Bass recording / mixing tips in Vegas

bgc wrote on 5/11/2002, 2:19 PM

I think it'd be a useful and interesting thread if people shared how they record/mix electric bass guitar in Vegas (which plug-ins: eqs, compressors, etc.)
Vets could pick up new ideas and newbies could learn some stuff.
bgc

Comments

Former user wrote on 5/12/2002, 9:12 AM

I do all my bass by plugging direct into either my Mindprint Envoice tube processor or into my POD and then routing that signal to a track in Vegas. The Envoice allows complete control (Parametric EQ, tube satuation and compression) on the way into Vegas so if everything is set up right, I don't need to mess with it (with plugins) at all after the track has been recorded.

Cheers,

Cuzin B

doctorfish wrote on 5/12/2002, 11:07 PM

I record bass direct through a Presonus Blue Tube into an Alesis 3630 compressor and then into Vegas. With the tube drive cranked all the way, the Blue Tube gets a good amount of gain for a rock sound. The compressor isn't the best, I know, but set the right way it yields a good sound. In Vegas, I'll add some EQ if necessary.

I'd like to double track using this method and a good bass amp, but sadly at the moment I don't have access to a good bass amp. Nonetheless, I get a good sound.

I'm not familiar with the Mindprint preamp but it sounds cool, and I'd like to have more EQ control while recording without having to go through my cheap mixer.

Dave

PipelineAudio wrote on 5/13/2002, 1:14 AM

Usually I will take bass direct and amplified. I use a transformer splitter or maybe a DI with a parallel 1/4" jack.

If the bassist has any sort of pedals or anything that usually go in front of their amp, I will put them in after the split, between the splitter and the amplifier, leaving the direct path clear. The DI can make "zing" and ultralow end, but cant "move air", so I will try and have an amp too if possible.

Once its in Vegas I will put a limiter THEn a compressor on the DI. Sounds wierd, but I figure I can catch "silly" transients, and THEN use compressors and eq's to tailor the sound. The miked amp signal will sometimes get a compressor, but often not, as the amplifier, then the speakers, then the mic then the mic pre usually end up squashing a lot of the dynamics anyhow.

When I have the bass tracks sounding the way I want, I then pull the amp track forward in time, and line up peaks till the signal is as in phase as I can get it.
After that, I run the bass to a buss so I can control volume from there.

I know I complain about lack of sidechain ability, not being able to use the old sidchain the bass with the kick trick, but there is one I many times will do on the bass against guitar.
I will send an eq'd signal from the bass track to a TC key input, with around 250 hz CRANKED. Then I put the guitar in the tc dex with really fast attack and release time, about 6db gain reduction. The result is that anytime the bass and guitar fight over the 250 hz range, the bass wins, resulting in a LOT less mud in the mix.