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?

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.

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

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...

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.

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.

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

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.

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>

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

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