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

Newbie needs help with home recording problem...

S

Superconductor

Nov 10, 2006
165
0
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
#1
Ok. So I want to record some bass into my computer.

I just tried it like this:


Fender Jazz Bass > Cable > Amp > Cable > Plug adapter > Computer > Audacity (free audio software)


When I hit record, I'll play, and it sounds fine.

When I stop recording, and hit playback, it sounds like mud. Worse. I can't even make out individual notes that well.

Now, I'm a newbie to this, so I don't know what the problem is, which is why I came here.

I just want some clear recordings!


1. My computer has an integrated, onboard sound card. Should I invest in a real sound card? Will it make a difference? Will it fix the problem?

2. Is it my amp? I tried all different settings and still sounds like **** on playback.

3. Crappy cables? Crappy connections?

4. Better software? I have Adobe Audition on another computer, it's a lot more complex. Would it make a difference in sound quality if I tried that?

5. Or could it be my speakers? I don't think so but worth a try.

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks
 
#5
Your setup will not give you studio quality recordings but you should be able to get something semi decent. What sort of cable are you using between your amp and soundcard. Where do you plug this cable on the sound card? What output on your amp are you using?
 
#7
Gegatso said:
Yeah...first get a USB or even better a firewire interface...then get that copy of Audition on there instead of some freeware...take the time to learn it - it's worth it.

~Mark
Click to expand...
It doesn't make any difference how the interface is connected. You just need one meant for recording, with an input impedance meant for what you're plugging into it. From here, it sounds like the impedance on your amp is too high for the input. What kind of output are you using to leave the amp? I would expect you to be able to get something halfway decent using an amp as a preamp, although nothing like what a decent interface will do.

Also, using different software isn't going to change your sound. If you need to do more complicated editing some quality software is a must, but Audacity (or whatever) is going to be just fine for simple recordings.

Infamousxtopher is right. I didn't mention it before since when I think mud I don't think clipping, but I shouldn't expect everybody to spot that. What do the level meters in your recording program look like?
 
#8
It sounds like you are clipping on the way in. Turn down the gain a little and see what you get. Before you record, check the input meter on you recording program and make sure you are not going past about -10dbfs and things should come out clear.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back