• 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 freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

garageband...etc

Need an interface. It's a widget that takes your signal from the 1/4 cable or XLR and gets it into the computer in a way GB can process. A preamp can be handy for tone shaping but isn't always needed. The preamp would go between your bass and the interface.

You'll want decent headphones or monitors to monitor yourself.
 
The software you need is referred to as a DAW - digital audio workstation. GB, ProTools, Logic, etc. you'll need one. It should come with the drivers you need, though that's not always the case. You may need to download them to get the interface and the software to communicate. Many interfaces include DAW software with purchase, even if it's not the full-blown DAW software package, it's enough to practice with.
 
Generally, the interface will be a usb connection to the computer.
Bass
Cable
Preamp (optional)
Cable
Interface
Usb
Computer
DAW
Computer headphones out to mixer/stereo/headphones

Or the interface will have a monitor out so you can go directly to the monitors or headphones from the interface.
 
  • Like
Reactions: The BurgerMeister
Need an interface.

Actually, with my Mac I can run a guitar straight into the 1/8" input jacks and right into GarageBand or LogicX. That may or may not work with your Windows box, though.

You could certainly try, however. I still ended up buying a cheap firewire interface because I didn't like all the weight levering into the rink little 1/8" inputs.
 
Last edited:
I do 90% of my playing: Bass > Pedals > DI Box > Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

If I'm feeling lazy I'll just do: Bass > 2i2

If I record, I use Reaper.

You can direct monitor off the 2i2, and it works extremely well for me. I really like watching Netflix on my PC while jamming on bass.
 
Pick up a Zoom B3. Usb to your computer, hear your mp 3 files.

It's like a Swiss Army knife for bass. Drum machine, looper, interface, di, tons of effects, amp sims, headphone practice. Tuner. Free editor software so you can tweak away on your computer, and set up a save patches

I like my B3 so much I bought a G3 for a guitar rig. For $150 new.

I use my B3 with my computer for the vast majority of headphone practice, lessons and studies. Then I use it as a pre amp and effects.

Did I mention it'll run on triple a batteries. And it's built tough.
 
Actually, with my Mac I can run a guitar straight into the 1/8" input jacks and right into GarageBand or LogicX. That may or may not work with your Windows box, though.

You could certainly try, however. I still ended up buying a cheap firewire interface because I didn't like all the weight levering into the rink little 1/8" inputs.

I use a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter to plug straight into my Mac. The trick is to get the right angle plugs instead of the straight plugs so you don't have that weight on the input jack. The cable was about 6 bucks.

thanks so much....................

You do realize that GarageBand is for Macs only? Some of the interfaces come with the basic software you'll need to record/hear yourself. I'd buy one of those.
 
I use a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter to plug straight into my Mac. The trick is to get the right angle plugs instead of the straight plugs so you don't have that weight on the input jack. The cable was about 6 bucks.



You do realize that GarageBand is for Macs only? Some of the interfaces come with the basic software you'll need to record/hear yourself. I'd buy one of those.
yes----i found that my pc would not support it
 
i will get a zoom b3 instead if i were you, it has that recording interface function, means it allow you to use the pedal as an audio source. Not only that, the pedal also came with a beginner Steinberg DAW that is a good beginner tool to get introduction on the recording workflow.

It also came with looper, tuner, metronome, drum machine. Best tool for for practice imo
 
i will get a zoom b3 instead if i were you, it has that recording interface function, means it allow you to use the pedal as an audio source. Not only that, the pedal also came with a beginner Steinberg DAW that is a good beginner tool to get introduction on the recording workflow.

It also came with looper, tuner, metronome, drum machine. Best tool for for practice imo
this looks like my best choice------thank you----will go to guitar center or sam ash to check it out
 
I use an Alesis Multimix4USB. I found mine on Amazon for $80. Not high end quality, but totally usable. I think it comes with Cubase lite or something but I never use it. A simple 4 channel mixer with USB interface, stereo out, and effects for vocals. I can get sound into my Mac, and out of it to hear through my stereo. Zoom B3 looks like a good option too.