Using an amp in DI

[ndrly]

My dad told me that bass players don't mic up cabinets like guitarists do when recording. They plug the amplifier into the mixer or PA system. Makes perfect sense, really.

I only really have one query: is it safe to DI an amplifier head without using a cabinet? I've heard John Myung does not have any cabinets onstage. That, and he uses Mesa/Boogie amplifiers (which, by the way, are all-valve). He probably has a lot of backups.

 

[Vic Winters]

Some people use DI, some people mic, some people do both and blend the signals. If you run a SS power section, you don't have to connect anything. If you have a tube power section you need a cabinet or a dummy load.

 

[NKUSigEp]

Mesa supposedly is discontinuing the Bass 400+ so therefore will have no all-tube amps in their line (don't quote me on that as I've just heard it from a friend). And yeah, you can use the DI output of an amp without hooking it up to a cabinet.

Also, I mic my cabinets when I record in addition to going direct to the board. Mic'ing my cabs gives me a warmer vintage sound and the direct is more hifi - mix the two tracks together et voila!

Edit - forgot to mention that the above post is true - all-tube needs to have a load on it unless the DI signal is taken before the power amp in which case you can just turn the master volume down to zero which has the same effect.

 

[anderbass]

If you have a tube power section you need a cabinet or a dummy load.

+1..

 

[seanm]

I would recommend bringing an amp with a cabinet if it is your first time at a venue. Even if the DI will go to the FOH, you will probably need the amp for your on stage volume. If you know the venue has a separate bass mix and has monitors that can handle bass, then don't bother with a cab.

I usually bring a 1x12 combo amp and put it on a crate to get it off the floor. This is good enough for the drummer and I to really hear the bass.

 

[ndrly]

What is a dummy load exactly?

 

[anderbass]

What is a dummy load exactly?

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[ndrly]

If you were planning to use a hybrid amplifier, like Aguilar or Ashdown, would a dummy load or cabinet also be required for direct recording?

 

[anderbass]

If you run a SS power section, you don't have to connect anything.

+1...

 

[Timi]

If you were planning to use a hybrid amplifier, like Aguilar or Ashdown, would a dummy load or cabinet also be required for direct recording?

If its just a tube preamp, it will be ok to run without a cab.

Also, LOTS of people mic the cab when playing live or recording, its all about the kind of sound you want. There is no "correct" way to record a bass or run it through a PA.

 

[punkbassistfc]

Yeah, I agree with the above poster. The thing that a lot of bass players dont realise is that there is no right way of doing things. Some players think that they have to use the DI to get a good sound. This is crap, in fact a great mic placed in the sweet spot is way more rewarding then a Di.

 

[whoapower]

I would recommend bringing an amp with a cabinet if it is your first time at a venue. Even if the DI will go to the FOH, you will probably need the amp for your on stage volume.

This is quite important. Some places have speakers and all, but I can't hear them, they are on the side, facing out. Most of the time, I will never hear a monitor setup correctly where I can hear myself.

I'm planning on doing the XT Live -> poweramp -> speaker config myself. Trying to simplify, yet mix up the variations in sound.