Recording Bass
Getting a good bass recording is typically one of the most difficult things to accomplish as an amateur producer. Learning how to record bass the right way can really make a difference when you get to the mixing stage. Bass can be really tough to fit into the mix and blend well with the other instruments. It's unfortunate because I think the bass is often the must overlooked item when it comes to recording a good sounding track. If you are able to lock down a good bass sound then you are on your way to a good mix. Steps to achieving a good bass recording:
Preparing the Bass for Recording
So how do we get started? Getting a good sound from your bass guitar starts before you enter the studio. Before pressing the record button it is essential to change the strings on your bass. Using old strings will leave you with a dull lifeless bass tone. Bass strings can be expensive but this is not where you can afford to cut your budget. The next step is tuning. Ideally you will stretch the strings as you string the instrument. This will help you avoid more issues with tuning in the long run. Tuning should take place before recording as well as all stages of the recording process. Having an out of tune instrument really makes the job hard for the person responsible for mixing.
Bass Recording Equipment
The next step in the process is your equipment setup. With bass guitar it is highly recommended that you always record an unprocessed DI. This will give you an unprocessed file you can go to town on later and alter to your needs. Run your bass signal into the instrument input of a DI box and then to your audio interface. In your recording software it is essential that you are capturing a clean sound with out any buzz, noise, or distortion.
Most DI boxes will also allow for a connection to an external source such as an amp. Recording an amp track now is also recommended. When recording bass it is often found that a DI blended with a miced amp cabinet combination sounds the best. Even it turns out not to sound the best having the most options available when mixing is the best option.
If you would like to forgo recording an amp you can also use a technique called reamping with your DI track later. Reamping does require more equipment and time but it is also a good option. Reamping after the fact also leaves you the option to adjust amp settings later on in the process. This process works by running your DI signal out of your recording software through a reamp box to an amplifier. That signal is then recorded back into the recording software via microphone.
Always prepare ahead of time and give yourself the most options later down the road for getting a good bass recording. The DI is essential to getting the best bass tones so don't skip this step as it will really limit what you can do with post processing. Remember that the bass can make or break your mix so don't let yourself down by not properly recording bass. Learning how to record bass the right way will give you a major advantage in the mixing stage.
William Fletcher is the lead writer for http://audioproductionhowto.com/. The source for audio production tutorials, tips, techniques, and much more.
Getting a good bass recording is typically one of the most difficult things to accomplish as an amateur producer. Learning how to record bass the right way can really make a difference when you get to the mixing stage. Bass can be really tough to fit into the mix and blend well with the other instruments. It's unfortunate because I think the bass is often the must overlooked item when it comes to recording a good sounding track. If you are able to lock down a good bass sound then you are on your way to a good mix. Steps to achieving a good bass recording:
- Preparing the bass for recording - changing strings and tuning
- Using the right equipment - using a DI box to capture a clean signal, recording a mic'd amp/cabinet, reamping
- Testing - Checking your signal for distortion, or noise
Preparing the Bass for Recording
So how do we get started? Getting a good sound from your bass guitar starts before you enter the studio. Before pressing the record button it is essential to change the strings on your bass. Using old strings will leave you with a dull lifeless bass tone. Bass strings can be expensive but this is not where you can afford to cut your budget. The next step is tuning. Ideally you will stretch the strings as you string the instrument. This will help you avoid more issues with tuning in the long run. Tuning should take place before recording as well as all stages of the recording process. Having an out of tune instrument really makes the job hard for the person responsible for mixing.
Bass Recording Equipment
The next step in the process is your equipment setup. With bass guitar it is highly recommended that you always record an unprocessed DI. This will give you an unprocessed file you can go to town on later and alter to your needs. Run your bass signal into the instrument input of a DI box and then to your audio interface. In your recording software it is essential that you are capturing a clean sound with out any buzz, noise, or distortion.
Most DI boxes will also allow for a connection to an external source such as an amp. Recording an amp track now is also recommended. When recording bass it is often found that a DI blended with a miced amp cabinet combination sounds the best. Even it turns out not to sound the best having the most options available when mixing is the best option.
If you would like to forgo recording an amp you can also use a technique called reamping with your DI track later. Reamping does require more equipment and time but it is also a good option. Reamping after the fact also leaves you the option to adjust amp settings later on in the process. This process works by running your DI signal out of your recording software through a reamp box to an amplifier. That signal is then recorded back into the recording software via microphone.
Always prepare ahead of time and give yourself the most options later down the road for getting a good bass recording. The DI is essential to getting the best bass tones so don't skip this step as it will really limit what you can do with post processing. Remember that the bass can make or break your mix so don't let yourself down by not properly recording bass. Learning how to record bass the right way will give you a major advantage in the mixing stage.
William Fletcher is the lead writer for http://audioproductionhowto.com/. The source for audio production tutorials, tips, techniques, and much more.
This makes it easy to find any note you want on the fret board. All you need to do is to know which note you are on and you can either move up or down the neck until you finally reach the note that you have been looking for.
BalasHapus____________________
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BalasHapusto find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques on how to record bass
in this regard, thanks for sharing.
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