January 20, 2017
In a previous article, we discussed DI vs. mic for guitar and bass applications and how either choice could be appropriate for you. But what if you don’t get to choose? At some venues, the sound technicians might have their standard procedure to mic up guitar cabs and DI bass, as a common example, and you may find an old, crusty DI box waiting for you as you bring your awesome rig onstage. That is not to say there is anything wrong with using a DI; rather, that there are ways to use a DI setup while still keeping essential aspects of your bass tone.
Most DI boxes will split your bass signal into two paths: a quarter inch cable will go from the box to your bass amp head, and an XLR cable will go to the mixing board. While you can still get “your tone” through your amp, what comes out through the PA may be much different. For instance, if you have a nice fuzz bass sound dialed in, the direct signal to the PA will make it sound slightly harsher and hollower since your speaker isn’t there to mellow it out. Also, since the DI is placed before the amp, any EQ adjustments you make will be for your own stage mix only. If you are particular about your tone being consistent from the stage to PA without being able to mike up your bass cab, here are a few things you can try.
The B1000 has a built in DI and a pre/post EQ switch.
If you are absolutely adamant about capturing the sound of your entire bass rig at your live shows, a good option is to invest in your own microphone and stand and bring them to every gig, making sure to communicate with your soundman that this is your preferred method. While a DI setup is generally more common for bass, it’s perfectly fine to go with whatever method helps you sound and play your best.
Having to use the DI isn’t the worst situation. If it’s the only method available at a given venue, being prepared for it is something that is definitely worth taking the time to do.
February 02, 2024
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November 06, 2023
One of the most misunderstood things in mixing is bass – whether it’s getting the low end right in general, letting the bass guitar cut through without overpowering everything else, or just making the bass interesting and cool. It can be tricky to get it right, but there are plenty of tried-and-true tricks for getting there quickly. Let’s go over a few of those.
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