Recording Electric Bass (#2)

[Tom C]

Hello,

(I posted earlier regarding this but had a question about an additional piece of gear, and was hoping to get a few more responses...)

I'm wondering if anyone has used a Radial Bassbone in place of a bass amp? How do you think it sounds, and how flexible is the EQ?

I'm also interested in the Avalon U5 DI, which many people recommend. How would you compare its sound, and is its tone shaping very flexible?

Alternately, I'm thinking about a Fender TBP-1 tube preamp. I don't see a lot of user feedback on it; would be interested to hear from anyone with experience using it.

I would be using these for recording only. Up until now, I've gotten my best recorded bass tone with a Fender BXR100, using its preamp out (no speaker). But I have very limited space in my studio and need to make some room. I prefer some tone shaping capability beyond my bass's direct sound, even though my bass, a Fender Jazz Deluxe, does have active EQ. Due to noise considerations, I don't want to have to mic an amp.

FWIW, I've tried the Sansamp RBI and RPM and decided they weren't for me. Also, I don't like digital modelers as generally their tone is not as solid as a real amp.

Thanks

[Louderock]

You should check out the MXR bass di. It has some 'amp modeling' on it and sounds pretty good for a direct sound.

No experience with the Radial Di though I do have the JD7 guitar splitter and love it.

[Empire Prod]

I love the Avalon U5 on keys,synths,drum machines,sound modules, etc. For bass however, I prefer the A Designs Reddi.

[mikey]

i didn't think the U5 was all that good so i sold it!!.I think if i were you i would buy a preamp with a DI on it that is good for bass.Then you can use the preamp for other things.

[johnmarkpainter]

Haven't used the Bassbone, but you should give the Ampeg SVX Plugin a try.
I think it sounds really good.

BUT

I still prefer my 62 Ampeg B-15N.

jmp

[Kronos147]

Originally Posted by mikey

i didn't think the U5 was all that good so i sold it!!

I too was not fond of mine, so returned it. Bass player Jimmy Early uses it here with much success, but he plays "to it" as he always uses it, live and recording.

If you can, get the direct and an amp sound, or re-amp later.

Eric

[Kronos147]

Originally Posted by johnmarkpainter

I still prefer my 62 Ampeg B-15N.

jmp

Oh yeah, ours is a '66, but I think it is hard to beat. I have heard Aguilar's, Eden"s, SWR's, GK's... but I still prefer our "peg" (the 'A' and 'm' are missing.)

[digibird]

Originally Posted by mikey

i didn't think the U5 was all that good so i sold it!!.I think if i were you i would buy a preamp with a DI on it that is good for bass.Then you can use the preamp for other things.

Yes. Great River, for instance. Excellent for electric bass guitar. Then excellent for everything else.

[edvdr76]

The U5 is an Excellent piece of gear when you have the right musician. I've used the Groove tubes "Brick" (I think that's what it's called) and that too is a nice sounding box. A little more grit on that one.