Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello, I am trying to improve the bass sound on my current record in progress. I recorded all the bass parts direct, through a tube pre-amp, and compressor. The clarity and power vary from song to song. I have a very hearty bass rig at my disposal, so I can run the dry bass part out, and into this beast. I also have an AKG D112 bass drum microphone. What is the best way to use what I have, and get the best bass sound ? Thanks -> Steve-O.

I have used a SansAmp and a direct line in and have gotten some good stuff to work with.

Did you mic the cab ?

No. Just direct line into the board. Was cleaner and easier to work with. Got some good tone out of it - planning to split it next time (RoS) one SansAmp each channel see what the Engineer can do with it. This is fun!

Steve, that is normaly exactly how I record bass for a serious project. I will put it down direct, usually through a Joe Meek VC 1, do all the editing & then run it back through a good valve bass amp & mic the cab with a D112.

The direct method can give good results, but a mic'd cab still takes some beating. If you compare the two afterwards, you'll find that the mic'd sound will be more 'alive' & authentic.

If you've got the tracks available, why not do both, then mix and match?

The best result is when I mix them. You get the best of both worlds, it offers a sustained feeling of improvement, if that makes any sense. What about the distance of the mic from the speaker ? Is the original phase preserved at the speaker, and if so, what is the optimum distance, so that the best mixed result is achieved ? And, how loud should I play it out the cabinet ? Jeez, my whole house is shaking, as well as the next-door neighbors !

If I recall correctly, the last time I actually mic'ed the cab we did two mics. One a few inches in front of the speaker from the edge of the speaker and the other a few feet (5 or 6) away to get a 'room feel'. These were then blended. I haven't been able to find the type of mics we used in my notes - bummer. The volume wasn't way up - but I think that would be dependant on what type of sound you are trying to achieve.

I tend to record with a mic. I find that you do get that 'live' sound. I use 1 mic and then add a bit of 'room reverb' if I need it. I EQ my bass amp as if I was playing a live gig. That way I make sure I get a good tone. I've tried the DI route and then spent hours trying to get a good sound. I know it works for some people, but unfortunately not for me....

Try a BBE sonic maximizer to fatten things up.