Problems Recording 5-String Bass

not like this · 17th February 2005

I am trying to record some hard rock bass tracks.

The problem I'm getting is fuzz (the ugly kind) on notes below E on the 5th string. There is also a bit of hissing when the instrument is not being played. Similar to a high gain guitar amp.

Here is my signal flow:
Bass -> Avalon U5 -> RNP at Unity Gain with RNC on insert -> MOTU 2408mk3 -> DP4.5. Monitors are HR824s

I have the RNC set to about 4:1 compression with a fast attack time. The longer I set the release time, the less fuzz I get, but the sound goes to hell.

Any tips on what I can do to improve my situation?

hollowteeth · 17th February 2005

Is the bass active ? If so try a new battery. Otherwise can you a/b
with another bass to find out whether it`s the di or the bass.

Tousana · 17th February 2005

I second the battery theory,you'd be suprised at the number of players that don't check their batteries.

pabloman · 18th February 2005

If it's active, it could theoretically be a matter of adjusting the pickups.

I would also check the battery. Also try a instrument cable - you never know befor you know, you know...

Dave Martin · 18th February 2005

Why are you running the U5 into the RNP? My understanding (though I haven't used one in a few months) is that the U5 will put out line level.

Ah - here's what I was looking for: the output of the avalon is "+30dBu DC coupled, balanced 600 ohms (mic and line out)". Make sure that if you're using the RMP that you're using the mic out, not the line out. You should be able to take the line out directly to the MOTU interface.

Besides checkint the batteries in the bass, it sounds to me like you've got some sort of major mis-match with the signal chain.

not like this · 18th February 2005

Basically I'm using the RNP to balance the inputs on the RNC.

The bass is active, but unfortunately it's not as simple as the battery. I agree that it must be something I'm doing wrong with the signal chain, but I can't figure out what it is.

I'm afraid I don't know what "+30dBu DC coupled, balanced 600 ohms (mic and line out)" means.

roly · 20th February 2005

Hi
Try sloing down the attack time.
Some comps clip with fast attack on low frequency information.
cheers

popmann · 25th February 2005

I play a lot of 5 str...I thought the RNC blew chunks on bass. In the same price range, the ART ProVLA rocked. Huge and fat.

inaudio · 26th February 2005

Why not record the intrument direct and do the processing in post? Get a clean signal on disc first. Is it clean coming out the first stage?

<L>

not like this · 26th February 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by popmann
I play a lot of 5 str...I thought the RNC blew chunks on bass.

I agree with this statement. U5 direct it is...

s.d.finley · 6th March 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by popmann

I play a lot of 5 str...I thought the RNC blew chunks on bass. In the same price range, the ART ProVLA rocked. Huge and fat.

I have the RNC and do NOT like it on bass....on Vocals....oohh man...but bass..no.

I record my five string thru a SWRstudio 220 bal out into ART tube levar into Mindprint....like it on 4 string too.

Check to see if the humm is from the bass too

rock

sdf

17th February 2005	#1
not like this Gear maniac Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 162 Thread Starter	Problems Recording 5-String Bass I am trying to record some hard rock bass tracks. The problem I'm getting is fuzz (the ugly kind) on notes below E on the 5th string. There is also a bit of hissing when the instrument is not being played. Similar to a high gain guitar amp. Here is my signal flow: Bass -> Avalon U5 -> RNP at Unity Gain with RNC on insert -> MOTU 2408mk3 -> DP4.5. Monitors are HR824s I have the RNC set to about 4:1 compression with a fast attack time. The longer I set the release time, the less fuzz I get, but the sound goes to hell. Any tips on what I can do to improve my situation?

18th February 2005	#5
Dave Martin Moderator emeritus Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 3,152	Why are you running the U5 into the RNP? My understanding (though I haven't used one in a few months) is that the U5 will put out line level. Ah - here's what I was looking for: the output of the avalon is "+30dBu DC coupled, balanced 600 ohms (mic and line out)". Make sure that if you're using the RMP that you're using the mic out, not the line out. You should be able to take the line out directly to the MOTU interface. Besides checkint the batteries in the bass, it sounds to me like you've got some sort of major mis-match with the signal chain. __________________ Dave Martin Java Jive Studio www.javajivestudio.com Nashville, TN

26th February 2005	#9
inaudio Gear maniac Joined: Apr 2004 Location: Marin County CA Posts: 156	Why not record the intrument direct and do the processing in post? Get a clean signal on disc first. Is it clean coming out the first stage? <L> __________________ Lou Judson Intuitive Audio 415-883-2689 inaudio@pacbell.net

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17th February 2005	#2
hollowteeth Gear interested Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 21	Is the bass active ? If so try a new battery. Otherwise can you a/b with another bass to find out whether it`s the di or the bass.

17th February 2005	#3
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pabloman Gear maniac Joined: Jan 2005 Location: Oslo Posts: 151	If it's active, it could theoretically be a matter of adjusting the pickups. I would also check the battery. Also try a instrument cable - you never know befor you know, you know...

20th February 2005	#7
roly Gear Head Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 38	Hi Try sloing down the attack time. Some comps clip with fast attack on low frequency information. cheers

25th February 2005	#8
popmann Lives for gear Joined: Nov 2004 Location: Nashville Posts: 3,179 1 Review written	I play a lot of 5 str...I thought the RNC blew chunks on bass. In the same price range, the ART ProVLA rocked. Huge and fat.