DI issues...

[Rickenbackerman]

Hey guys,
I've got a small studio in my basement. Trying to track some bass. Recording gear:
2x echo audiofire 12's
Recording PC
Soundcraft DLX board w/ 18 deluxe channels, 2 group outputs for headphone mixes and the master channel
Outboard gear:
Ampeg SVPCL
DBX 166XL
FMR RNC
FMR RNP

I'm playing a Rick 4001 w/ a reissue horseshoe treble pickup. My sound is the treble pickup solo'ed with the tone wide open. Got a '66 B-15n that I put in the bathroom. Stick a decent condenser in front of it and BAM! Instant awesomeness. But I would like to track a slightly compressed DI signal at the same time using the SVP and one of the compressors.

I've tried SVP DI>RNP >DBX(or RNC)>Echo and SVP DI>DBX(or RNC)>RNP>Echo. If that makes sense... I think running the first configuration gave a slightly better sound, but this was a while ago so I'm going from memory here. PC took a dumo and I had to get a new drive (luckily I recovered all of my audio files).

Problem is the sound was too bright. REALLY friggin' bright. Unusably bright. Even with the treble on the SVP turned all the way down.

Is there some kind of impedance issue going on here? Something wrong with my signal chain? Maybe I should try the main outputs of the SVP instead of the DI signal? I know Rick basses are bright and B-15's are mellow, but this is ridiculous. Any help would be greatly appreciated...

 

[Rickenbackerman]

I just hooked everything up and noodled around a little. Getting closer. Went SVPDI>DBX>RNC into the echo. I think the main issue is I had the gain way too low on the SVP and it was making the compressor do strange things since the only thing that controls the level of the DI output is the output of the bass and the gain of the SVP. It's still pretty bright, though. I get the best sound with the bass at noon, a little low-mid boost and the treble at like 7-8 O'clock...

I could post some sound clips, but it'd be a hassle. My recording PC isn't even on the interwebz.

 

[Interceptor]

Try swapping phase on either one of the channels.

 

[Rickenbackerman]

Man, I just did that before you posted... HOLY CRAP! Hahaha. Getting even closer, now I just need to get my B-15 to not rattle crap that's in the same room.

 

[silky smoove]

Quick test: Plug your bass in through as few steps as possible. Bass, preamp, converter. Do you still have the same issue?