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How to improve my current set-up?
- Thread starter Sa1kon
- Start date
You've got a great bass, great interface and great plugins. Maybe some more versatility. Additional amp packs (I don't know what is available for Amplitude or Garage Band). I really like using vintage compressor VSTs. Black Rooster Audio has a good deal right now. Or get a good Channel strip emulator, like the Neve, SSL or Focusrite from Brainworx.
I forgot to mention my beyerdynamics DT770
I mean maybe I need a Di Box for example or preamp
I lean pretty heavily on my Tech21 preamp tone-wise for recording. Maybe something along those lines?
There's nothing there that you couldn't also do with plugins, but I like the way it sounds, its simplicity, and being able to physically turn knobs because I'm a Luddite.
Substitute Reaper for Garage band.
Plenty of other VST amps and effects available.
Lots of them for free by the way, and some freebies I prefer over paid versions.
Check out Invalid Link Removed for lots of other options.
Good luck and happy recording.
Dirk
Plenty of other VST amps and effects available.
Lots of them for free by the way, and some freebies I prefer over paid versions.
Check out Invalid Link Removed for lots of other options.
Good luck and happy recording.
Dirk
you have what you need to record a bass signal. i'm curious about what "better" means. (?)
You could go for an external mic preamp. The Warm WA12 Mk2 is a dual-transformer, high voltage, high Z input, microphone preamp. Then you could use the Apogee as your AD/DA converter. You could also go for a tube mic preamp, or a channel strip with mic preamp, compressor, and EQ. External mic preamp would be my next step.
I have been experimenting with the various DI and preamp options I have around my home studio space and am finding simpler is better.
Most significantly so far are the preamp/DI devices, Noble DI and VT Deluxe as well as a pretty nifty comp pedal .. Cali76CB (which is modeled after the classic UA 1176 FET compressor). I happily found that go-to live pedal board setup ... Cali76CB => Noble DI ... works great as an outboard signal shaping option for recording.
Most significantly so far are the preamp/DI devices, Noble DI and VT Deluxe as well as a pretty nifty comp pedal .. Cali76CB (which is modeled after the classic UA 1176 FET compressor). I happily found that go-to live pedal board setup ... Cali76CB => Noble DI ... works great as an outboard signal shaping option for recording.
If you have a passive bass, then you May want to put a bass preamp between it and the Apogee Duet
Mainly to impedance match as a passive bass is not a Mic level, and it's not a Line level.
You don't need transformers, you don't need tubes just a basic pre-amp pedal for around $35
Mainly to impedance match as a passive bass is not a Mic level, and it's not a Line level.
You don't need transformers, you don't need tubes just a basic pre-amp pedal for around $35
I agree with they advice to ditch garageband and get into Reaper. But you don't need new gear to get a good bass sound.
Start by considering the song. What does the song call for? Make sure you have the right strings for that sound. Try a pick if you need more bite. Try some foam between the bridge and bridge pickup if you need less bite.
Then think if you want the bass to sit below or above the kick drum frequency wise? Put a high pass filter on either the kick or the bass guitar, depending on what suits the song best.
The Apogee is a fantastic interface. Play around with the different amps and cabs in amplitube. You have tons of sonic options.
Start by considering the song. What does the song call for? Make sure you have the right strings for that sound. Try a pick if you need more bite. Try some foam between the bridge and bridge pickup if you need less bite.
Then think if you want the bass to sit below or above the kick drum frequency wise? Put a high pass filter on either the kick or the bass guitar, depending on what suits the song best.
The Apogee is a fantastic interface. Play around with the different amps and cabs in amplitube. You have tons of sonic options.
The Duet supports instrument level inputs. There are settings in the "Maestro" thing. Be sure you have set the 1/4" input to instrument. If you have it set to line it'll be tough to get a good tone.
Make sure your have a handle on gain staging and have meters set to pre-fader. When tracking it’s just as important that the meters look right as it is for the track to sound right.
