What Exactly Do You Need For Recording?

[BostonJazz72]

Not sure if this has been mentioned but I use the Universal Audio Arrow and I really love it. It is two channel. Also, I invested in a good DI (Khan Vacuum Tube DI). Lastly, my DAW is Pre Sonus Studio One which is ok. If I had a Mac I would go with Logic.

 

[antfarm]

To keep it simple you could get the Boss GT1-B Bass Effects Processor, a multi-FX pedal with a built-in audio interface and lots of amp and speaker simulations.

https://www.boss.info/global/products/gt-1b/

Garage Band is a good looking and intuitive DAW, if you are on a Mac. Should you later decide to upgrade to Logic Pro, you can simply convert your GB projects and continue working on them.

GarageBand for Mac

 

[2saddleslab]

Bass-pedals-SCR-DI-iRig2-iPad.

 

[Spidey2112]

If I'm not focused, several takes.

 

[lomo]

You only need a mic if you wanna sing. All you need for bass is the interface. If you're not using pedals now, why would you need more shaping to record? I use Garage Band and it has decent effects/eq available anyway. I'd keep my investment to the minimum at 1st....I went with the Focusrite Scarlett as it's super simple to use. If you want to be able to record bass and vox (or any 2 things) simultaneously you'll need a 2 channel interface. Happy thumpin'

 

[stretch80]

My approach is, I think, in the minority, but it's worked for me: I could never get comfortable with the complexity of computer-based recording (the software, the interface, the plug-ins, etc., etc.). So I spent $400.00 on a Zoom R24, and I was good to go. I like being able to manipulate knobs and sliders, and it's easy for me to understand and work with. It makes sense to my brain. YMMV. I can plug a bass (or guitar, or keyboard, or microphone) directly into it, adjust the gain, EQ it, add built-in effects if I want, etc., and it sounds great. The manual was understandable, and I supplemented with a few YouTube videos. I found that I was multi-tracking in no time, mixing, mastering, punching in (when necessary). For my needs it works great, and it's simple. Our drummer, on the other hand, has a Mac-based DAW, is proficient with Logic Pro, etc. I like that I can export the WAV files of the tracks I record on the Zoom, throw them up on Dropbox, and he can download them into his DAW and add drums tracks, then send them back to me to import back into the Zoom to add more stuff or mix down, etc.

I use the R24 for sketching out my song ideas, rather than just for recording bass. Here's a few examples of things I've done on it, playing all of the instruments myself (with occasional help from my wife on vocals/piano and a buddy who played harmonica on one tune). These certainly aren't intended to be radio or Spotify ready, but it keeps me amused and I'm learning new things all the time.
Dropbox - Demos - Simplify your life

Nice tune (Firefly), playing and singing.

 

[smtp4me]

I recommend Reaper for sure - inexpensive and very easy to use. Logic is great for Mac, and comes with hundreds of high quality plugins - both effects and instruments.

I found an external pre-amp to be almost essential since a dry direct bass signal is kinda uninspiring to play. I'm using a Tech 21 VT-Bass DI. However, if you don't mind recording with a dry signal, you can easily add effects and eq in your DAW.

Some decent headphones and near-field monitors, while not essential, will really up the enjoyability factor, and improve your final product. Same goes for acoustically treating your recording room.

Do you have a budget in mind? Would help for gear recommendations.

^^^ This. Minimum requirements are an audio interface and a DAW. Beyond that it depends on budget.

I started with an Apogee Jam, which is a quality interface for a single guitar/bass. Reasonably priced. The downside is it only takes 1/4 inch TS/TRS guitar cables as input (not XLR). As mentioned, you can get single or even dual channel input devices such as Focusrite that have both TRS and XLR for a good price, and... Apogee is kind of geared towards the Mac (which I have so that is fine). I also use Logic Pro, which is a very powerful and feature-rich DAW (Mac only) for the price-tag.

And as also mentioned, depending on budget I would consider studio headphones, monitors, ... I also invested in AmpliTube for bass amp simulator plugins. Eventually the Apogee Jam was replace by an Apogee Element 24. Unfortunately GAS applies to all things music-related, including home studios.

 

[Wood and Wire]

Another budget interface, the discontinued Digitech Eleven Rack has a built in USB interface, DI/Reamping, and a pretty good Ampeg SVT model included.

I'm assuming you mean Digidesign (Avid branded these days).

Strongly recommend against discontinued products unless you figure you're never going to upgrade your DAW OS. Once the driver and firmware updates stop, it's just a matter of time before Microsoft/Apple or an application breaks it.

Assuming you both mean the Avid Eleven Rack, it's still supported until 2024 :

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Additionally, the Eleven Rack is a heck of a lot more than just an audio interface, and plug-in bundle.

It's also a dedicated, standalone guitar / bass preamp, multi-F/X, amp, cab, and mic modeller, fully featured DI box, and re-amping unit.

So even when it's no longer compatible with modern DAWs, or computers, it will still have a tremendously useful life as a hardware device.


(The only Digidesign / Avid audio products I can think of that got "bricked" by a software / OS update were the D-Command, and the original M-box. Though they still worked with other DAWs, just not Pro Tools...
Of course, hardware format changes are a different concern, but those products won't suddenly stop working at the EOS date - most of their audio products are still compatible with current software / OS. There's always the option of dedicating, and maintaining a system well beyond its ability to update software / OS / hardware - though you could probably buy an Eleven Rack new in 2024, and not worry about compatibility issues until 2029).

 

[Basslice]

[Colombo *almost* makes it out the door. Stops, and turns...]

...and one more thing. For scuttlebutt, tips, and advice about DAWs and plugins, KVRaudio is something of the TalkBass of music computer nerds. Invalid Link Removed Invalid Link Removed

Thanks for the KVRAudio Forum link. I did not know of them. Since I am probably spending more time writing and recording and less time GASsing I should maybe check them out.

 

[Rabidhamster]

I'm assuming you mean Digidesign (Avid branded these days).




Assuming you both mean the Avid Eleven Rack, it's still supported until 2024 :

[This invalid link has been removed]


(The only Digidesign / Avid audio products I can think of that got "bricked" by a software / OS update were the D-Command, and the original M-box. Though they still worked with other DAWs, just not Pro Tools...
Of course, hardware format changes are a different concern, but those products won't suddenly stop working at the EOS date - most of their audio products are still compatible with current software / OS. There's always the option of dedicating, and maintaining a system well beyond its ability to update software / OS / hardware - though you could probably buy an Eleven Rack new in 2024, and not worry about compatibility issues until 2029).

Strongly recommend against discontinued products unless you figure you're never going to upgrade your DAW OS. Once the driver and firmware updates stop, it's just a matter of time before Microsoft/Apple or an application breaks it.

Hmm oops I was apparently misremembering the Eleven Rack as class compliant. Looks like the Avid forum is reporting its only driver based and CORE audio doesn't work in Catalina, only the patch editor has been updated.

 

[MTN.bass72]

I forgot to mention earlier I bought an 8 track (Fostex, I think !) but I still need to learn how to use it. I never learned how to use a 4 track back in the day, so I have no idea how to bump tracks, etc. But that's my next move. I'm like you, I know computers are the way, but for now I'll learn from the bottom up. I don't know. Maybe I'm wasting my time.
I'm just scared of technology. It's intimidating.

The funny thing is... I make my living as a computer network engineer. So I'm very comfortable with computers and technology, but for some reason I could never get comfortable with PC or Mac based DAWs (and I tried several) and all the bits and pieces involved. What I wanted was as straight and simple a line as possible to begin working on music, rather than fiddling about with the underlying technology.

I'm the same... I'm really intimidated by all of the computer based technology..

I like the idea that there's a "mixer" type interface... I'll definitely check it out. I understand, oh, if I turn this knob, this will happen, better than menu diving..

I like the idea mentioned above also about one of the Zoom field recorders

 

[Medicine Man]

Its already been said: Focusrite 2i2 and Reaper are so good for entry level stuff. I actually prefer the Reaps over a couple "professional" DAWs that I own for recording bands. There are a ton of free plugins to get you started, as Reaper doesn't include virtual instruments. There is a learning curve to set up any DAW.

 

[Mr Cheese]

Thanks everyone for all the great and helpful tips! My knowledge of recording has gone way up just from reading your replies. I do have another question however (they never seem to end). My Rumble amp has a line out with a ground lift switch. What does this do? Can this be used in the recording process?

 

[Medicine Man]

Thanks everyone for all the great and helpful tips! My knowledge of recording has gone way up just from reading your replies. I do have another question however (they never seem to end). My Rumble amp has a line out with a ground lift switch. What does this do? Can this be used in the recording process?

Yes. You can line out into an interface, but i recommend bass-cable-interface for starters. You can sculpt the EQ inside the software powerfully, and learn about it in the process.

 

[AngelCrusher]

Thanks everyone for all the great and helpful tips! My knowledge of recording has gone way up just from reading your replies. I do have another question however (they never seem to end). My Rumble amp has a line out with a ground lift switch. What does this do? Can this be used in the recording process?

It can, actually. Just matters how it sounds and if its acceptable to you than it is good.

If its a true line out you would want a trs cable out of that amp going into your line level interface (ex- scarlet duo set to line in and not instrument).

it very likely is a basic di. I have had luck with them before. You can always upgrade later but this would be a good start. Just get the interface and try it out.

with the interface you have 2 options- bass/ts cable into interface set to instrument in or the line out with the amp mentioned above.

id do the instrument in if it was me, you just need a good way to monitor your bass in the pc. Headphones are fine.

 

[Basslice]

Thanks everyone for all the great and helpful tips! My knowledge of recording has gone way up just from reading your replies. I do have another question however (they never seem to end). My Rumble amp has a line out with a ground lift switch. What does this do? Can this be used in the recording process?

Once you commit to equipment and software, my advice is to play around. I experiment with
bass >> interface
bass >> pedal board >> interface
bass >> amp >> DI out (amp) >> interface
bass >> pedal board >>amp >> DI out (amp) >> interface
etc -- you get the idea

I also play around with modeling plug ins. The amount of options are nearly endless. Start simple and mess around. Unless you are going to master at a high level or send it out for mastering then all the fancy stuff is probably overkill at this point.

That is why so many people on this thread are saying K.I.S.S. My original post described how to get into this at a pretty good quality level for a few hundred dollars (less than a new bass or guitar).

 

[Raw N Low]

Here's what I use for bass:

Digital Auido Workstation (DAW): Studio One
Interface: Focusrite Saffire Pro 40
Mic Preamp: ART MPA Gold
Mic: EV RE20
Amp: Ampeg B15S
DI: Ampeg SVT DI

I blend both the DI and mic signal channels. Usually try to EQ the mic signal for more high frequencies and EQ the DI for more low end.

 

[Sid Fang]

Thanks everyone for all the great and helpful tips! My knowledge of recording has gone way up just from reading your replies. I do have another question however (they never seem to end). My Rumble amp has a line out with a ground lift switch. What does this do? Can this be used in the recording process?

It's there to either run into a PA mixer board or a recording system. There are a couple advantages and a couple disadvantages to it. The advantages are that you're managing volume and tone the same way that you're used to, and that you don't need additional speakers/headphones to hear your amplified bass. Sometimes the circuit even has a "speaker emulator" built in, so the sound into the mixer/DAW sounds a little closer to a mic'ed bass cab - if that's what you want. The disadvantage is that your signal will probably have more noise coming into the DAW if it gets run through the Rumble first, and if what you're doing is recording bass while listening to other tracks, monitoring through your amp isn't actually what you'd want to do - you'd want to be able to balance the bass against the other tracks in a monitor mix from the DAW. But, like Basslice said, play with it and see if it fits.

 

[clayworx]

What do you need to record your bass? I'd like to start recording, and I'm getting a computer for it. I know you need a DAW, (I've looked at Cakewalk, Reaper, and Garage Band) but beyond that I'm lost. An interface, a di...both? A mic? What exactly do you need, and what are your recommended products for recording bass? (Looking for an option that won't leave flies in my wallet.) I get 15% off any item over $49 at GC, but it only lasts a few more days, so I'd like to get one of the pieces needed to record soon.

You don't need a computer or a DAW really if you just want to record bass. Get a 4 track digital recorder like the Tascam DP-006. A cheaper option is your mobile phone and an iRig adapter and some earbuds.

 

[Patrice B]

Wow, lots of good advices here...

Mine:

- Mac (pricey however theses days): bass - Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 - GarageBand.

- PC (a good little laptop, look on KVRAudio or Gearspace for advices): bass - Scarlett 2i2 - Cakewalk Sonar

I’m not a professional by any means (DAW, bass or computer) but used a lot of computers, DAW’s and audio interfaces for the last 20 years.

My actual setup is an Hackintosh (PC with MacOS, don’t even think about it, not for the faint of heart, no offenses) with a Presonus Quantum 2626 Thunderbolt into Reaper or Studio One.

I also have an old MacBook Pro early 2011 (Macs were still affordable in 2011...) with a Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. Done a lot of kid’s shows or project recordings with the MacBook and a spare Roland OctaCapture. Music teacher here...

At the beginning, circa 2000, it was a PC with a (gulp!) cracked version of Cakewalk 6 going through a Soundblaster AWE 64 (ISA interface).

Then, I’ve slowly updated to other PC’s during the years (AMD, Intel) and improving in the interface world. I had (and still have in one of my old box) an Echo Mia PCI audio interface.

Then came several interfaces, FireWire (Edirol FA-66) and USB (Roland Quad and OctaCapture, Focusrite 2i2 and 18i20) and finally, Thunderbolt (Presonus Quantum 2626).

The Quantum is by far the best interface I had since the old PCI days.

Be aware that if you want to monitor your sound, you’ll want the lowest possible latency. With the Focusrite, at least, you could choose Direct Monitoring through a software mixer or hardware button for the little 2i2.

If you don’t use Direct Mintoring, low RTL (round trip latency) comes into play if you want, as an example, to listen to your bass through effects or amp simulators. Under 10ms is fine for me but some people prefer lower than 5ms.

The Focusrite interfaces, are in the range of 6-7 ms with the lowest buffer size (64) in different DAW’s. Buffer size and driver efficiency is quite important in my point of view. All audio interface manufacturers claims close to 0ms latency monitoring... and it’s kind of true if you use hardware direct monitoring. However, you loose monitoring with DAW FX’s or amp simps. It’s dry signal monitoring.

The best are RME interfaces (pricey unless you get a used deal) followed by the others...

Focusrite is considered « middle of the line » interfaces for home studio or hobbyist like me. Same goes for Roland, Steinberg, etc...

The Quantum 2626 is in the top tens BTW, something like 3ms at 32 buffer size. Efficient drivers and good RTL at a price point.

Look here for interface performance to know which interfaces to avoid: Invalid Link Removed

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Patrice