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At home recording from DI

F

failuresXbass

Jul 19, 2006
189
19
SoCal
#1
I am probably trying to do to much, but I am looking for a device that will allow me to record bass directly from my preamps DI to later be imported and mixed with the rest of the band. I'd prefer to avoid the interface into DAW, but rather looking for just a single device.

I am wondering if something like the Zoom H4n Pro would do this? It's appealing because I could also use it record practices and shows. Also concerned about its internal preamps, conflicting since I am already running through a preamp.

Any thoughts or direction is appreciated. Recording isn't really my thing, but it seems like capturing the sound should be easy enough.
 
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#6
Lowbrow said:
Unless you never plan to record into DAW again, suggest you get an interface. Less than $200 will get you something perfectly serviceable. It will not conflict with external processors or preamps.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I understand the sentiment. I don't plan on ever recording any than this: Bass>preamp>xlr out.

What I find appealing is I'd have use for a device like the H4n when not recording. With an interface and DAW, it feels like added complication for capabilities I won't use.
 
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#10
failuresXbass said:
I won't really be mixing, I'll just be sending the wav file to be mixed down with the rest of the band. At least thats my theory.
Click to expand...

Does the H4 have the capability of simultaneous playback, and recording?

I had a feeling some of the Zoom devices did, and I believe the H4 can record 4 tracks simultaneously, but I’m not sure if it can playback 2 tracks, whilst simultaneously recording 1 or 2 tracks.

If it can, you’re in business.

If it can’t, you’d need to play the click track / pre-existing stereo mix on another device, whilst recording on the Zoom.

This will work, but the internal clocks aren’t going to be identical, or synchronised, so there may be a small amount of drift when your file is imported into the DAW that will be used for the final mix.

In any case, make sure you’re using the same sample rate, and file format as the DAW session (and for safety’s sake, 24Bit), and that’s really the best you can do to maintain compatibility.
 
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#11
Wood and Wire said:
Does the H4 have the capability of simultaneous playback, and recording?

I had a feeling some of the Zoom devices did, and I believe the H4 can record 4 tracks simultaneously, but I’m not sure if it can playback 2 tracks, whilst simultaneously recording 1 or 2 tracks.

If it can, you’re in business.

If it can’t, you’d need to play the click track / pre-existing stereo mix on another device, whilst recording on the Zoom.

This will work, but the internal clocks aren’t going to be identical, or synchronised, so there may be a small amount of drift when your file is imported into the DAW that will be used for the final mix.

In any case, make sure you’re using the same sample rate, and file format as the DAW session (and for safety’s sake, 24Bit), and that’s really the best you can do to maintain compatibility.
Click to expand...
Yes. I asked a guitar playing buddy to record the Intro of "Country Boy Can Survive", then I laid both vocals (ambient stereo mic) and plugged-in EB to another channel, and laid it over his intro (saved it as a different project to preserve the original).... It sucks, because I can't play, nor sing, that well, but it can be done!

I also asked him to record the Intro to "Long Haired Country Boy" - "LR" (1st) is the Ambient stereo mic, "12" (2nd) is the AE plugged in Piezo & Taylor pre-amp (needed more Bass in the direct).


And "Love Song" (same LR/12)....

Recorded on break in my small office at work. :D
 
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#12
Being decidedly low tech, I figured I'd have to listen to the track through another device, and use the bass cabinet as a monitor for what I'm playing. I'd just have the zoom recording while doing it.

Thanks all, you've given me a lot to think about.
 
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#13
failuresXbass said:
Being decidedly low tech, I figured I'd have to listen to the track through another device, and use the bass cabinet as a monitor for what I'm playing. I'd just have the zoom recording while doing it.

Thanks all, you've given me a lot to think about.
Click to expand...
All you need is headphones to overdub - play the original, it blends the new, and saves it all....

Notice in the examples that the Ambient mic (LR) is like a "Speaker Sim"/"Hall", while the direct (12) is pure instrument. You can hear our "vocals" on LR, but not TR12 (on mono).
 
#14
About that "Country Boy" example - absolutely DO NOT listen to this over dub (because I suck). Corey nailed the intro....

You have been warned.... (Never mind, .mp3 won't play....)
 
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#16
I just recently got the Zoom R4 handheld. It can record two channels at a time via xlr / 1/4". or built in mic.
Then you can mix up to 4 channels together that were recorded. Then load the WAV files right into what ever editor you are using.

The R4 is more of a musician focused product, where the H4 is more for AV. Both will do what you need. Just another option to check out at a pricepoint similar to the H4.

 
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#18
My suggestion might be overkill, but for less than what those recorders will set you back new, you might find a used Zoom R24/R16 (probably around 200$). It's both a recorder (24bit/48khz) and an audio interface (24-bit/96khz). SUPERB life changing device for me. Also has some real good sounding mic preamps. I use an R24 mostly as my audio interface at home but have demoed using it as a recorder for years before. It's phantom power capable and you can link 2 and have a portable 16 track recorder that fits in a backpack. I in fact own 2, only used them in sync once (my second unit has been at my brother's home for some time now, my nephews regularly record drums/guitar/bass with it). It can also be used as the control surface if you use a DAW.

Just a "workflow" observation. I find it much easier to record with Reaper than using any standalone recorder. Still, the R16/R24 can also be connected to your PC as mass storage, just to download the WAVs in the recorder projects. It works with an SD card you can carry with you, and also can copy individual WAVs to a regular USB memory stick via its standard type A USB port. Also LOTS of builtin effects for "post-producing" a little in there. There's even a (rudimentary) drum machine you can use. It's real flexible, can be used for many purposes and in different ways. Not ideal if you're set into something walkman'ish, but still real portable, can easily fit in the big pocket or a regular gig bag (I use a second skin notebook cover to carry it around).
 
#20
failuresXbass said:
...... I am looking for a device that will allow me to record bass directly from my preamps DI to later be imported and mixed with the rest of the band. I'd prefer to avoid the interface into DAW, but rather looking for just a single device.

I am wondering if something like the Zoom H4n Pro would do this? It's appealing because I could also use it record practices and shows. Also concerned about its internal preamps, conflicting since I am already running through a preamp.

Any thoughts or direction is appreciated. Recording isn't really my thing, but it seems like capturing the sound should be easy enough.
Click to expand...
Will the H4n do it? Sure. Just be realistic with what you're trying to achieve.

I used the older style H4 to catch demo's of songs/parts/riffs for my old groups to listen back to FOR YEARS. Great for songwriting.
The two mic's built in, combined with XLR inputs can capture a balanced sound if positioned (i.e. pointed away from the drums) & levels set correctly
Occasionally I'd take it to gigs and ask the soundtech to feed me the mix into the XLR's to record. Just be mindful, you'll likely not get a great mix from the desk, as you have amps/acoustics/drums contributing to the room sound, so the mix will often be unbalanced. Recording gigs can be problematic with crowd noise & air con blowing on mic's, but I have gotten quite a few good one's over the years.

If you're using it for demo quality recording, it's fine. I did try using it as an interface via Reaper (highly recommend Reaper for mixing) but the lag I received meant that I did need to move things around (in post) to make it sound in time & tight. I think my old computer may have been to blame for that back then, rather than the H4, but I've not tried it since.

But I always wanted more inputs, so I moved up to the Zoom L-20. Now I can record anywhere, without needing a PC involved, however I use Reaper to mix after the fact. But I did need to buy a suitcase full of leads and mic's .... so there's that.

FWIW - I regret nothing. I still own the H4. Still use it for demo purposes.
 
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