Probably silly question but, does the amp make a difference when recording directly from it?

[ashrobb]

And I mean just straight from the amp to the PC, in my case. I have my amp, which goes with a cable from the headphone output to my USB interface and I record with Reaper.
Do amps have differences when recorded this way? Say I have a beginner amp and want to upgrade to a Fender Rumble 25 or 40 for example. Since no actual speaker is involved, just the straight audio going digitally to the PC. Would my sound be vastly improved this way too?

 

[dreamadream99]

Not much of one. If you are recording, you may be happier with a modeling preamp/DI. Gives you many choices for final sound.

 

[Crater]

Yes, different bass amps have different "flavors" of tone, mostly due to the design of the tone controls and any "baked in" tonality the amp has. Recording from a headphone output is far from ideal, but if it's working for you, great.

When you upgrade your amp, I would recommend spending the extra $$ and getting the Rumble 40 (vs. the 25) because it has an XLR line out that's great for recording direct.

I was using a 'B brand' SansAmp clone, and then one day decided to try the XLR out on my Ampeg PF-500 amp for recording direct, and I instantly liked it much more than direct box.

 

[hbarcat]

It depends if you're taking the signal from either "pre" or "post" tone shaping section of the preamp.

If it's before, then the signal is "dry", with no tone coloration. All the preamp is doing us boosting your bass signal to line level.

If it's after, then the signal is "wet", and your tone shaping controls will color your tone. This may be as simple as a bass knob and a treble knob, or as elaborate as multiband, parametric EQ, variable compression, or other processing and effects.

 

[jeffb28451]

D.I.s are different, so yes, I think so. I always try to use a Jensen tformer equipped one

 

[DirkP]

donˋt use the headphone output to record. rather use the hz in of your interface or a di or an amp with a line out or di out.

 

[ashrobb]

Sorry for the delay and thanks for your answers.
I've been reading a bit and after watching a few youtube videos I think a preamp/DI like SansAmp BDDI is the way I'd like to go, plugging the XLR out from the preamp to my interface.

 

[Matty Koff]

What kind of inputs does your interface have? Could mic the amp, (used sm57 or sm58 + stand) A DI isn't a bad tool to have in the kit though.. my amp has an xlr out with a ground lift switch, and individual line out/master volume control that work great. Tech21 bass sans amp was a nice experience as well.

Does your interface have 1/4th in? Have you tried plugging your bass or pedal chain directly into a 1/4th mono input? Same could be done with what is probably an inexpensive xlr to 1/4 mono adapter.

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I mean.. OP has probably ordered his DI or is shopping for one and that gives you a degree of control before recording.. but if you can live with the tone of plugging directly into the interface, and it only has xlr inputs the above is an option for $6.95. Bass or pedals into it, xlr cable from it to the mixer or interface. Only real downside is shaping has to be done through the daw or at the mixer/interface unless you're using a DI pedal or EQ pedal, or a bass with active EQ.

 

[ashrobb]

What kind of inputs does your interface have? Could mic the amp, (used sm57 or sm58 + stand) A DI isn't a bad tool to have in the kit though.. my amp has an xlr out with a ground lift switch, and individual line out/master volume control that work great. Tech21 bass sans amp was a nice experience as well.

Does your interface have 1/4th in? Have you tried plugging your bass or pedal chain directly into a 1/4th mono input? Same could be done with what is probably an inexpensive xlr to 1/4 mono adapter.

Invalid Link Removed

I mean.. OP has probably ordered his DI or is shopping for one and that gives you a degree of control before recording.. but if you can live with the tone of plugging directly into the interface, and it only has xlr inputs the above is an option for $6.95. Bass or pedals into it, xlr cable from it to the mixer or interface. Only real downside is shaping has to be done through the daw or at the mixer/interface unless you're using a DI pedal or EQ pedal, or a bass with active EQ.

Hi, my interface has the standard inputs, XLR, 1/4 via line in and instrument modes.
And yeah I was doing that already, but my current amp is limited in options and I'm not too much of a big fan of VSTs, so was already looking to get something new to shape more tones. Was going to pull a trigger in a new amp but the DI is far better option for me.

 

[FaithNoMan]

Sorry for the delay and thanks for your answers.
I've been reading a bit and after watching a few youtube videos I think a preamp/DI like SansAmp BDDI is the way I'd like to go, plugging the XLR out from the preamp to my interface.

It may work really well for you, but I'd hate to record without my favorite pedals into my Mesa Bass 400. Even if I have to use an IR speakersim.
I've done it, and they never sound as good as my mic'd tracks.
But, I have done well with just pedals I like for years. I just think the amp buries them.

All that matters is if you like the sound that comes out of those studio monitors/headphones!

 

[hbarcat]

What specific PC interface are you using?

 

[ashrobb]

What specific PC interface are you using?

Hi I have a Behringer UM2 and it has been fine so far for my needs even being a low end one. Most of my gear is low end anyways

It may work really well for you, but I'd hate to record without my favorite pedals into my Mesa Bass 400. Even if I have to use an IR speakersim.
I've done it, and they never sound as good as my mic'd tracks.
But, I have done well with just pedals I like for years. I just think the amp buries them.

All that matters is if you like the sound that comes out of those studio monitors/headphones!

Yes I have realized that putting a mic in an actual cab is the best thing to do. Differences can be pretty noticeable