Entry Level Recording Gear

[Allegrus]

Not new to playing bass ... but I am new to trying to record it.

I'm interested in posting/trading some sound clips over the internet.

I have a desktop PC ... I also have a Ampeg BA-115 combo as well as a TC SpectraComp; both have DI outs (I'm only assuming that might help make choices.

So the question is ... what is the 'thing' I need between my PC and these DI's that will allow me to capture my playing?

Just to throw it in the mix ... is there also something that captures video with the sound as well?

 

[pfschim]

well, the basic thing you need between your bass and your PC is a Audio Interface. These come in tons of choices from makers like Focusrite, Tascam, Presonus, MOTU, RME, Apogee, Solid State Logic. Along with the Audio Interface, you will need something to "record" it ... usually this is a piece of software called a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
DAW's also come from many sources ... some names to consider are Reaper, Pro Tools, Ableton, Presonus, FL Studio, Cubase, Logic (Mac/Apple only).

The Audio Interface converts the analog signal of your bass to digital form and sends it to your DAW. In the DAW you have something that allows you to open "tracks" or "sessions" to capture your input.

So, tons of choices for you to consider. If you just want simple starting setup, I would suggest something like a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2. Audio Interfaces also usually include "lite" versions of DAW software that will let you get started.

You plug in your bass to the Audio Interface, open your DAW, create a new track and press "record" and you're off. It can be a bit more complicated that that of course, but that's about the size of it.

Now, that's just audio. For Video, of course, you will need a camera of some kind too. Some of the DAWs I mentioned (i.e Reaper) will allow you to work with audio and video.

Hope that gets you started.

 

[DirtDog]

You’ll likely be recording audio and video separately then syncing it in another software (video editing). No special hardware needed for that. Just time and patience. There’s the old standbys: Final Cut and Adobe Premiere, some worthy contenders like DaVinci Resolve and some up and comer open source packages like Olive. Incidentally, I’ve tinkered around with all four of these in the last 24 hours.

 

[pfschim]

also, you really don't need the DI to record. Most Audio Interfaces have decent enough preamps that allow you to plug your bass directly into them. Trick is to get a tone you like enough to work with in the DAW tracks and monitoring while you record.

There's tons of different approaches to get a good tone on your tracks. It can be very simple or very complicated, its kind of up to you. There are also lots of pretty experienced folks here on the TB Recording Gear and Equipment forum to help you get where you want to be on this.

good luck!

 

[tothemax]

If you are going for sound quality - Presonus has a pretty decent deal going on for a 2 channel USB interface for $99 at a few vendors. I had gone with a Tascam US-122L as my first USB interface and was really amazed at the difference in quality when I upgraded to a Focusrite 2i2. I think the Presonus Audiobox will be a nice entry level option. That will give you the option to go direct, use the DI out, or mic it from your amp. I have the same amp and really like it. I've only used the DI to reinforce my sound through the PA so I'm not sure what the sound is like into a DAW. While the Black Friday deals are on, it might be the time to grab a mic, mic stand, and cable so you have some recording options. Used gear will also save you some bucks.

For video, Vivitar makes a number of very affordable GoPro clones - they record to a digital card and are downloaded to your PC - that's about as much as I know about video editing. Most smart phone cameras also have that capability - the sound quality is probably not going to compare to direct recording.

Good luck and enjoy...

AudioBox USB 96 | PreSonus
​

FYI: Cakewalk by Bandlab is a decent full function free DAW you can download for PC. I've been using it for about 6 months and really like it.

 

[Nuage420]

I ended up getting an IK Media Axe I/O. It's specifically for guitar/bass recording. I run the balanced signal from my amp into the balanced input and I run my microphone into another. In the DAW you can blend and adjust them. I am brand new to this as well and not the most tech savvy but was able to figure this out. Good luck and have fun dude!

 

[SemiDriven]

Not new to playing bass ... but I am new to trying to record it.

Right there with you brother!

My band tells me that I need to record demos of my songs before they consider pursuing them or not. Makes sense.

While I don’t need video, I do need to start with a basic setup that is budget friendly. I’ll be doing vocals as well as adding guitar-like tracks via keyboard. Basic drum beats as well.

Here’s what I’m thinking:
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Blue Yeti Nano Professional Condenser USB mic
Nectar Midi Controller (Impact LX25+)
GarageBand

I figure this is one way to get up and running relatively quickly.

 

[mdjuszyn]

When I first started figuring out recording I downloaded Audacity (free) to learn and figure things out. No need to spend money on a DAW at first.

 

[redlizard]

I highly recommend Reaper as your DAW. I had zero experience with DAWs prior to download/install and was recording within the hour with no time spent on a manual, pretty intuitive. Free to download the full blown version. A whopping $60 if you choose to continue after the 60 day grace period. Very powerful and lots of well done videos available on YouTube (highly recommend Reaper Mania's series) to get you going faster.

On a related note, you probably want to use an amp simulator VST plugin in your DAW. Your bass will sound pretty dry and lifeless without using one. The amps simulate an amp section (duh), but maybe more importantly speakers and room environment. There are plenty of freebies out there and even demo versions of the more well known packages (AmpliTube, FX 2, etc..) are plenty good enough for getting your feet wet, likely even good enough for longer term use. Google 'best free amp plugins' or something similar and an easy half dozen freebies will come up. The freebie stuff is a great intro and way to get some experience and can help you decide on what to purchase down the road, if needed.

 

[redlizard]

You'll also need headphones and/or speakers/monitors to connect to your interface to actually hear/monitor your bass and recordings. Literally any old wired headphones will do to start, but you could easily spend $750 or more getting proper 'studio' quality ones. Bluetooth won't work due to latency issues. Pretty much same goes for speakers/monitors. I'd start with headphones to get going, add monitors if/when needed. If you have speakers kicking around, they'll likely work in a pinch, but you'll wish you had true monitors.

 

[pfschim]

I highly recommend Reaper as your DAW. I had zero experience with DAWs prior to download/install and was recording within the hour with no time spent on a manual, pretty intuitive. Free to download the full blown version. A whopping $60 if you choose to continue after the 60 day grace period. Very powerful and lots of well done videos available on YouTube (highly recommend Reaper Mania's series) to get you going faster.

On a related note, you probably want to use an amp simulator VST plugin in your DAW. Your bass will sound pretty dry and lifeless without using one. The amps simulate an amp section (duh), but maybe more importantly speakers and room environment. There are plenty of freebies out there and even demo versions of the more well known packages (AmpliTube, FX 2, etc..) are plenty good enough for getting your feet wet, likely even good enough for longer term use. Google 'best free amp plugins' or something similar and an easy half dozen freebies will come up. The freebie stuff is a great intro and way to get some experience and can help you decide on what to purchase down the road, if needed.

The VST advice is good. Certainly helps sweeten up the basic dry signal from your amp/DI. Another option that I have really enjoyed is using an outboard IR loader pedal to add a cab sim to your input rather than using a VST in the box. I grabbed the Nux MiniStudio and was very happy with the results. There are many to choose from like Mooer, Joyo, NUX, DSM OmniCab, etc etc. These devices can really add some nice depth to your bass tone for tracking without over-flavoring your tone.

 

[Rlkelly]

As "easy" as Garage Band is - and it's "right there" - I'd recommend thinking about a more "serious" DAW. The only reason is this - there's a bit of a learning curve to ANY of them - and once down one path - I've found it hard to revector to other apps - even if they're better. I started in Creator (Atari 1991) and I've struggled with EVERY DAW ever since - Cubase, Live, etc since I'd spent SO many hours learning Creator down to the last feature. It influenced HOW I created music, my workflow, creation process, composition approach and style, etc. Now, there weren't too many choices back then, and there are maybe TOO many today! But my advice is - if you're gonna sink any number of hours into learning a DAW's interface, workflow, I/O mapping etc, best to do that in an app that will grow with you.

Just my two cents gleaned from four decades working on this music thing. ; )

RK

 

[mambo4]

also, you really don't need the DI to record. Most Audio Interfaces have decent enough preamps that allow you to plug your bass directly into them

I feel this point doesn't get made enough in these entry level threads. You can plug a bass cable into $2 1/4" to 1/8" adapter and go straight into a pc mic in. Download audacity for free ( or better yet a Reaper trial) and you can start recording.

Will it be the best quality? No. You'll want a real interface sooner or later, but if want to start exploring fast and cheap, you can do it.