Musicman20

Hi all After recently realising my brain is fit to burst with ideas, I've decided to record for my own purposes for potential bands in the future. Probably just basic guitar, decent bass, with a click track. Nothing special. My guitar rig sounds stunning, and I realise it would be better to mic it up. Bass can go through the back of my amps, or mic'd up if it sounds better. I don't want loads of bells and whistles. I just want a decent quality, with easy use. I also probably need advice on a decent mic or two..maybe one for bass/guitar and one for vocals at some point. Can you please suggest a decent Audio Interface to go with a pretty decent iMac? Nothing flashy or ridiculous, just good quality. If you have any other suggestions, please let me know.

Surely they are more clued up to realise this is a very very niche product?! Where is the LM4 or an improved F500?

[quote name='thumbo' timestamp='1361194048' post='1982465'] I think this is a realistic stance. I started playing music and making music because it's enjoyable for many reasons - particularly the pleasure I get from writing new stuff and performing live and the social life that goes with it. You don't need to be earning money out of it to achieve those things. I've always had a job or some other focus that I'd consider a career, music is the part that keeps me sane (kind of [size=4] ).[/size] [/quote] Same here. Career is work. Music is for fun and stress relief, and because its just briliant all round. I wouldn't like it to start feeling like a job. But, we are all different Personally, being in a well known band would be 'it' for me, especially if it meant earning a proper living off it. Again, we are all different. I was bought up listening to bands who probably are associated with a rock star lifestyle, so that is where my goal would lie. I

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1361190436' post='1982392'] If it makes me enough money to live on, i don't mind not "truly making it". [/quote] That's great, and I'm glad some are able to do it. When I mean 'make it', from my point of view, I wouldn't want to be a session musician or teacher if I was in music as a career. I'd want to be in a large sucessful band, that I'd written music for to some extent. Childhood dream, probably shared by millions!

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1361189801' post='1982378'] Ultimately, the genie is out of the bottle with regards to file sharing - illegal or not. And it goes way beyond music to include films, video games, eBooks, software, etc. This situation is nigh impossible to reverse. Files can be encrypted, people can be taken to court, but the market for illegal downloads will always find a way of setting up shop somewhere else. So... while it makes for an interesting debate, it's also a moot point. Nothing can really be done about it; the 'good old days' pre-file sharing are dead and gone (goodbye to the fuzzy nostalgia of illegally copying albums tape-to-tape... ). Morally-speaking, obtaining stuff that has a price tag without paying for it is theft - I think we can all agree on that. But illegally downloading music is so accessible and widespread that I'm sure for many people it doesn't [i]feel[/i] like a crime. I mean, I don't imagine it requires the same mindset as that of a shoplifter, although the deed itself is comparable. But like I said, the genie is out of the bottle and he/she* certainly isn't going to be put back there in a hurry [*genies operate an equal opportunities policy these days]. If you're a musician, a manager, a label, a distributor or anyone else wanting to earn money from the food chain of the music industry, then you need to adapt or, well, not literally 'die' but become insolvent. Or at least struggle. Or find another career. And yes, this sucks. It's culled off many of the independent labels that used to populate the building where I work; it's hit the pockets of the major labels that are cutting studio time and taking less risks with signings; etc. But that's just the way things are now. Live shows and selling 'direct-to-fans' are often cited as being the only viable business models remaining in the industry. I don't know enough about it to say whether that's the case. But it appears that digital music has leveled the playing field for artists to adopt a more DIY-approach in ways that would never have been possible when music was distributed solely on vinyl, tape or CD. Or rather - it's created opportunities beyond the once Holy Grail of getting signed to a label, which in the past was pretty much the only option available to new bands. Silver linings, and all that... [/quote] Great post, and this summarises my views as well. It's unfortunately the way things are. I no longer enjoy my music as much as I used to, because I don't spend the time listening to it like I should. E.g., you can buy a CD fior £5.00 or less, or the mp3s for less. When I bought many many CD's, I used to pay £10+, and REALLY enjoy taking it home and listening to it properly. Now, I feel like everything is so watered down, I barely get excited about a band or artist. Anyone can release music, just be using something like Soundcloud. Easy way to get your work out there. I would also put this to those who make money/a living from any type of covers band: Is it fair to the original artist that you are using THEIR songs to make YOUR money? Same priniciple...if you ask me. I wouldn't dream about trying to make a career of being a musician. Far too unstable, and barely anyone truely makes it.

How much?!

[quote name='Raggy' timestamp='1360864443' post='1977641'] Having actually used a GK head with an NV610 and 412 for a few years, clangy does not spring to mind. Its a very good combination with a good punchy kick. [/quote] From my experience they are definitely versatile, but set all at 12 there is a mid scoop, a big round bottom, and lots of treble and high mid content. This is the latest models, not the older ones. Not had much time with the older amps. Obviously a lack of tweeter may change everything.

[quote name='charic' timestamp='1360847631' post='1977291'] Who knows, I might go there in the future but for now I want to see if I was missing out on anything by having a lightweight bass head. Yes... I realise it's a bit dumb but it's better to do it in my 20's than my 50's [/quote] Absolutely! If you can, perhaps save for an all tube

I agree on the Gk front. If you want a more clangy agressive tone, compared to the low mid thump of the RH450, GK would be a VERY good choice. A GK MB800 would hammer the NV610!

The DI on all Genz gear is fantastic. I think either the Soundguy doesn't understand the DI settings, or there may be a fault (doubful though).

[quote name='jaydentaku' timestamp='1360768874' post='1976166'] it is not. [/quote] Great service!

Genz Benz Streamliner or Shuttlemax 9.2 and throw a hell of a lot of watts at it The Aggie amps would also be awesome. Your RH750, if you still have it? That fits that style of sealed cab very well. Don't underestimate it!

I would look at: Aguilar DB212/112 x 2 GK Neo 112-II x 2 Schroeder 1212L Bergantino AE212 Tecamp M212 TC RS212 (you can buy two of these for the price of one 2x12 in some cases) Genz Benz NX2 212T For a super light 2x12, I would also check out the new Bergantino CN212 which is due here in May-ish...apparently 48lbs!

[quote name='cocco' timestamp='1360667070' post='1974130'] My money no object dream P bass is the Pino. What makes a P? To me it's got to be passive, single (split p) pickup, p shaped and a big old neck. Others won't agree with me and they are entitled to their opinion, not saying mine is right but for me there's only one way to skin a cat. It depends on budget though, as we know you can get yourself a fantastic P bass for under £500 [/quote] I agree. Has to to be the right shape, size, P neck, and a simple vol/tone with the tradtional pup.

I've played a fair few, and I haven't as yet found one to beat my 2009 American Standard. Maybe I got lucky? I think I did. Super lightweight, dark slab of rosewood, excellent sunburst that looks like a one/max 2 piece body. The frets are perfect as is the rest of the bass. The tone is perfect. As yet, I haven't found another P bass to match it, and I've tried hard to get it a maple/roundwound relative.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1360593171' post='1972913'] Well, maybe we should have a cuppa and a natter sometime. [/quote] Agreed. I was going to attend the bass bash but something came up.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1360592831' post='1972902'] Cheers, Gareth.... I did consider the TH but I'm still not over my lightweight 'thing'. I need to know there's a big lump of steel inside the casing otherwise I get the shakes. ha ha. I tried an AG500 at the bash by pure chance, and I liked the sound of it straight away. All that matters now is how it does at the gig. We'll see... The Walkabout 's got big shoes to fill. [/quote] Ay, I've heard good things about every single Aguilar amp...high quality and fantastic tone. I'd love to have a listen to one of these.

Having heard reports on how damn good the new TH500 amp is, I'm sure you'd also like that as well. Apparently very close to the WA 'tone' if you have a fiddle with the EQ. Not as complex in terms of what the EQ can do, but the mid control on the TH500 is apparently VERY good.

Not that I know of, although I've been outside the more politically charged hardcore punk scene for a year or so. I have a feeling all of this negativity will have an affect on upcoming bands.

[quote name='thumperbob 2002' timestamp='1360584487' post='1972596'] Tone is all in the fingers and ears and most amps can give me the tone I want- however all wont give me the power I want too. This is what I meant. My point was if you know what you are doing massively expensive rigs are not really required. [/quote] Must say I agree with this. My Summer gigs in 2011 were with my now ex-band, and the PA was just flat out stunning. I used, as an experiment, a cheap SR Precision copy, no upgrades, with a pretty standard Hartke 4x10 and amp, (provided by the headlining band). This was at two larger venues, one of them outdoors. I must say, I was very content with the tone. Fitted the mix brilliantly. Even had a fellow bassist wanting to know what boutique P bass I was using...then he couldn't believe it was 60 quid. I tend to find enjoying the gig and being in the pocket with the drummer overcomes everything...and I'll be more than happy.

From my experience, Orange are really good at aftersales care, even when the warranty is up. They will get it sorted As for the fault, it sounds bizarre.

[quote name='Sean' timestamp='1360427934' post='1970244'] Go for a Ray. The Laklands and many other instruments that have MM pickups, have them closer to the bridge than Stingrays and this doesn't nail the sound the plucking tension is higher if you rest your thumb on the pickup. A Ray is a Ray. [/quote] Agreed. That tone needs a Ray otherwise you are just in the ballpark.

I saw one on a stand in N/castle. Nice looking bass. Are they finished in nitro? I'm guessing the slightly worn finish is actually poly? If its nitro, this is one of the biggest Fender deals in a long time! I'm not a big fan of red basses, so it still doesn't scream 'buy me', but it is growing on me. The bridge actually looks quite cool. Compared to the AV 62 Reissue next to it, it actually looked like it had been made with a little more care and attention.

If you are buying another Ray, I'd definitely try a HH or HS. EXACTLY the same tone (any variance is due to wood, pickup variance eg slight winding difference, setup) as its the same spot (all H basses have small variances as well), same pre-amp, but you get 4 more tones. My Ray 5 HS is one of the best basses I've played in my 16 years of playing. If you want a 2EQ, and you want to splash out, id get a Classic Ray.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1360171698' post='1966118'] Probably a decent enough reference but no payback from them.. so too much effort for little return..?? [/quote] Plus one. Plus he gets constant messages about them. Most people may as well go to work/play a gig rather than sell products for companies who won't even notice they are helping out.