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Preamp with Logic Pro

A

AYRU

Apr 2, 2024
3
0
#1
Curious if it would be beneficial to get a preamp pedal to connect to Logic Pro? My audio interface is capable of a DI connection, but at present my only way of connecting my bass is via the standard 1/4" guitar input.

I've mostly been using the stock Logic amps and effects to craft a sound (which varying degrees of success). I've purchased a few bass pedals to try to have a little more variety, but in doing that research started to wonder about preamps.

I don't really gig, so I'm not concerned (at present) about using a preamp/DI in that way; I'm more curious if those of you recording at home are utilizing a preamp or just running with whatever options your DAW gives you. Thanks for any input. Appreciate it.
 
#2
I record my bass signal with an amp tone going into Logic. For me it’s easier to tweak on the fly if I need too, and it feels better and more natural than recording dry. I did start off using the Tech21 Q/Strip and BDDI, which are both very good. I have since moved to an amp modelling fx unit.
 
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#4
It depends if you’re happy with stock logic amp sims i guess. The DI vs 1/4” won’t make any real difference however might add some tonal options.

I use the Jad Freer Capo, incredible preamp which is super versatile. It also has a pre and post DI so you can also get a dry signal if you wanted to tweak the sound later on.

There’s also the Two Notes Opus which gets great reviews. Or you could go down the multifx route with a HX Stomp or GT1000core or something.

I’d only invest in a preamp if there’s a specific issue with the current tone though. If you do want a a specific preamp sound then go for it but otherwise something like the stomp may be a better option. The Noble preamp sim they added is surprisingly good.
 
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#5
Analog preamps (or other external processes) outside the box can be cool, but the downside is that if you only use a signal run through external processors then you are stuck with the sound that you've recorded. On the other hand, anything you do inside the box (Logic built-in amps/effects or other plug-ins) can be adjusted to taste after recording. Most of the time when using external processors or recording using an amp/cab/mic I always take a dry DI signal as well just to ensure that if the sounds I made outside the box don't end up fitting well then I have a dry back-up I can play with
 
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#7
The #1 most important thing to do when you're recording any instrument at home, is to take a straight DI signal. That's why a dedicated simple DI box is a must have for anyone running a studio. Most DIs have a seperate split output, which allows you to run the signal through an amp, or effects, or whatever, while still capturing the raw DI signal with the main output into your interface. You do that so you always have the possibility to reamp, or to change your signal, because chances are, you will eventually record a tone which you don't really like afterwards anymore. So having a dry DI signal is better, than having to rerecord everything again and again, until you're satisfied.
Whether you want a dedicated preamp really depends on what you want to do. At the end of the day, your signal will be converted to a digital signal, and whether you change the signal afterwards when it's already digital, or beforehand when it's still analog, really depends on your preferences. I have a mic for my cabs, a Sansamp VT deluxe, and a couple amp sims on my computer. I always run my signal through my DI box (not the Sansamp, an actual dedicated DI box), which then splits of to either my Sansamp, or my amplifier > cab.

One more thing. If you want to reamp your dry DI signal through analog gear, you will also need a reamp box. It's the opposite of a DI box. A DI box converts your signal from instrument to line level, while a reamp box converts a line level signal to instrument, so you can run it through your bass pedals, amp, and such.
 
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#8
DirtDog said:
Running a preamp into Logic is a completely valid way of doing it. As is not running a preamp but using amp sims in the box. Or micing up a cab, running through a channel strip (gain, eq, compression) then into Logic. Depends what you’re trying to achieve.

All roads lead to Rome.
Click to expand...
Yep, I use a couple different mic pres in front of my MOTU interface w Logic for different flavors (for example, a Neve-y one vs an API-ish one). I also use my JDI into the mic pres as opposed to using the hi-z in simply because I like the sound of it (both ways work fine). I do all this because while the MOTU interface's pres are certainly high quality, adding these other things to my front end brings something different--a color, or heft, or "soundstage". This is all for my DI signal whether it's bass or guitar. Then I use amp sims if I want, or sometimes re-amp to an actual amp.
 
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#9
I just plug into logic and mostly use it clean. I've played around with the amp and cab sims, but I've always preferred a clean DI sound, so they're not for me. A little EQ and compression and I'm good.

But there are tons of built-in sims and pedal-like effects. For my money, I don't think anybody could tell the difference once mixed if you're using outboard gear or built-ins.
 
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#10
Pings Bass said:
But there are tons of built-in sims and pedal-like effects. For my money, I don't think anybody could tell the difference once mixed if you're using outboard gear or built-ins.
Click to expand...
This is absolutely more true than ever. Especially for bass, when an amp track is usually used to just add a little extra texture alongside a DI track providing the meat of the tone. Sure it's nice know you have a real amp in there in the mix--it's cool. But when it's just a smidge of amp in the mix even the most seasoned pros are hard pressed to tell the difference between the real thing and a sim. Plus, you never have to worry about phase issues, or pissing off your neighbors;)
 
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#12
If you're just recording for yourself it doesn't matter. I either record clean/direct or with a Two Notes Le Bass set to a warm/treble cut pre type sound. I am positive I could mess around with EQ/comp in Logic and get a close enough sound, but if I want the same bass tone from project to project then I would need to save a template or just remember those settings. Not a huge deal, but more hassle than it's worth. I also am, in general, not a fan of the stock Logic effects in the pre to OD to fuzz area. Same with every other DAW I've used. Never paid for plug-ins though.
 
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#15
petermwright said:
I use a Sansamp Para Driver, straight into the interface, and I don’t use any modelling. Sounds great.
Click to expand...

Although the Sansamp is an analog modeler / tube amp simulator. They call it 'Tube Emulation Technology'. The Para Driver is a tube amp 'emulation DI.' A pedal version of the RPM. Could never make sansamp work for me, but alot of players do.
 
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#20
AYRU said:
Curious if it would be beneficial to get a preamp pedal to connect to Logic Pro? My audio interface is capable of a DI connection, but at present my only way of connecting my bass is via the standard 1/4" guitar input.

I've mostly been using the stock Logic amps and effects to craft a sound (which varying degrees of success). I've purchased a few bass pedals to try to have a little more variety, but in doing that research started to wonder about preamps.

I don't really gig, so I'm not concerned (at present) about using a preamp/DI in that way; I'm more curious if those of you recording at home are utilizing a preamp or just running with whatever options your DAW gives you. Thanks for any input. Appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Seriously depends; but typically I run my bass through compression and a tube pre, currently an Origin Stacked Comp and a Shift-Line Olympic, but also a clean DI signal; so JDI into either an Avedis MA5 (Fast Neve sound) or Cranborne Camden which is super clean so that I can process that how I want. If I'm feeling like getting even more sounds I'll also put an amp in the mix somewhere or pedals etc... I will say Helix Native is a great tool for all of your production needs.
 

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