Recording problems

[Bassom]

I record my bass directly into my computer using garageband.
No matter how carefully I play I always seem to come up with noises that I don't want in the mix such as string buzzing and that sort of thing..
Is there any way to minimise this?
All help greatly appreciated!

[bassgod0dmw]

Practice.

I'm sure it's not the answer you're looking for, but unless you're bass or equipment has electronics issues it's the correct answer.

[BassBrass]

String buzzing is a technique and set up issue. If you are hearing it, it's a part of your sound...which you have just discovered. We often discover things when we first record. But maybe when other instruments are playing in the room you don't notice it. Maybe when the other instruments are recorded you won't notice it too!

You shouldn't make a final judgement about what a track sounds like until it's in context. (listen to Entwistle or other raw bass tracks on Youtube, they sound different alone.) Just like in a band context, if you like your solo sound, maybe it will not cut through the band. Sometimes your solo sound has to sound too raw (upper mids intact) but with everyone playing it sounds perfect. If I have a string buzz, maybe I'll use it. Some "clank" sounds great in some mixes. Depends on the music style as well.

[Bassom]

Thanks a lot for the replies!
Was hoping it wouldn't be technique but oh well... Shall have to keep at it.
I notice when not plugged into the amp I can hear no problems though, is there any way to digitally replicate this nicer sound?
Maybe with compression of some sort?

[staindbass]

i keep my action higher for the studio for that exact same reason.

[maxgrant]

Originally Posted by Bassom

Thanks a lot for the replies!
Was hoping it wouldn't be technique but oh well... Shall have to keep at it.
I notice when not plugged into the amp I can hear no problems though, is there any way to digitally replicate this nicer sound?
Maybe with compression of some sort?

Compression will only highlight noises. Use EQ to minimize the frequencies they're happening at.

Also, if you are just recording bass by itself -- it's a noisy instrument. Put a wall of guitars up and see if those noises now become just part of the groove.

Also, also, are you recording direct or through an amp or through a pedal or di? Direct will give you the cleanest sound.

[major10th]

Originally Posted by Bassom

I record my bass directly into my computer using garageband.
No matter how carefully I play I always seem to come up with noises that I don't want in the mix such as string buzzing and that sort of thing..
Is there any way to minimise this?
All help greatly appreciated!

If you are using roundwound strings, consider trying flatwound strings which will mediate some of the noise you get from sliding and position changes with roundwound strings.

[7stringnovice]

Originally Posted by major10th

If you are using roundwound strings, consider trying flatwound strings which will mediate some of the noise you get from sliding and position changes with roundwound strings.

+1

[ScottTunes]

Originally Posted by maxgrant

it's a noisy instrument. Put a wall of guitars up and see if those noises now become just part of the groove.

This is very true for most rock tracks, especially with round wound strings. Though my preference is flats, I cover 50s-70s rock, blues and R&B. Flats get the right sound for my playing. However, hard rock and heavy metal usually fare better with RW strings, depending upon how you play.

Another suggestion previously made is to raise the action (string height) to reduce string buzzing - if you can still hear it mixed in with the band.

[Joe Nerve]

There's an alternative route to solving that also. Gig for a few years without earplugs. All those noises will magically disappear on their own.

[Blue]

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

There's an alternative route to solving that also. Gig for a few years without earplugs. All those noises will magically disappear on their own.

.. as will you grandchild's heart felt words, "I love you".

[cnltb]

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

Practice.

+1