right now and hope to have it in a few weeks! Well worth it!

As for using it for home recording...be careful, because i seem to remember it cant be used as a pre-amp!

Thank god bass players can finally match guitarists for digital modelling and effects!

Peace and Love and Un-i-ty

CAM

4Mal · #4 03-23-2004, 07:30 AM

Johnson J Station. Discontinued but it smokes the POD for bass. Used about $100 on Evil Bay. I haven't messed with the PRO or with the XT so they might be better. I have heard a number of live rigs where the bassist was using the PRO that sounded very good to me though.

**Josh Ryan** · #5 03-23-2004, 12:43 PM

Try a Sans Amp RBI or BDDI, great sound, no digital noise. I've tried the POD and I really hated it. Just my opinion of course.

dumeril7 · #6 03-23-2004, 01:45 PM

Here's another idea: A lot of studio bassists just use tube mic preamps and there's no reason you can't do the same. You can get a decent project/home studio tube mic preamp for pretty cheap and then use your mixer/outboard FX/recording software for EQ and effects, which is probably more flexible than an amp simulator anyway. You get real tube warmth and natural compression, and something to improve vocal tracks as a bonus.

D7

dave64o · #7 04-02-2004, 10:52 AM

I love my SansAmp Bass Driver. It doesn't have all the modeling and effects of the POD, but I didn't want them. Before I bought that I was using my lowly ART Tube MP mic preamp. It's low-end as a mic preamp but I really like it as a bass DI, *especially* for the price.

For what it's worth, my chain is actually bass -> SABDDI -> ART -> Delta 66. I did that just to get the phantom power for the SABDDI from the ART. What I found is that I now have three options for recording direct - and I like the combination of the two even better than the ART or SABDDI alone.

**Josh Ryan** · #8 04-02-2004, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dumeril7

Here's another idea: A lot of studio bassists just use tube mic preamps and there's no reason you can't do the same. You can get a decent project/home studio tube mic preamp for pretty cheap and then use your mixer/outboard FX/recording software for EQ and effects, which is probably more flexible than an amp simulator anyway. You get real tube warmth and natural compression, and something to improve vocal tracks as a bonus.

D7

PreSonus digiTube works well like this, you have to change out the tube it comes with though, IMO.

Planet Boulder · #9 04-08-2004, 12:26 PM

I have the regular Bass Pod Pro that I use for our headphone jams and for direct recording and I've had GREAT luck with it. I usually dial in the Eden, GK or SWR models and I get some sweet tones.

bassturtle · #10 04-09-2004, 05:54 PM

I have a bass pod that I've used for years with good results. However, I recently purchased an Avalon U5 DI and it smokes the POD. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles that the POD has, but if you are looking for just a good transparent bass sound this thing is TITS!