Recording my bass over a pre-recorded track

[Semi Actuated]

Had a question.

I like to record my playing over pre-recorded tracks. WAV files from, say Led Zeppelin, or something like that.

Right now I use a Tascam GB-10 (the little guitar/bass trainer) for that purpose. The only problem is-when I turn the input level up enough to hear my bass while recording-when I export the WAV file I've recorded-the bass is too loud. I've played with the input level and balance controls on the device, but in the end either the bass in the final recording is too loud or the volume level on the bass while I'm recording is too low, making it difficult to hear my playing while I'm recording.

So my question is....is there another type of unit, say some of these small multi-track recorders that are put out by Tascam, Roland, Zoom, etc., where I would be able to record over a pre-recorded track, and then mix my bass track lower before the final export?

I'm looking for a "hardware solution" if possible, though if the only solution would be to use a PC/laptop and software to achieve my desired result, then I would consider that as well.

And I know it's possible my question sounds a little ignorant, but I'm back playing for only the last several years after a 25 year layoff, and I'm really just catching up on the technology. And I never knew much about recording to begin with.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[dlb1001]

Had a similar problem. What I did was to get an audio interface (Focusrite 2i2), monitor speakers then downloaded a copy of Reaper. Spent some time watching how-to videos for Reaper, before I started.
Then, I created two tracks in Reaper. I put on the pre-recorded track on one track and my bass track on the second track. Then, I used the filter plugin that came with Reaper to attentuate the bass part so that I could hear my bass part. Took me some time but I was able to get a good track.
Sent it off to a singer/songwriter, who gave to the engineer to added the track to the song. It came out fine so, for me, it was well worth the effort.

 

[seamonkey]

For the software route, Izotope RX7 is out and it includes some spectral operations that can remove or isolate instruments in the mix. You can then mix in your own track.

Look for sales or crossgrades on RX7, it always sells for cheaper than list price.

There are plenty of other software packages that do stuff like this also but RX7 looks to have a easy interface to it. I will myself probably get RX7 and retire Spectra Layers in the next few months.

 

[bkbirge]

A simple cheap solution is to split your sig out to a little practice amp in parallel with your input to the recorder. Then you can get your level set for the mix but also play with the amp to hear better while playing.

 

[Crater]

Tascam DP008ex portable multitrack recorder. Records to an SD memory card.

A simple cheap solution is to split your sig out to a little practice amp in parallel with your input to the recorder. Then you can get your level set for the mix but also play with the amp to hear better while playing.

He wants to listen to recordings of himself playing along to tracks.

 

[Semi Actuated]

Thanks to everyone who replied.

For now, I ended up getting a Focusrite Scarlett Solo interface, using it with Ableton Live to record and do some rudimentary mixing. It was inexpensive and I like it, but still, I think I'm eventually going to get a recorder like the Tascam unit Crater suggested. The portability and "all-in-oneness" of that type of device still appeals to me.

Thanks again.

 

[Badwater]

Having a interface and DAW will allow you to adjust record levels on both your bass track and the music track. And will allow you to balance out the levels in the final export WAV track, that way you can get good volume levels in the final product.