This week we continued our study into the studio recording of conventional rock band instruments by recording a bass amp using a range of microphones and direct inputs in both the dead room and the live recording space. Through this exercise we concluded that there wasn’t a great deal of difference in the sound quality between the two recording spaces, however, there was a noticeable difference between the various microphones and D.I.’s. We recorded the bass amp in ideal conditions, that is when there were no other instruments present to “spill” into our microphones. Obviously, one would have to think again in terms of amp positioning and baffling if a full band were present. The microphones we used were the AKG C414, Shure Beta 52, Shure Beta 57, Shure SM56 as well as a direct input from the bass guitar and a direct input from the bass amp (which happened to have such a facility). My personal favourite combination of these was the SM56 mixed with the guitar DI, mainly because of the warm richness in the tone. However, if I didn’t want warm rich tones, I might use something else. Depends on the desired effect.
Here is my recording of a bass amp
References:
D. Grice, Lecture, Bass Amp Recording Techniques, 13/05/08
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