A lot of people wonder about “quiet” input and it is often (but not always) normal. Specifically a lot of audio interfaces will target -12dB to -9dB as their input 0. You can later mix or normalize this up. Reaper has a command to Normalize an item to any peak level in the Item processing menu.
If you use plugins in your DAW I recommend reading about DAW Gain Staging. dB VU in audio gear is different than dB Full Scale in a DAW. Many plugins follow the analog gear model of gain and expect things to be in a certain range (around -18dB Full Scale) before they overdrive. Here’s an example with a video:
I don’t know how to check for that input gain.
I browsed the manual here B2 FOUROperation Manual but i didn’t find any control over the input gain.
I guess this must be all related to the bass being passive.
So maybe my only solution is to find any way to “auto-normalize” my takes in REAPER when recording - this is my only issue, i am trying to find a way not to do that manually at every take with the item properties button.
Hello!
I know the basics about gain staging, but i am not running any plugin when recording my bass lines.
I also use that [Normalize] button in the item properties on every take, and this is exactly what I’d like to avoid - maybe some “auto-normalize” function is hidden somewhere.
The signal being recorded is currently VERY low through the B2-four audio interface. I could try to use the B2-Four as a regular pedal (no audio interface), and route its audio signal through my Zoom H6 (which has input gain knobs) and use the H6 as my audio interface… but I hoped to avoid all those cables on my small desk.
USB is enough to run it!
I currently record on my PC using it as an audio interface, with only the usb cable plugged in (… and the bass jack of course)
Quite good. I only have one issue: low input levels, so that i must normalize all my takes to get proper volume.
No apps for Android and Windows - that’s a real pity
B1 or B2??? Is the B2 the new & better version of the B3? It doesn’t look like the B3 is available anymore. I was thinking of getting the B1, but I’m now wondering if the B2 isn’t worth the extra $150? I’d be plugging into my Fender 40.
B1on, B3, MS-60b - these are all a couple generations old. The MS-60b is still worth considering as it has just a beautiful form factor.
– The last generation –
B1four, B3n - These are still available and are nice bargains/balance points. Very capable, sound good, affordable
– The Current Generation –
Zoom B2four, Zoom B6 - very capable modern boxes, lots of improvements over the last gen. The B6 is unfortunately priced about the same as some arguably better alternatives.
The thing with the MS-60b is it is in a regular guitar pedal enclosure and fits on a pedalboard very nicely; the others are huge in comparison but with nicer displays.
I completely agree on this one, the MS serie is an amazing piece of hardware. Sound wise it’s just as good as the bigger brothers altho I think the sims on the most expensive one should sound a bit better.
Came across the LINE 6 POD EXPRESS BASS PEDAL. Seems like a very straightforward, user friendly multi-effects pedal. Anyone know how this compares to the Zoom B2 Four for an additional $70? The Zoom has a lot more effects (most of which will likely never be used), doesn’t seem quite as user friendly, but once used a bit is probably pretty intuitive. The Zoom also has more outputs. I was just about to buy the Zoom B2 Four when I saw a video about the Line 6 which peaked my interest. When learning a new song, I just want to look up what effects were used and dial them up in an effects box. The Line 6 has 7 amps, 7 cabs, 17 effects, & a looper and would likely cover 98% of all songs. Probably won’t ever outgrow the Zoom as it probably covers 99%. Not sure 1% matters… Anyone have any opinions between one of these over the other?
THEY DID!
