Eight

I almost went for the Tapco (this is a little while ago) but in the end went with a Behringer Xenyx 802 [url="http://www.dv247.com/invt/31557/"]http://www.dv247.com/invt/31557/[/url]. Plenty of good features and it works well, but it seems a little susceptible to noise. By far my biggest complaint is that when plugged in, it's on. It needs to be turned off at the socket to stop the power cord getting quite hot. I did try to change the plug to one of those with built in switches but its sealed.

[quote name='biro' post='422341' date='Mar 1 2009, 01:09 PM']you're absolutely right. I didn't even consider the MME/ASIO thing. although I definitely have to say that reaper is by far the best daw software I ever tried, latency wise. I would be pretty surprised if, given that the resources are still the same, reaper eventually led to a worse performance than cooledit.[/quote] That is a very valid point - I've used Reaper for a while, often on the most basic, overloaded heaps of Windows junk.. and its always been great. Whatever the problem, I would be confident that Reaper is doing nothing wrong - and its something underneath thats letting the side down. ASIO4ALL would still be my first route, then maybe try updating the soundcard drivers.

[quote name='far0n' post='423012' date='Mar 2 2009, 11:16 AM']Cracking day, I've realised that Warwick's aren't so bad afterall. I'm also gonna get my Vigier electronically tagged, 'cos Funkyhobbit liked it that much I feel he may try to swipe it. [/quote] Mate, *everyone* was talking about how to get that thing away from you.

It was really nice to meet you all - such a collection of good blokes and quality gear is hard to find. I learnt a lot and am delighted to have avoided all the photos.

[quote name='biro' post='422264' date='Mar 1 2009, 11:02 AM']uh, before i forget: the issue you're talking about, reaper being ravaged by latency and cooledit being latency free is very strange. I wonder if you're actually using the hardware monitoring (kind of a direct monitoring without software processing) with cooledit and softare monitoring with reaper. it would be important to understand this, since it would be very strange to get a low monitoring latency with a software and a higher one with another.[/quote] It wouldn't be that unusual for two different programs to achieve different performance rates - depending on the routes they take to access the hardware. There are various device drivers and software layers in between the program you're running and the card itself. Thats one of the reasons ASIO4ALL can often make a big difference. Then there's annoying stuff like manufacturers who supply a half decent driver for MME support, but the code for the ASIO support can be truly woeful. One software connects through MME and it works great, another which tries to use ASIO gets the sh*t driver. Not saying that your theory couldn't be correct though.

[quote name='Hoppo75' post='422242' date='Mar 1 2009, 10:20 AM']Definately the latter mate, I'd like to create the patterns (fills etc) and then create a track by programming them in the correct order.[/quote] Well... when I do similar, I tend to use "DrumKit From Hell Superior: Custom & Vintage" which works much the same at Battery. I might program one bar (sometimes using an MPD, sometimes with the mouse or a midi keyboard), loop it for three and wack in a fill etc on the fourth. Then copy paste the loop to a new position and write a different second fill etc etc. It doesn't take long to do, the hard part for me is knowing what to write since I only have the most basic knowledge of drums. You could look at using a step-sequencer vst to make the midi parts (some people prefer using them). Still with Battery or DFHS etc. as the sample playing backend. You'll certainly get good quality sounds doing it that way.

[quote name='fusionbassist1' post='421336' date='Feb 27 2009, 09:16 PM']I can read music very confidently but when it came down to writing it I just confused myself as to what's right and what's not.[/quote] I gave up trying to understand all the horrendous rules regarding note grouping a long time ago. Now I just let computer software take care of that side of things, and I sleep better at night.

[quote name='voodoobassman' post='421922' date='Feb 28 2009, 07:55 PM']I'm planning to be there as my band rehearsal has been cancelled. I know where Seaton Delaval is, I know the ice cream place - but not the Arts Centre.[/quote] Its on Avenue Road (apparently), if that helps. Edit: Lol. Sorry, I just noticed the post you quoted had the full address on anyway. I only read the flyer.

Are you wanting to select patterns or program drum loops etc. from scratch? If the latter... Something like Native Instruments Battery (http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=battery3) is a pretty easy to use sampler vst with a good library of drum sounds as part of the package. Maybe get a Trigger Finger or Akai MPD to give you a friendlier hardware approach to triggering sounds while tracking.

[quote name='silddx' post='421829' date='Feb 28 2009, 06:07 PM']Some geezer at one of our gigs a while ago said any bassist playing with a pick is not worthy of the name and shouldn't be let near a stage.[/quote] Wow. What a tw@t. From the point of view of the audience, most couldn't give a crap what you play with. Its about what you play and how it sounds in context.

[quote name='The Bass Doc' post='421223' date='Feb 27 2009, 06:52 PM']Yes that is being cheeky and you shall be rewarded for your cheek - I'll be happy to carry out a set-up unless Dave Wilson beats me to it. It would help to know what bass you have so that I can carry the right tools. I guess if you've bought it from HarryPotter it may be a Quidditch J-type fitted with Hogwart Super Slinkys?[/quote] Hahahahah - close. Its a Cort Curbow 4. Which is pretty much the Nimbus 2000 (broom) of basses I think. I don't think the strings need changing after all (for some reason they initially felt thicker but I'd only had the bass about two hours when I posted). But I would definitely like the string action lowering/tweaking. [quote]My usual rate will apply even though it will be a Sunday - the exception would be that it would be free if you were female and bore a striking resemblance to Elle McPherson.[/quote] Unless she's really let herself go in recent years then I'm afraid we're both out of luck and money will have to do. Plus I'm not female so would be a little worried about looking like Elle. Cheers mate. This is much appreciated.

If you're really stuck - really really stuck - and noone else can help... then I could give this a shot for you. My skills on bass suck, but I can read notation and might able to produce some tab from the pdf you have.

[quote name='silky13' post='420503' date='Feb 26 2009, 11:32 PM']And thats not even the best bit of the trip! [/quote] Christ I would hope not!

You're going to need a beard, a big hat and some glitter.

Looks like a great opportunity for a learner bass player to work with some other musos, while everyone is developing together. Alas, I'm too far away.

Bookmarked. But surely if people go off and buy that course you linked to, they won't need to read your blog to learn things.

Want one. Want one now! Edit: Who made that?

Magic. Real nice guy - good to chat with and went to extra trouble to make sure delivery was perfect for me and most importantly, safely done. The man is also a packaging wizard - if the box containing the bass I bought from him had been run over by a truck, the truck would have been f**ked. Can't recommend Ayns highly enough.

Bass wise, the singlest biggest source of gear is this forum. Ok so thats only three items but still... Outside of that (and for everything else music related) - Dolphin (local store + online), DV247.com and eBay.

Is that being too cheeky of me though? Its like ringing and asking them to work their day off. Or trying to slip through usual appointment/shop processes. Of course, if they were happy to do it then I would expect to pay for their skills and time, but even so, I don't want to take the piss here and put people on the spot.

Out of interest, any of you attendees hot on your bass servicing? I *might* be wanting to get a string action lowered, and some new strings put on but its a bit beyond my skill level so was going to ask around for a suitable shop; given the calibre of some of you lot, figured it was worth asking here first. I say might because I haven't had much of a chance to get used to the bass yet; but HarryPotter clearly has bigger and stronger hands than I do. Oh I'm still driving so my earlier offer of a lift to any needy parties still stands.

[quote name='jmstone' post='418061' date='Feb 24 2009, 12:57 AM']Glad you liked the songs. They are pretty much 50/50 either my songs or Candice's (the singer). We are planning another gig maybe sometime in March. Would be great if you can make it![/quote] I'm at the other end of the country, but I'll give you a shout next time I'm in London, fingers crossed the dates will match with when you're playing. Failing that, studio first then UK tour.

I think the bass and vocals sound good. The drum sound is horrible but the volume is ok... guitar lacks presence in some of the recordings though. I'm no mixer etc. those are just my thoughts. What I do know, is that recording live is not easy at all. So get in the damn studio and let's hear the real thing. Those are originals are then? I really like the songwriting and style. You sound like a band I'd really enjoy seeing live - quirky. "Back into your box boy" <- great title. Lol.

[quote name='spacebeer' post='417679' date='Feb 23 2009, 06:42 PM']LOL thanks, not a Motley Crue fan though that scratchplate has gotta go ;-)[/quote] Did you post about this bass previously? And I said not to remove the scratchplate? If so, I can't believe you've got your hands on this thing and are still going to take the very essence of it away. Without the major cheese & sleeze, it's just a Thunderbird. If it wasn't you then that's even worse, that means there's two heretics on BassChat.

This must break some kind of discrimination laws.