best way to record, with this setup???

[ric1312]

I have a korg dx16 digital recorder, it has preamps and compression on board. Usually I run straight in with my bongo bass, sounds OK, but I'm trying to find out what the best way is to record my bass.

You know, that killer sound.

My rig is a bose pas, which I really like the sound of. Would I be better off just micing my rig? Would this get me a better recorded sound?

I also just bought a baby bottle condensor mic for my vocals, but it's supposed to be good for micing instruments too.

I guess these are the two questions I'm really asking.

1. Is there something I'm doing wrong when I go straight into the board that I'm not getting a sound as good as I would like? I take the bass plug it staight in. Put on the bass compression from the compression library. EQ it a bit. Is there something that is usually put in the signal chain before going straight into a board with it's one preamps, and compressors?

2. Or would I Just be better off micing the sound of my bass rig after building an acoustic dampening wall around it, since live I love the sound?

 

[nowontonsforme]

1. most people usually run an external preamp before going straight in. This will certainly help your sound, and will surpass any onboard preamps on the digital recorder. If you dont have or cant afford a nice preamp, and nice DI box will get you close without breaking the bank so much.

2. Mic'ing a rig is an art. Try using many different mics in different locations at the same time. blending a bunch of different signals will yield a different result vs using 1 single mic or just using a direct sound.

3. try running direct and mic'ing at the same time. its doubtful that youll get phase cancellations, but its possible so watch out for that.

depending on what EXACT tone youre going for, all 3 ways could work fine. Keep in mind the tone that you want and experiment until you get there. Other people will tell you what worked for THEM and they will swear by it, but there is no right or wrong way. as long as you get the tone YOU want, youre doin fine.

also, remember that what sounds great live may NOT sound great on recordings, so you might have to change your ideal tone to sit best in the mix on tape (hard disk). just a few pointers from personal experience. good luck and happy recording!

 

[ric1312]

What would be considered a nice preamp and or di box for bass?

Also, If I pre amp it would I risk blowing the board?

Wouldn't that be a pre amp on top of a pre amp?

 

[nowontonsforme]

you can find nice preamps all over the place... try searching musiciansfriend.com, thats a good place to start.. or better yet, search the amps forum for preamps. I would guess to search this forum for opinions on nice DI's.

a preamp will be adjustable so things wont get too saturated. just watch your levels.

most likely the preamp in the digital mixer is not designed to be a bass preamp, and probably isnt designed to recieve signals at the impedance of your bass. youre much better off using a nice bass preamp to get your tone.