Noob question...Bass-Mixer setup

[EricF]

We've started recording some tracks on my guitar player's home studio setup (Mackie mixer, Cubase). I've been plugging my bass directly into the mixer (1/4" input into built-in preamp). The sound isn't great.

Will things be much improved by using a SansAmp or other DI box into a balanced input?

[hyperlitem]

a good DI will make a difference. Matching the impedence really thickens up the sound. Im not sure what Pre's are on mackie but ive never been real impressed with any mackie pre's. The onyx ones are supposed to be good but ive never checked them out. Going into a great channel strip will make a world of difference. Try eq'ing on the board.

[hbarcat]

I hope this isn't a silly question, but why aren't you using a bass amp? Almost all bass amps have a line out or preamp out that will plug directly into the line input on the mixer or even into the recorder depending on its interface. If it doesn't have a line out you can always mic the speaker and get better sounding results than the way you're doing it now. If you don't have an amp available, going through a SansAmp, DI box, bass modelor pedal, rack preamp/channel strip etc... will also be a huge improvement.