Recording Bass with Dead Soul Revival
If you’ve been following my “first single release” journey for my new band deadsoulrevival.com let me tell you a little bit about more about how we recorded our upcoming release. Specifically I’d like to talk about how I like to record the bass.
On the surface bass seems like it would be so easy to record but it can have some challenges and it certainly deserves attention to “get it right.” Let me rewind a bit and say that how the bass and kick drum work together on a rock or metal record is important. Very important.
When I hear a song that doesn’t seem as pro as it could be this is often the reason. That bass/kick and low end balance is one of the harder things to get right in a mix so I get it.
We used a Music Man Stingray for these recordings which is a fave of mine for tracking bass. It has active electronics. For bass I’m looking for an instrument that is well balanced with good tone. By well balanced I mean I want the notes to sound relatively even all over the neck. Nothing that jumps out.
These days when recording bass I generally go directly from the bass into a API pre-amp. and then through an Empirical Labs Distressor. I’m using a 4:1 ratio with a few db of gain reduction. This is very mild analog compression on the way into Pro Tools. Reason being is it’s easy to over do it with compression and there’s no easy way to fix that.
Recently I got a couple of new plugins from Neural that I’m really digging on the bass: Darkglass and Parallax. Both of these are in a different league from other bass plugins I’ve used. Some serious mojo going on here.
Performance wise I’m looking for takes that lock in with the drums and have a good groove. Another thing I’m very particular about is the tuning. Sometimes even if a bass has been setup and shows all open strings in tune there will be a note or two that’s a little out.
When I hear those start rubbing with the guitars it drives me crazy. Agh! That’s when we go back and tune just that fret and overdub. I’m looking forward to a bass Evertune. Hopefully that solves those issues. I’ve also heard there are strings being developed which helps with that issue. Sounds insane I know.
From a creative/producer standpoint I’m looking for ideas to elevate the song. That may be having the bass play a lick with a drum fill or play a counterpoint to the guitars. All depends on the song.
For more ideas recording bass check out my course the Sound Visualization Method.
———————–
If you haven’t already, make sure you sign up for my email list. I offer exclusive content, discounts and other goodies for my subscribers. Go to rockmixingengineer.com to subscribe. You’ll also get a free guide on recording heavy guitars and a sneak peak at my new recording course The Sound Visualization Method.
Also, in case you didn’t know, I mix singles, EPs, and Albums for Rock and Metal bands. You can check out my work and get more info at mattclarkmixer.com/secdir/ as well as get prices, etc.
— — — — — —
Need more fans? Download your free funnel and start building your list today.