Recording Bass Studio Sessions

[jkleban]

I probably should know this already but I am going to have a recording session in a couple of weeks and was wondering if anyone can give me some guidance on how to set up the following scenario....

I am going to be miking an AMP (SVT-CL w 410LHF) and recording it DI... I am going to be running through a pair of Type 69 Helios mic pres/Eqs (pretty much a channel strip). The Helios has switched input modes to accept mic or line signals.... the chain to record the amp with a MIC isn't my question.... my question is for the DI end of the recording.

Should I go through a DI box (Radial) before the Helios mic pre/EQ and then set the Helios for MIC input impedance or should I go direct into the Helios as a line signal and bypass the Radial DI....

Is this just a matter of taste (try both) or is there a preferred method of doing this.

Thanks in advance,
Jim

[Ubersheist]

You probably already know the answer, and it'll still ring true... Bring the DI and see what sounds better and cleaner. There is never a "better" method.

I personally tend to prefer a more direct method (just straight into the preamp), as it'll likely produce a bit cleaner of a sound. However, that's not a hard and fast rule for me, nor should it be for anyone. Try 'em all, and always keep in mind a final sound for your bass that'll best blend/mix in with the rest of the song and band.

[Hellbastard]

Originally Posted by jkleban

Should I go through a DI box (Radial) before the Helios mic pre/EQ and then set the Helios for MIC input impedance or should I go direct into the Helios as a line signal and bypass the Radial DI....

Thanks in advance,
Jim

If the preamp only allows either mic or line signal, you need to use the DI bring the HI z output of your bass (assuming it is passive) down to match the impedance of the Helios and use the mic input setting.

A bass guitar doesn't have an output close to what's required for line level signal.

[jkleban]

Thanks HellB.... you answered the poorly worded question I had about this scenario..

Uber, absolutely try em all but I was at least looking for what would be technically correct as a starting point... might save me quite a bit of session time.

I am all confused with the electronic crap... I know the difference between all the options but don't understand how they relate to one another.

As an example... if I were to use one of those do everything PC audio interfaces... I think that their inputs accept both Hi and Lo Z and then don't require a DI but I wasn't sure that if the Line/Mic inputs of the Helios is or isn't Hi and Lo Z....

Thanks for all your inputs.

Jim

[Ubersheist]

Originally Posted by jkleban

Thanks HellB.... you answered the poorly worded question I had about this scenario..

Uber, absolutely try em all but I was at least looking for what would be technically correct as a starting point... might save me quite a bit of session time.

I am all confused with the electronic crap... I know the difference between all the options but don't understand how they relate to one another.

As an example... if I were to use one of those do everything PC audio interfaces... I think that their inputs accept both Hi and Lo Z and then don't require a DI but I wasn't sure that if the Line/Mic inputs of the Helios is or isn't Hi and Lo Z....

Thanks for all your inputs.

Jim

Remember, "Hi Impedence" = Mic Level, "Low Impedence" = Line Level (more or less).

There's never any 'best' or 'most technically correct' way to go, especially for higher end recordings.

If you're really making a quality recording, then be prepared to spend some time figuring out what sounds best. Move the mic position in front of the amp, and play a few back. Always remember to think about the end product, and what you want that bass to sound like relative to the song and the other instruments. It might sound good right off the bat, but it might take hours.

If you're just doing a quick demo, then I'd say just toss it directly into the preamp's Hi Z input and see how good or bad it sounds. If it sounds alright, then go with it. If it really doesn't, then start exploring more/other options.

If you're working in a studio, and you trust the ears and musical tastes of the producer/engineers at the studio, then go with what they say and bring your suggestions in when you're not hearing what you want.

[DuraMorte]

Originally Posted by Ubersheist

Remember, "Hi Impedence" = Mic Level, "Low Impedence" = Line Level (more or less).

While I understand the intention of this statement, it isn't very accurate.
Impedance and signal level are really two completely different things.
Also, you forgot instrument level (which is even smaller than mic level).
So, to clarify the original statement:
'Hi-Z usually implies an instrument level input, or unbalanced mic input. Lo-Z usually implies a balanced mic input. Line-level doesn't typically have a specific impedance.'

Hope this helps (and is accurate; I'm sick, and possibly off my game).

[bassbrad]

Take what you have but be prepared to try something that the studio may have.

[JohnDavisNYC]

a radial passive DI into a Helios would probably be pretty killing.

j

[Ubersheist]

Originally Posted by Ubersheist

Remember, "Hi Impedence" = Mic Level, "Low Impedence" = Line Level (more or less).

Originally Posted by DuraMorte

While I understand the intention of this statement, it isn't very accurate.

I forgot how peoples on the Internets love to nitpick and crap on a point... Of course they're not the same, but I really didn't want to get into the differences...

[projectMalamute]

Originally Posted by Ubersheist

I forgot how peoples on the Internets love to nitpick and crap on a point... Of course they're not the same, but I really didn't want to get into the differences...

He's not nitpicking, what you have written there is totally wrong.

Mic inputs are low impedance, not high.

[Ubersheist]

Originally Posted by DuraMorte

While I understand the intention of this statement, it isn't very accurate.
Impedance and signal level are really two completely different things.
Also, you forgot instrument level (which is even smaller than mic level).
So, to clarify the original statement:
'Hi-Z usually implies an instrument level input, or unbalanced mic input. Lo-Z usually implies a balanced mic input. Line-level doesn't typically have a specific impedance.'

Hope this helps (and is accurate; I'm sick, and possibly off my game).

Originally Posted by projectMalamute

He's not nitpicking, what you have written there is totally wrong.

Mic inputs are low impedance, not high.

You're right.... I did get that screwed up. I forgot about instrument level, and got it mixed up. What can I say?

DuraMonte - sorry for jumping on you.

[DuraMorte]

Originally Posted by Ubersheist

You're right.... I did get that screwed up. I forgot about instrument level, and got it mixed up. What can I say?
DuraMorte - sorry for jumping on you.

Hey, no problem. All is fine here in Internetland.
Merry Christmas, Joyous Kwanzaa, Happy Hannukkah, etc. etc.

[John Wentzien]

Originally Posted by JohnDavisNYC

a radial passive DI into a Helios would probably be pretty killing.

j

[jmattbassplaya]

Try both and see what sound best. I came in wanting to do half and half with my SVT and DI. I ended up just plugging straight into an Avalon Preamp for the entire session because it sounded the best. Fortunately it was also the easiest

[DigitalMan]

I say do everything plus the kitchen sink. Lay down all of your possible sources to their own tracks and let engineer blend to taste in the final mix.