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Recording newbie

chickenJames

chickenJames

Guest
May 2, 2013
147
53
Wiltshire UK
#1
hello gang

I'm going into the studio on Saturday to do some recording.

I'd be very grateful for some suggestions on the best way to get a good sound!

Equipment list
MIM P 4 string
Spector 5 Legend (active)

Boss bass EQ
MXR compressor

Markbass CMD 121P

I could use DI or mic or both

What settings would you use on the combo for DI? pre or post EQ?
Any time I've ever DIed and then listened to it with cans, it's dry-as-a-bone and horribly trebly - how do I set things to get a decent sound? Or is it better just to let the engineer mic the cab?
Also - effects. For live I normally use at least the compressor, and upstream I put the EQ as a booster if I'm using the passive P bass.
All suggestions or help gratefully received

thanks

James
 
#2
If it's a professional studio, take your direction from your engineer. He'll let you know what's best to set up. In most of my recording history, I haven't used an amp in the studio. Your engineer will be able to get a better recorded sound using his own eq's and compressors, after his own mic pre. Unless you have a VERY specific sound which needs to be rendered into the mix, that's how it will probably go.

Make sure your instruments are properly intonated, and have fresh strings, and batteries for your active. Get a good night's sleep, eat a light meal, and get to work! Try to enjoy it as much as you can.
 
#4
That all depends.

even some older tube consoles sound awesome with plugging a bass right in.

Tell us more about your sound? I agree with RDUB, BUT.....

If your sound is non-aggressive and smooth, this can be the best way to do it. If you use an overdriven tube-crunch kind of sound, then micing your own rig might be the only way to capture your tone.

You didn't mention that at the outset, so I'm guessing that isn't a main factor.
 
#5
good spot, thanks. I don't use overdrive from the amp, but sometimes an occasional big muff fuzz pedal.
My sound is always clean, with variations in EQ, envelope filter, phaser and so on all coming from pedals.

So I think the picture is clear :-)
 
#6
Thanks chaps, it turned out like you said, and we had a great day.
We recorded 4 tracks in 8 hours, just need final mix down and we're good to go.

You were quite right about not using the amp - the engineer/producer just plugged me straight in and used his eq, compressor and amp sim. I got a very good sound - at least I was happy with it. I used my Spector and MIM P for 2 songs each, and you can really hear the difference.

:-)
 

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