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Recording Solo Bass

Discussion in 'Ask Janek Gwizdala [Archive]' started by aggiebass09, Jul 19, 2009.

  1. Jul 19, 2009 #1
    aggiebass09

    aggiebass09

    Jul 16, 2008
    Texas
    I've recently starting getting into recording solo bass and I want to get the point where I can handle all my recording needs. Do you have any suggestions on how to record solo bass?

    My current setup is my Schecter Stiletto bass running into my head and then into a PreSonus Firebox. I get a pretty strong sound out of it, but, I obviously need to incorporate some combination of reverb, etc. I was told to use compression but I'm extremely new to recording and I don't really know what I'm doing...haha.

    If you have the time, I have a test recording that gives an example of what kind of raw sound I'm working with at: http://www.myspace.com/christopherthomasmusic

    Thanks :D
     
  2. Jul 20, 2009 #2
    user3653753

    user3653753 Guest

    Jan 28, 2004
    I have no idea what a presonus firbox is.....

    but I can offer you this advice.

    For all recording I use either Pro Tools or Logic into a MAC. it's really a pretty simple setup. I do have a few nice pre amps including an Avalon, Manley, and a fender tube pre, but for demos and quick recording I almost always just go straight into the M-Box and use the built in focusrights.

    I think that compression kind of sucks the life out of anything melodic you might want to do with the bass, but then again I'm really not into solo bass playing so I'm probably not the best person to ask about that.

    Reverb is a nice option to have. I generally like to use it as I'm recording rather than plugging it in later, but you can do either.

    I hope that helps a bit.

    Easy,

    Janek
     
  3. Jul 20, 2009 #3
    aggiebass09

    aggiebass09

    Jul 16, 2008
    Texas
    Janek,

    What do you use for reverb? The plugin that I have with Cubase makes it sound like I'm playing in a bathroom 20 miles away. I was told that using a nice combo of reverb and slight delay works well. I have a Boss delay that works wonderfully but I'm definitely lacking in the reverb area.

    The PreSonus FireBox is a firewire recording system :bassist:
     
  4. Jul 20, 2009 #4
    user3653753

    user3653753 Guest

    Jan 28, 2004
    I use the TC electronic G-System when I'm playing live, and have recently been tracking with it too.

    I have the waves platinum package which has some great reverbs in it. Really you have have to experiment with all the control of a plug in reverb until you start hearing some thing you like. And yes, combining a reverb with a delay can be a great effect too, it's just a lot of trial and error at first to get an idea of how a reverb works.

    Easy,

    Janek