Recording help - preamp or DI or what???

thebas · #1 08-22-2008, 11:08 PM

Hello from a newbie here...
I have a Kramer Pioneer Imperial bass and i would like to record to a PC and monitor myself over my stereo (150wpc integrated amp and flourstanding speakers). I have a decent sound card EMU 1212m in my PC. So, i imagined the chain to go this way:
bass->??????->line in on EMU 1212m,line out->amp->speakers.
As i get it, i need a bass preamp instead of the "??????"? The problem is i cant find an afordable one. Also, i would like to use balanced connection between the "??????" and the 1212m.
Can you recommend me a device, Di box, preamp, processor or whatever, that will give me the correct LINE-OUT level to hook it to EMUs line-in. and balanced connection 1/4"TRS to 1/4"TRS??? Is behringer BDI21 ok for that? What about Korg AX-3B processor or behringer BASS V-AMP? Please, recommend me devices up to 70$ range. BDI21 is about 35$.
Thank You.

thebas · #2 08-24-2008, 10:19 AM

Anyone has a 1212m and a bass???

bongomania · #3 08-24-2008, 10:42 AM

Both Behringer devices will do it. Read the descriptions and spec sheets on the Behr website.

There's nothing good in your price range, I'm sorry, unless you get a good deal on an older used rackmount preamp.

thebas · #4 08-24-2008, 06:07 PM

Thanks.
What do you think about M-Audio Audio Buddy?
It has balanced 1/4" outs and bass high-z input 100kohms...
And what older rack version preamp would you recommend? Tube? (for the future)
And one more: is there a cheap device to connect the bass into, but so it can give out digital (optical or coax) output to the emu??

bongomania · #5 08-25-2008, 10:38 AM

The M-Audio unit looks like it would do the job, sure. As far as older preamps, look for rack units by Yamaha, Ashly, Roland, or Intersound- occasionally you'll see one of them go for very cheap. I don't know about the last question.

thebas · #6 08-26-2008, 01:37 AM

Well, Thanks a lot.
I think i go with M-audio.
But, isnt the input impedance to low, just 100kohms, and as i know, for electric basses and guitars it need to be at least 1Mohms?

bongomania · #7 08-26-2008, 01:45 AM

100K is fine for any active bass and some passive basses. 1M is only necessary for low-output passive instruments.

locolobo85 · #8 08-26-2008, 02:31 PM

Here you go, this one looks pretty nice......

http://cgi.ebay.com/YAMAHA-PB1-Bass-...QQcmdZViewItem

or this crap shoot.......

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Peavey-T...QQcmdZViewItem

thebas · #9 08-27-2008, 04:20 AM

Thanks friends!!!
My bass is passive. It is from 1983 year.
Ill see about that preamps, if they are willing to send to EU.