Advice: what to buy?

[prince666]

Hey peeps,

I am looking to get a mic or something to record my bass guitar parts on my pc. I think it's not very wise (or healthy for my pc) to connect my bass to my pc, so i will be needing a mic. I don't have too much money or knowledge on this subject, so i am hoping i can get some advice here.

my style is mostly metal, but not just the E's and A's but with a lot of high tone variations in it aswel.

so, i am open for all help!

steve

 

[Tony G]

Most people don't record bass with a mic. They usually use some type of direct box or preamp.

 

[Rhythmbug]

A mic can be done but I wouldn't recommend it, it will sound pretty poxy and you'll have to muck around with the audio settings to make it sound any good. I've heard acoustic guitar recordings through a cheap mic, they used alot of effects and eq but for bass you want a good natural signal to start with

I use a tascam US122 audio interface and record through ableton live, fairly basic setup but works well

 

[Edwcdc]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Recording/Computer/Hardware?sku=241104

This looks cheap and should give better results than a mic into your soundcard.

 

[Daywalker]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Recording/Computer/Hardware?sku=241104

This looks cheap and should give better results than a mic into your soundcard.

What kinda software do you need with that thing?

 

[Edwcdc]

You can download a free program that will let you record your tracks. It's pretty decent for free and works well.
http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/

As far as the USB interface goes, it should have its own drivers that you will install when you get the unit. I don't have this unit but it was in bassplayer magazine this month and the reviewer said it worked. It should let you record your bass into your computer fairly clean.

 

[prince666]

Does it also work well with a bass distortion and other effects like a phaser?

 

[Eric Cameron]

Does it also work well with a bass distortion and other effects like a phaser?

Doesn't matter. Since there isn't going to be any acoustic signals, it'll all be digital. Which means you can put whatever the hell you want in the signal path. Just don't run the amp output into your computer. That's bad.

Rock on
Eric