Bass DI Vs. Bass Micing

[Militia Matt]

I'm just interested in hearing what some professionals have to say about this topic. Do Engineers/Producers these days seems to like running the bass DI or is there anyone out there who believes in the classic micing the cab because they want to capture the essence of a band? Or is a matter of song situation, or maybe even blending both methods?

I'm not really looking for a answer of right and wrong or one over the other, i just want to know what people have had good luck with and maybe no so much luck with. Thanks in advance for your answers 

[vinyl69]

At the tracking stage, I'll usually do both, though I rarely really need the DI'ed signal. I like to have it just to have some more sonic options at mixdown.

[Dino Ziogas]

There are numerous posts on this subject if you use the search option [if you still get not the results you're looking for then please do tell]. To summarise my opinion:

1. I prefer a mic'ed signal over DI

2. For bleed issues or if there is not a good amp at hand I take a DI feed to reamp later (or maybe use a DI plus the mic'ed signal [phase aligned] if the arrangement is too dense]

3. I've heard only a couple of DI's that I would use on their own and they're expensive [one of them is the REDDI].

4. If you want any luck with a mic'ed signal treat the room first and try different positions for the amp.

[vinyl69]

3. I've heard only a couple of DI's that I would use on their own and they're expensive [one of them is the REDDI].

The REDDI is awesome!

[oldbobd]

I'm just interested in hearing what some professionals have to say about this topic. Do Engineers/Producers these days seems to like running the bass DI or is there anyone out there who believes in the classic micing the cab because they want to capture the essence of a band? Or is a matter of song situation, or maybe even blending both methods?

I'm not really looking for a answer of right and wrong or one over the other, i just want to know what people have had good luck with and maybe no so much luck with. Thanks in advance for your answers 

I definately like to blend both - Actually I record both and use a slight pan (11:00 and 1:00) and it makes a bass that can't be covered up by other instruments and best overall soud. (my opinion)

Take Care

bob

[cmaconsulting]

I've been VERY happy with my Sansamp RBI bass analog amp emulator. It is very rich with intuitive features and produces a very robust bass sound. 

[Joe]

I always use a microphone and sometimes I use a DI too - but, if I’m feeling really lazy I might only DI a scratch track.

[MASSIVE Mastering]

Another vote for both. 

[abtech]

I have had great results with a U47/FET85 combo.  A lot of bass amps can't really get the very low stuff (especially relative to the big bump above 50 Hz from the cabinet).  Using a decent DI get's all the bandwidth the instrument puts out, while the mic captures the character and nuances.

[Cant Get Enough]

I'll use a amp when the player has bad technique that creates a lot of fret noise. I find that its more forgiving. But I do prefer running through my MPA Gold pre. I feel it has a more balanced sound throughout the frequency spectrum, since it runs though 12AX7A's and I wan't a thinner sound I'll run just through a DI. I also prefer micing a 10 inch for heavy distortion I find that its a tighter sound and is easier to mix without overiding the guitar. I'll use a 12 inch for clean songs when I have the space for a deeper sounding bass. 

[melodramangst]

I got a sound I thought was really cool using 3 mics and the blending technique.  I DI'd it, then routed it out to a cab and recorded it TWICE... once with a Beta 58 and once with an AT 3035 condenser... I was really able to do some cool things in the context of the song, like kill the rumble by muting the cab takes at some points.  The basic sound I was happy with was 65% condenser, 25% dynamic, and 10% direct signal.

[vinyl69]

I ended up with a Groove Tubes Brick the other day, and I'd say it's every bit as good as the REDDI, and it's quite a bit cheaper! I was quite impressed!

[joeserin]

I usually D.I. the bass and then let the bass player leave. Then I run the D.I. signal to a good bass cabinet and mic it from there. Mosy of the time I will mix the mic and D.I. signals for the most depth. And that way I have time to find a good mic'd sound and I don't hold anyone up.

[oldbobd]

I usually D.I. the bass and then let the bass player leave. Then I run the D.I. signal to a good bass cabinet and mic it from there. Mosy of the time I will mix the mic and D.I. signals for the most depth. And that way I have time to find a good mic'd sound and I don't hold anyone up.

Welcome to RW

That works

Bob

[straightup]

dino.. Do you really work a lot on room placement with bass gtr?  With gtr and drums the room can be everything but I've always just close miced bass and blended the DI.. Do you use room mics?