Bass recording and production tips?

[Ryan Poulter]

Hi Justin,

I've recently been getting into the production side of music after working with lots bands and songwriters over the years. I was wondering if you - or anyone else in this forum - had some helpful tips for recording bass both creatively and professionally?

I like to collaborate and work with artists on synth parts and composing drum beats/rhythmic sections of songs. The kind of projects I am currently working in do involve a lot of synthesisers, ambient guitars and general noise, so I would love some advice on both creating unique bass sounds/arrangements and recording bass to a professional standard.

I would really like to get involved with other things than just playing bass during recording sessions and contribute more to the projects I’m in, but I understand first I need to nail the job that I’m there to do.

I’ve encountered problems when recording and mixing bass in the past. I understand that the tone you record in won’t necessarily translate in a mix, so want to make sure that I have the right sound when recording to make sure that whoever may be mixing it - myself or someone else - has plenty to work with. I would love to hear your opinion on this and if you have any advice or tips and tricks?

My set up at home is fairly simple, and includes:

2017 MacBook Pro with Logic
Focusrite Scarlett Interface
Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro-250ohms headphones
Alesis & M-audio Midi Keyboards
Nord Lead a1 Synthesiser

For recording bass I use a Mesa Subway D-800 head with TC RH212 cab, a bunch of pedals for all occasions and my trusty Musicman Caprice - it’s like a passive PJ with a little twist to it.

I've seen and heard your stuff and any chance to learn something from you would be amazing.

Thanks in advance,
Ryan Poulter

 

[jmjbassplayer]

I've spoken on this extensively in the past in this forum, so it might be useful to try some searches. If that doesn't yield anything useful, could you just try some slightly more specific questions for me?

 

[JRA]

recording bass to a professional standard.

you can really do things any way you want: very few 'rules'. most bass tracks are recorded direct. most of the time = the effects are added post-recording, say, in the mixing phase of the project. however, there can be any number of reasons to do things differently.

but since there are no rules about this: i say "have at it" and see where you go with it. post here for our entertainment. thanks.

good luck!

 

[jmjbassplayer]

Hi Justin,

I've recently been getting into the production side of music after working with lots bands and songwriters over the years. I was wondering if you - or anyone else in this forum - had some helpful tips for recording bass both creatively and professionally?

I like to collaborate and work with artists on synth parts and composing drum beats/rhythmic sections of songs. The kind of projects I am currently working in do involve a lot of synthesisers, ambient guitars and general noise, so I would love some advice on both creating unique bass sounds/arrangements and recording bass to a professional standard.

I would really like to get involved with other things than just playing bass during recording sessions and contribute more to the projects I’m in, but I understand first I need to nail the job that I’m there to do.

I’ve encountered problems when recording and mixing bass in the past. I understand that the tone you record in won’t necessarily translate in a mix, so want to make sure that I have the right sound when recording to make sure that whoever may be mixing it - myself or someone else - has plenty to work with. I would love to hear your opinion on this and if you have any advice or tips and tricks?

My set up at home is fairly simple, and includes:

2017 MacBook Pro with Logic
Focusrite Scarlett Interface
Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro-250ohms headphones
Alesis & M-audio Midi Keyboards
Nord Lead a1 Synthesiser

For recording bass I use a Mesa Subway D-800 head with TC RH212 cab, a bunch of pedals for all occasions and my trusty Musicman Caprice - it’s like a passive PJ with a little twist to it.

I've seen and heard your stuff and any chance to learn something from you would be amazing.

Thanks in advance,
Ryan Poulter

Did you find what you needed, Ryan? Happy to help, time is just a little tight for me so it's best if you address something as specifically as possible.