• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

DI box question

MycooLeeyun

MycooLeeyun

Sep 26, 2009
1,667
697
Sedona, AZ
#1
Hi,

I'm looking to lay down some bass tracks at my undeveloped home studio. I'm running protools 10 with an Mbox2 interface. I'm trying to get the best DI sound possible with my setup and was wondering if investing in a Countryman type85 would be a good route to take. Will a DI box improve my sound over just going right into the Mbox? Do I need a preamp to run through after the DI box and before the mbox? What is the "ideal" DI setup to get the best bass tone? Thanks
 
#2
well the DI will already improve you bass tone in a whole different level, if you hear that is not enough for you, you can colour the sound with preamp.
In my opinion, if the pure sound don't match what I'm looking for to record, I add a preamp before the DI.
Otherwise a good comp and than the DI it will be all you need to record a good and pure bass track.
You can always add preamps with your DAW software, some people like to do when you take the whole track before the comp and the DI, some on the post production, it's just a matter of tastes.
Cheers. Enrico

www.enricogaletta.com
on youtube
on twitter
 
#4
Thanks. I'm definitely going to invest in a DI box. Considering my budget, I think the Countryman Type 85 will be a good choice. Should I run my bass through my EBS Multicomp before going into the box? If I use my EBS Multicomp compressor, should I still add compression on the DAW? I appreciate all of the information! What setup has gotten the best results for some of you?
 
#7
Okay so the Countryman won't affect my tone as much as it will just provide a good signal to my DAW? Are there any benefits of using a Countryman over just going direct into the Mbox? So this Tube Preamp serves as a preamp and a DI box? I'm also looking for a microphone preamp so this could be a good investment as well. Are there any other products you would recommend in this category? Thanks again!
 
#9
Emibass said:
Well the Mbox DI is not such a high quality DI, so investing in a good DI will make a diference. IMHO/IME
Click to expand...

But the mic pre in the Mbox2 isn't high quality either so I don't see it making a huge difference. You could get an external mic pre but then the conversion/clocking of the Mbox2 isn't that high quality...

Personally I'd get a better sounding interface (Mbox3, Apogee Duet, Metric Halo ect), if you still aren't happy with the capture with the built in DI get a Countryman at that stage.
 
#10
Hey Timi, thanks for that recommendation. I haven't even thought that my interface is sub-par, so thanks for bringing that to my attention. What are some great interfaces on the market currently? Any other suggestions on getting a good DI sound? Seems like quality interfaces are very expensive.
 
#11
I wouldn't go as far as saying sub par, you could do much better but it's not stopping you making an amazing sounding record. The three brands I mentioned would be a definite upgrade, but keep in mind the less experience you have generally means the less benefit you get from upgrading recording gear (not trying to be rude, unsure how much experience you have).

What sound are you going for? What's currently lacking about the sound you're getting? Are you sure it's the capture and not how it's fitting in the mix?
 
#14
Timi said:
But the mic pre in the Mbox2 isn't high quality either so I don't see it making a huge difference. You could get an external mic pre but then the conversion/clocking of the Mbox2 isn't that high quality...


Personally I'd get a better sounding interface (Mbox3, Apogee Duet, Metric Halo ect), if you still aren't happy with the capture with the built in DI get a Countryman at that stage.
Click to expand...

+1
 
#15
Honestly my sound is alright going direct into my mbox2. I just have a feeling that I could be getting an a lot better sound with some upgraded gear. I was looking at interfaces last night and stumbled upon the Focusrite 18i20. I really don't have much experience in sound engineering, but I'm also not a complete novice. I think an improved interface will enhance the quality of my recordings. What do you guys think?
 
#17
if you have a DI on your amp, try that xlr out into your mbox. every DI is a little bit different and the right one will make your bass sound better. If you can mic your amp, try that too. You'll have to experiment to see what sounds best.

I never have had an mbox, but I used a DIGI002 interface for many years, and after trying out a few other interfaces, I think even the pres on the DIGI002 are pretty crappy. My allen and heath zed10 mixer sounds far better.
 
#19
Have you tried just using the MBox2 and then software amp simulators?

I don't think a regular DI will do much to improve the sound, until you start spending bigger bucks. Remember that your new DI will still plug into the MBox2, just as a line level signal instead of a mic level signal. It might help, but money may be more noticeable spent elsewhere.

But try stuff, listen to results, and find out for yourself.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back