Mic Pre?

[SplinteredSkull]

I am trying to record bass lines that are a step above computer mic recordings. I have a DI output on my head and run a XLR-TRS cable into my computer mic input. I then just record with Audacity. The overall level is very low though, and any added input gain just distorts the signal. I need some kind of mic/instrument preamp correct? Does anyone have a suggestion for something cheap but decent if this is the case? I use a MacBook if that affects anything

 

[EastCoastThump]

Hard to be sure w/o more info, but I suspect something's off with your amp's DI, your cabling, your audio interface, or your settings.

I have a DI output on my head

What head are you using? Does it have a volume control for DI out? Does it also have a line output you can test?

and run a XLR-TRS cable into my computer mic input..I use a MacBook if that affects anything

What audio interface are you using? Have you tested your audio cables? Do other sources record as expected through your interface?

Or are you running the amp's DI send right into the MacBook's 1/8" miniplug input (via XLR to miniplug cable)? If this, what are your Mac's system Sound settings for "input volume" and "use audio port for:"? And how are you routing audio out of your MacBook?

 

[SplinteredSkull]

Hard to be sure w/o more info, but I suspect something's off with your amp's DI, your cabling, your audio interface, or your settings.

What head are you using? Does it have a volume control for DI out? Does it also have a line output you can test?

GK 700RBII and it has a level control for DI out

What audio interface are you using? Have you tested your audio cables? Do other sources record as expected through your interface?

Or are you running the amp's DI send right into the MacBook's 1/8" miniplug input (via XLR to miniplug cable)? If this, what are your Mac's system Sound settings for "input volume" and "use audio port for:"? And how are you routing audio out of your MacBook?

I'm just running the signal straight into Audacity via the 1/8" mic input. The cable is a XLR-TRS cable with a 1/8" stereo adapter. I am keeping the DI level all the way up and the mic input gain on Audacity is about half. Past that it distorts, and if i turn the volume past 3/4 or so on my active bass, it also distorts.

The system setting for input volume is at half. I run all of my sound out of the headphone jack into my surround. I always keep the volume at the same level I listen music to.

 

[Dave W]

I am keeping the DI level all the way up

Turn it down...

 

[SplinteredSkull]

Turn it down...

The DI level actually doesn't have much effect on the clarity of the signal, it's mainly the mic input gain and my bass volume. But that won't help anyway because the overall level isn't loud enough. I have to crank up the volume on my computer to hear to the recording. The only way to hear it at a normal level is by turning up the gain on everything (which then distorts the signal)

 

[Dave W]

Something isn't right with your levels. You'd need to find out what the output of your DI is and what the mic input is expecting for a level.

If it were me, I'd just get an interface. You don't need a mic pre.

 

[sadowskyguy]

Something isn't right with your levels. You'd need to find out what the output of your DI is and what the mic input is expecting for a level.

If it were me, I'd just get an interface. You don't need a mic pre.

I agree, you should look into an interface. There are a lot of affordable options out there that offer single channel, and of course, multiple. Good luck my friend!

 

[SplinteredSkull]

Such as..

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Alpha

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UMC22

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AudioBoxUSB

?

 

[RustyAxe]

I am trying to record bass lines that are a step above computer mic recordings. I have a DI output on my head and run a XLR-TRS cable into my computer mic input. I then just record with Audacity. The overall level is very low though, and any added input gain just distorts the signal. I need some kind of mic/instrument preamp correct? Does anyone have a suggestion for something cheap but decent if this is the case? I use a MacBook if that affects anything

A preamp is not your problem, your computer sound card no doubt has a preamp (of dubious quality, I'm sure). You're running a line level signal into a mic (low level) input and overdriving it. You end up trying to compensate by reducing the channel gain till it's almost unusable.

With what you have now, you should try reducing the DI level, while increasing the channel gain in Audacity. You want enough bass signal to drive the DAW, but not enough to clip. This is THE most important part of recording (other than the performance, that is) ... you have to start off with a proper level to allow the other gain stages (input, EQ, FX) to work without distortion. The goal is to get a clean signal to track at -12db to -6db. I've had pretty lousy results trying to record using the computer's mic input. An interface is much better.

Most consumer interfaces would include mic preamps as part of the package (some are pretty decent), and some include one (or more) hi-Z instrument inputs as well. You'd get best results by putting your bass into a hi-Z input and then USB/Firewire into your DAW.

 

[tbplayer59]

Using a computer's preamp is probably the worst thing you can do. And does the xlr to trs cable have a transformer to match the signal levels?

 

[SplinteredSkull]

A preamp is not your problem, your computer sound card no doubt has a preamp (of dubious quality, I'm sure). You're running a line level signal into a mic (low level) input and overdriving it. You end up trying to compensate by reducing the channel gain till it's almost unusable.

With what you have now, you should try reducing the DI level, while increasing the channel gain in Audacity. You want enough bass signal to drive the DAW, but not enough to clip. This is THE most important part of recording (other than the performance, that is) ... you have to start off with a proper level to allow the other gain stages (input, EQ, FX) to work without distortion. The goal is to get a clean signal to track at -12db to -6db. I've had pretty lousy results trying to record using the computer's mic input. An interface is much better.

Most consumer interfaces would include mic preamps as part of the package (some are pretty decent), and some include one (or more) hi-Z instrument inputs as well. You'd get best results by putting your bass into a hi-Z input and then USB/Firewire into your DAW.

I used your advice and it definitely did help. I can get it to a normal level now, but you can tell it will distort if you try and go past that. I'll look into getting an interface. Thank you all!

 

[seamonkey]

Active bass is a "line level" output. Switch the mic input to be line level.
Nearly all PC's in the last several years have stereo audio I/O as good as any external interface.
External interface may have more adjustments and can make it easier.
Play back a record made elsewhere, if it too is quiet then it may be your output, not input, levels.

 

[Dave W]

Active bass is a "line level" output.

Nope.

Some can put out a hot signal but so can any passive bass. None of my active bass put out anything close to line level and my good ol' passive P's have one of the hottest signals.

 

[seamonkey]

Yep. That why amps have to different level inputs. And even a passive guitar or bass guitar is not Mic level. Well know that they are hotter than most mics.
If your active bass isn't driving it, change the batteries, or take the cover off and look for a trim pot.

 

[Dave W]

Yep. That why amps have to different level inputs.

Yes, but that doesn't mean you need to use them. Go poll the amps forum. I'll bet that 99% don't use the active input when using an active bass.

And even a passive guitar or bass guitar is not Mic level. Well know that they are hotter than most mics.

No kidding. A bass or guitar would be instrument level.
There is a big difference between mic level, instrument level, and line level.

If your active bass isn't driving it, change the batteries, or take the cover off and look for a trim pot.

Are you telling me to do that or OP? I have zero issues with my actives.

I was simply stating that it's not a universal truth that active basses output a hotter signal than passive basses. Also, that an active bass DOES NOT output a line level (+4db) signal. That's seriously hot

 

[seamonkey]

Whatever

Plenty of good info at audio sites:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

TYPICAL EQUIPMENT LEVELS (input and output voltages)
Mic level : About 2mV (0.002 volt) to about 1V depending on how loud the source is, and on how sensitive the mic is.
Instrument level: Typically 0.1V to 1V for passive guitar pickups; up to 1.75V for active pickups.
Semi-pro or consumer line level: -10 dBV (0.316 volt).
Pro line level: +4 dBu (1.23 volts)​

PC built in sound is going to be "consumer line level".
A dedicated USB interface will probably be more of the "Pro Line level"
Any active bass I've ever seen does better when you start with line level.
Pre-amp out from an amp - line level also.