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Heading to studio and need some advice.

Ive been on sessions recording guitar but never bass. Playing in a rock and and we are headed somewhere close to Nashville to record. what do I need to take. I have a Markbass combo but no di or compressor? Do most engineers prefer a direct line in or what? I’ve been on sessions where the bassist plugged straight in but just not sure.
Also, can anyone recommend a cheaper good di/preamp?
 
Unless the producer tells you otherwise: Just bring your bass!

The studio already has DI's, preamps, and compressors. You are paying a lot of money to use that gear for the day, so you should take full advantage! Recording sessions can be a fun opportunity to try high-end gear that would otherwise be out of your price range.
Ok. Cool. Glad to know bigger studios have a dedicated pre/di.
 
yeah check with the producer / whoever hired you first. but if it's anything but a small rinky-dink operation, all you'll need is a bass, tuner, and a cable. and probably the studio has all 3 of those things too. many engineers will mix a DI signal with a mic'd amp/cab.

if you're looking for a good bass preamp / DI combo for rock music, you can't go wrong with a sansamp. the MXR M80 and M81 are also quite good and a little cheaper. cheaper than that? there are probably some that are good but many that would be less than good.
 
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On top of all the other advice, check out the studio’s website to see if they have a gear list (stuff that the studio owns). If they have a selection of amps for your use, you’re golden without having to hump your own amp down there. Mind you, if you use FX that are critical to your sound, bring those.
 
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Headphones if you have a preference can be helpful too. I bring something to drink too and if you’re cutting several tracks a change of tees. Also leave your phone outside with your gear! Come prepared to be bored as it is often tedious
 
You don't need to bring an amp, unless you have something cool and vibey and the producer wants to try it (like a B15 for example). If you have a DI, sure bring it (I always have a JDI in my bag) but the studio will typically plug you into what they use and prefer. There's usually a JDI or a Countryman sitting there on the floor in your spot when you walk in. 98% of the time you're just going to be DI'd.
If they like to track with an amp, they'll have that set up already or discuss it w you beforehand. Lotsa folks often save tracking a bass amp for later if we want an amp track, and then simply re-amp the bass. That way you can play w different amps easily, plus you have no issues with bleed if there isn't good isolation for cranking a bass amp (like many smaller studios).
What I would absolutely do though, is have more than one bass on hand. This could be for example, one bass w old flats, one w bright rounds. Or if your bass is active, bring a passive Fender-style P or J as an option. Maybe you bring a P or a J, and also some kind of shorty hollowbody. Whatever gives you another good tonal option. If you only have one bass, consider renting or borrowing another. Maybe a bandmate has something cool they can bring as an option.
Make sure whatever you bring is setup with the intonation dialed, no noisy jacks, etc.
If as mentioned above they have a gear list and that includes a bass or two, then don't need to sweat it as much, bring one if that's all you have.
 
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