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Quick cheap way to add bass to mp3s.

M

MarkyDynaBass

Mar 19, 2009
79
1
Melbourne
#1
I'm currently in the process of writing basslines for my band. I've been sent the mostly complete songs and have been working on them.

I'm looking for a very quick cheap way to be able to record my basslines over his mp3s to be able to email back for some feedback instead of trekking over to his place or attempting to describe my basslines in words (it kinda goes "booom de da dum"). The quality isn't important as this is just to pass on for feedback, once the parts are written we'll record properly on his protools setup.

One item that's been suggested is the Berhinger UCG102 guitar link - I think it comes with software to do this, although not sure.

I'm a PC user, XP, and don't have any decent soundcard or music software.
 
#2
If you can justify $100, I'd recommend something like the M-Audio Fastrack USB. It comes with software that, while not very powerful, is very easy to use. Perfect for this kind of stuff. You import the mp3 as one track, record your bass on the second one, do a quick mix, and bada boom.

This is made even easier with better software - it really does become a function of your budget. On the higher end, I've seen/heard GREAT results with Cakewalk Sonar Producer, for example.

One of the reasons I like the Fastrack is that it allows you to use a DI...which IMO makes for a much better bass sound, even for rough stuff like this.

A third option that I've used, but can't highly recommend is the Boss/Roland BR-600. Cool all-in-one device, especially at the price point, but there are a lot of downsides. Chief is that it can only accept a 1GB card. Second is that it can't import (or export) mp3's. Not a huge deal as Audacity (and other freeware) is terrific for converting from .wav, but it is an extra step, and depending on the size of the .wav file, that 1GB limit can hit in a hurry.

Good luck...
 
#4
broon62 said:
If you can find some way get the bass onto the PC, you can use the free Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/) software to add the bass track to the mp3 (also allows you to adjust levels and a whole heap of other things). Make sure to grab the LAME plugin as well to allow you to export the finished project as an mp3.
Click to expand...

thanks for the replies.

I just ended up buying the Behringer UCG102 of Ebay for cheap. If the bundled software doesn't do what I want then I'll grab Audacity, thanks for the advice.

I did think of the M Audio thingy but was just that little more than what I want to pay. If I find myself doing more and more music on PC to justify it I'll probably end up getting a MBox.
 

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