Recording from the Ampeg BA-210v2 XLR DI

[tothemax]

I'm trying to get the best signal out when I'm recording with DI only, meaning I have headphones plugged into the amp so I'm not mic'ing it as well. Actually I plug a 1/8" stereo adapter into the headphone input to silence the speaker and use the headphones from the USB Interface.
I've been going for my best tone with the speaker on and then going "silent" with the DI signal from there. I usually target the -10db mark as a baseline on my DAW. I'm just noticing that as late my recordings have been a bit "muddy", basically not very clean which makes for crappy mix.
Just looking for any tips for DI only recording.

Thx

 

[pfschim]

hmm, a DI signal should be pretty reflective of what your bass sounds like. Do you have the option of switching from Pre or Post EQ on the DI ? Pre EQ will basically be your bass signal from the input ... so quite neutral and unaffected by EQ. Post EQ will be that signal with influence from the Ampegs EQ/tone shaping section.

So, if your not overloading your Audio Interface (make sure you are using a Line option on the Interface pre input) and you are not seeing peaking on your DAW channel, it's probably not to hot of a signal. After that, you might try working with the Amp EQ a bit to 'un-muddy" what you hear in the DAW/recordings. Keep in mind that they way the amp sounds thru the speakers is not necessarily how it will sound via the DI => Audio Interface => DAW.

Good luck. Dialing in a good, pleasing and workable tone for recording can take a bit of knob twisting

 

[AceOfBassFace]

I'd just forget about using the amp, and get either a dedicated bass DI/pre-amp, or record direct into your interface and use eq and amp/cab sim plugins in the DAW for your tone. Nothing special about the Ampeg BA210 pre-amp section IMO.

 

[tothemax]

Thanks, I appreciate the input...

I was just using the amp DI for convenience, figured it would keep the signal chain clean (kinda of WY"H"IWG). I do get a much better sound when use both the DI and mic the amp. The amp DI out is XLR, so a line setting is not an option. From the manual it is "post EQ"...

"XLR LINE OUT: Typically, you would connect this post-EQ, balanced output to the balanced input of an external mixer or a recorder."

I've started playing with a new band and have had to step up my game, with that I think my ear and listening skills are also picking up (playing some Steely Dan, etc., and reaching beyond the classic rock I'm used to). I'll be doing some playing around and compare between, standalone DI, direct to USB interface, and the Ampeg onboard DI.

Cheers