Recording live bass tracks in a condo?

[fretlessman71]

There's this thing, you see, and it's got a speaker and a microphone, and a 1/4" speaker input with an XLR output, and it's sealed so most of the sound stays inside...... I can see it in my mind, but haven't the slightest idea what it's called, and whether or not it's even feasible for bass. I record bass lines at home for other people, but recently I've been getting asked to use "this amp" and/or "place the mic a foot farther away than you are" (from those who don't realize I run direct). I live in a condo near a well-travelled road, and mics don't like the extraneous noise. Can someone tell me what I'm talking about, and what are some good options if indeed this is a useful thing?

 

[silky smoove]

You're describing any number of sound isolation boxes, tanks, mini booths, etc. They generally don't work well for bass at all. The proximity effect is increased by the enclosed space and the resultant bottom end and lower midrange build up can be horrendous. If external sound is a problem in your space, just go direct and apply an impulse response in post using any number of convolution plugins with an IR of a cabinet that matches what you're after on a given track.

 

[Michael B]

I would go direct still. You can use amp, cab, mic sims. I don't think anyone will know the difference. And you don't have to fuss with loud recordings or outside noise you have to clean up.

 

[Jazz Ad]

Going direct is the obvious choice. Straight into the interface, maybe use a compressor or preamp before if so inclined.

 

[fretlessman71]

So what I'm getting from this is that it's generally not a useful process. I figured as much but thought I'd ask. I will pay more attention to my surroundings and see if I can find a quiet time to do this. Thanks folks!