Recording bass guitar direct vs mic: which is better? Many people are wondering about this question.
Are you one of them? You are at the right place! This article will give you complete knowledge about recording bass guitar.
Recording Bass Guitar – Using a Direct Injection or a Microphone?
You can record bass guitar with a DI box or a microphone. Each method has its own advantages.
Recording bass guitars with a DI box can provide a clearer sound. Meanwhile, you will get more natural sound by using the microphone.
Let’s take a look at each method below.
1. Record Bass Guitar Using a Microphone
If you’re getting a more realistic and vibrant tone, you’re better off using a microphone. To be able to record bass guitar using a microphone, you also need to add a bass amp.
What type of microphone do I need to prepare?
To record bass guitar sound, you will need a suitable microphone. You need to make sure that your mic is able to capture the low frequencies that you want to include in your recording.
A ribbon microphone seems to be a great choice. However, it is very expensive. Therefore, if you are a beginner with a mid-range budget, I would not recommend you to choose it.
Instead, we recommend a bass drum microphone. They work well with lower frequency sounds.
For example, using the AKG D112 can give you a crisp, realistic tone. It helps you capture those sounds easily.
In addition, the Shure SM57 is also a suitable choice for recording bass guitar. It is a choice for many professional recording studios.
Microphone position
Microphone position depends mainly on the type of amplifier and the type of microphone you choose. The recording of the bass guitar is not too complicated. It is important that you know exactly what you are doing.
If you don’t know where to start, it’s best to place the mic about two feet away from the speaker. Also, make sure your microphone is as tall as the middle of the speaker.
When you’re recording bass guitar, it’s a good idea to use a good pair of headphones. You can see how your recordings sound in the DAW through a high-quality headset.
Our recommended pick is the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO. While it’s not cheap, it’s great for recording. You will get a realistic sound thanks to it.
What type of bass amp should I use to record bass guitar?
As mentioned above, you will need a bass amp. Choosing a bass amp depends on a lot of factors, such as the size of your studio and your budget.
About ten years ago, bass amps were big and heavy. They are not suitable for home recording studios. Today, bass amps are available in more compact sizes. They are a great choice for small studios.
When buying bass amps, you can have a hard time choosing. Some amps integrate with speakers into a standalone unit. Meanwhile, others require a separate speaker ‘cabinet’.
You will usually be deciding between valve amps and solid-state amps. Valve amps provide a warmer sound.
Therefore, many musicians consider it the perfect choice. However, you can also find plenty of solid-state amps that provide great sound.
It is best to try a few before making a final decision. You don’t necessarily have to choose an amp with a large wattage. Even a 40-watt amp should be fine. We tested the Fender Rumble 40 in the studio and it still does its job well.
2. Record Bass Guitar Using a Direct Injection (DI) Box
You can record bass guitar directly into your computer with the help of an audio interface. However, you need to determine if your bass guitar is active or passive. If your bass guitar is active, you can record directly through the audio interface.
If your bass guitar is passive, you will need a Direct Injection (DI) box.
Its working mechanism is very simple. The DI box takes an unbalanced signal from the bass guitar. Then it converts to a balanced signal.
Should I record bass directly?
Thanks to recording bass directly, you get a clear and consistent sound. This way is especially useful if you’re recording multiple instruments at the same time.
Hence, many musicians like to use this method to record bass guitars and other instruments at the same time. In this case, using an amplifier and microphone will not work.
On the other hand, you need to consider cost and studio space. Thanks to recording bass directly, you won’t need to equip a bass amp. As a result, you can save both costs and studio space.
However, this method comes with some drawbacks, mainly in terms of sound quality.
This method provides clearer sound. However, sometimes you will feel that you seem to get the sound product from a robot, not a person. That’s the reason why many people still prefer to use microphones to record bass guitars.
Active or passive DI box?
The choice depends on your other device.
Active and passive DI have significant tonal differences. Basically, an active DI box provides more high-frequency tones. Meanwhile, a passive DI box provides more bass.
Whatever you choose, you should not equip a cheap DI box as it may come with low quality.
To understand better, let’s watch the video in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I record bass guitar using DI and a microphone at the same time?
The short answer is yes. In fact, this is the favourite choice of many professional musicians. However, you need to have certain knowledge. We would recommend using open-back headphones for recording.
2. Which method is the best?
There’s no correct answer. Each method has its advantages. All you need to do is carefully consider all the factors and choose the most suitable method.
3. What kind of headphones should I use for recording?
There are two types of headphones that are common in recording studios including open back and closed-back headphones.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the article has provided you the basics for recording bass guitar. The recording of the bass guitar is not too complicated.
It is important that you know exactly what you are doing. Please consider all factors carefully before making the final decision.
