Explain this like I am five - Recording Bass on Computers

[Rob150]

Guys, I would like to record my exercises on the bass, in order to track my progress and to fix playing/technique problems.

Which is the essential hardware/software I need to do so? I am currently on a Mac.

Also, I would like to try some digital effects on the computer to change the sound coming from the bass, so which plugins do you think I should go for?

Thank you as usual!

[joergkutter]

I guess a good place to start is here:

Pam and John's "How To Record Yourself" Parts 1 & 2 (Audio & Video)

@PamPurrs and I have put together two classes to help our fellow Buzzers out when learning to record yourself and your trusty bass. Part 1 - Audio [Recording Bass 101 - Part 1 - Audio] Part 2 - Video [Recording Bass 101 - Part 2 - Video] Original Post: As we sort out a date/time for the Zoom, starting this tread so folks can watch for it and get notified when we set it up. The recording will get posted on YouTube and linked somewhere here for all to reference. @eric.…

[Rob150]

Thank you JK, much appreciated

[Rob150]

@Pam and John's "How To Record Yourself" Parts 1 & 2 (Audio & Video)

https://billlanahan.com/home/band-songs/record-yourself-using-garage-band/

Unfortunately this link doesn’t work.

[joergkutter]

@Lanny : is your website down, or being re-structured, Lanny?? Hope all is well in Georgia!?!

[antonio]

Hi Rob,

you could message the owner of the link (not sure if that’s @Lanny).

I’m currently recording in OBS Studio, which is another way to do it. Check out the link below, if you are curious.

My advice is to just get started and try things out. Reading up on this topic can be overwhelming - and at the end of the day, you will need to “just do it.”

Cheers,
Antonio

Questions about OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software)

Hey @eric.kiser, I think the Gear category is the best place for recording stuff, since there’s so much crossover between music gear, recording gear, recording workflows, etc.

[Rob150]

Thanks Antonio, I figured it was something very practical to just try. I know OBS and it is a good piece of software. Which interface do you use to connect the instrument to your computer, if I may ask?

[antonio]

I have an Arturia Minifuse 2. It’s fine, it has all the features you need to get started. There’s more at this thread: Time for a new audio interface

Cheers,
Antonio

[Mike_NL]

Recording Hardware "Beginner" Setup

Hi! I know there are some threads about recording, but what I am kind of missing is the review like “best beginner bass amp” and “best beginner bass”. There are videos like that, but they tend to get all technical and rarely anything costs less than 100$. It might just be that this is the case, but what components do I need for a good “clean” recording and how much money do I have to put in before it makes any sense to put any money in at all? A reference point for information would be okay too…

[Rob150]

Thank you Mike!

[Al1885]

I think if you are starting and want to record your progress it’s better to record video with audio. A simple iPhone video is a great way to do that. If you want to step up a bit on recording audio quality then add something like the GoMixer Pro or Pro X but having own both I’d go with the Joyo MoMix. Cheaper and USB type C. It’s very easy to use.

https://www.amazon.com/JOYO-Interface-Recording-Streaming-Instruments/dp/B098SL551P/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2855FM83T8X4B&keywords=momix&qid=1697643427&sprefix=momix%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

[Barney]

Check this out for an inexpensive way to start. Audio interface plus a bunch of free software included to have fun with different amps / tones.

This $70 Audio Interface Is RAD!

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/iRigUSB--ik-multimedia-irig-usb-guitar-interface-for-iphone-ipad-android-mac-and-pc

[401Blues]

Roland Go Mixer Pro…and 3 other items,bass, cellphone and you…easy peasy Roland - GO:MIXER PRO | Audio Mixer for Smartphones

[itsratso]

getting the sound into the computer is the easy part. learning how to record it is the tricky part. there are simple ways to just hit a record button and get the raw input recorded and maybe that’s what you want to do (for recording practice or whatnot). but if you want it to actually sound good you are approaching the world of the DAW, like ableton or pro-tools, and that is difficult to explain to a five year old. it is teachable, but it takes a lot of small steps that build on each other.

[Al1885]

Also recording audio on a computer is different than recording video like for example a cover video.

Depending on your computer or device you are using, you should already have a built in recording app. All you need is the interface and a good one is pretty cheap. The initial setup is just merely downloading the plugins

[Rob150]

That is something that I am not sure about. I was given a DAW (Ardour) for free, but it seems rather complicated. Also, while I am interested in plugins like amp simulators and basic effects, I am not sure which ones are good or worthy. Do you have any experience/recommendations?

[howard]

Someone around here might know

Plugins I Have Known And Loved

@kerushlow and I are murdering another topic with a gear discussion so I would move it here. We’re discussing DAW plugins as a replacement for effects, amps, and other gear. This Splice post talks about how far technology has advanced a bit in the context of the current Shoegaze renaissance: At this point, the digital plugins have reached a level of quality that rivals the analog pedals themselves. Palermo shared an anecdote about his collaborator Nick Bassett (formerly of Deafheaven, Whirr…

[howard]

Hmm, I should update that top post a bit, getting dated.

[howard]

Also - Ardour is free (which is very nice) but it would not be my top choice. What OS are you on?

[jeffw]

Ableton Live 11 Intro (not free) has a selection of amp and effects presets which come with the DAW and are OK for bass and guitar. I found the Basic Bass amp preset today and its OK for my (lack of) skill level. For guitars I’ve been using Blue Cat Audio’s free amp - they also do phaser, flanger and chorus effects. I’ve started to try to use some of these with the bass with varying results. I tend to get quite a lot of hiss on some presets - less on others - not sure where this problem originates. Maybe the audio interface I use? Anyway I’m still discovering.