Hardware or Processor

[IvanBassist]

Hey all

I'm trying to decide between two options and would like to hear some opinions. Long term I want to set up my own home studio and so far I'm pretty happy with my live/studio bass tone, which consists of:
-Dingwall SJ
-Lakland p bass
-Darkglass Supersymmetry
-Darkglass B7k


However, after a recent recording session I noticed how much I actually like blending a DI + a mic'ed cab.
At home I would like to be able to record bass as well as guitar, so my options are:

1) Line 6 Helix

2) Rupert Neve Designs RNDI + DSM Omni Cab Sim + Darkglass b7k Ultra or Alpha Omega + Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 + Horizon Devices Precision Drive (for guitar stuff) + Guitar Rig or something similar to get to processed tones out of a clean DI signal.

Both have pros and cons.

What do you guys think?

 

[p5string]

I vote for option 2

 

[Frank Tuesday]

Unless you specifically want the Line 6 for live use, there is much more versatility in option 2. The Line 6 is a computer optimized to one thing really well. If you want to do something else, it isn't useful at all.

One change I might make is to get a Mic Pre (with DI) instead of the RNDI. Not that the RNDI isn't great, but if you're looking at the start of a home studio, a good mic pre is invaluable. For just a little more than the RNDI, in these parts I can get a used Focusrite ISA One, which has a mic pre and a DI channel. It's miles better than the mic pre in the Scarlett. The DI has a different sound than the RNDI, but it's a great sounding unit.

 

[DigitalMan]

Adding my vote for option 2.

The best knife, scissors, corkscrew, and nail file in the House are not the ones you find in the Swiss Army Knife. And you lose the toothpick and tweezers in about three weeks anyway.

 

[seamonkey]

Try a demo of line-6 Helix Native
All the software has demo periods