Oggy

[quote name='crez5150' post='1261283' date='Jun 8 2011, 02:58 PM']GAS for studio equipment gets way more expensive than bass gear....

I exclusively use MOTU units. I have a mix of 828's and 896... I really like the MOTU equipment as it's rock solid and built extremely well
[url="http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio"]MOTU[/url][/quote]

You’re not kidding – I’ve just been looking at USB Multi Channel Audio Interface hardware on the web – BIG buck$ .

Baring in mind that I’m as thick as two short ones when it comes to the quality / pricing on this stuff; does anyone have recommendations as to what to look out for on evilbay or the like – or perhaps something less up market that would give me USB connection and 4 i/p capacity? (Notice it's gone from 8 i/p down to 4 i/p, this is in the hope that it'd be priced more proportionally to the wallet)


Oggy

[quote name='crez5150' post='1261244' date='Jun 8 2011, 02:39 PM']I'd say that seeing as you've already a Mac and played with Garageband.... have a look at Logic Express.... loads of features that integrate nicely with your existing system for about £60.

There are others and some are free too.... such as Audacity and Reaper....

I prefer Digital Performer for serious recording and use Logic also[/quote]

Hi crez5150

I'll have a look on the web at that 'Logic Express' software you mention - what would I do without Google?

What sort of hardware set up do you use? I'm thinking on the lines of something with +/- 8 inputs for separate instrument / vocal tracks.

I can see that now I'm Bass and Amp GAS free I'll be getting recording gear RGAS - Agggghhhh.

Oggy

Basschaters

I’m really getting into GarageBand on my Mac, (stuffing around with the effects and EQ) editing numbers that I record via a Zoom recorder at our band practice sessions. I’m now getting to a point where I want to do bit more and am looking for a few pointers on what Audio recording software and hardware other Basschaters use and why?

I’m not sure, that GarageBand is the way forward, I hear lots of other software being referred to on this site, and perhaps a different brand would be better?

Anyway it’d be interesting to get other Basschaters to let us (me) all know what they get up to on the recording side of things – some of the stuff I hear on this very site, done with imagination and low budget, has been really very good quality – how do you do it chaps?

Oggy

[quote name='Bankai' post='1259237' date='Jun 7 2011, 03:04 AM']Protools files are not compatible in Garageband/Logic or vice versa.


You'll have to export the individual track files in Protools to WAV or similiar filetype, and then re-import them back in Garageband.[/quote]

Hi Bankai

Thanks for that, appreciated.

I've spoken to the recording engineer who did the origional recordings for us, he has agreed to give me the files and stems - this is what he emailed me:

[i]The files are already wav format so you're all good there.

They are all in one folder labelled 'audio files'. Ordering them by size on the pc/mac will group them into song order. I.e all files of the same size will make up one take and should be dropped into your software as a group.[/i]

I'll just have to ask him what he means by "[i]all files of the same size will make up one take and should be dropped into your software as a group[/i]". I thought I'd have to create a 'Real Instrument track for each file (i.e 6 files of the same size - create 6 Real Instrument tracks in the time line) then drop each file onto an individual track.

Bit of a Black Art this recording stuff.

Thanks again for the info.

Oggy

Hi Chris

Recently got 'aquired' a Zoom H4n, bit on the pricy side but great results so far. If one of the external mic's finds itself close to your amp you''ll sure hear that bass on playback .

[url="http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h4n/"]Zoom H4n[/url]

Oggy

Hi Chaps

Does anyone know if it’s possible to get Pro Tools files into GarageBand for editing / mixing, and if so how? I have a Mac with GarageBand and access to some Pro Tools files of our band from a studio recording session - I'd like to edit, overdub and mix them (play around with them) to get some experience.

I’ve only just started playing around with GarageBand (good fun making up backing tracks to play against and add bass / vocals etc.), so my knowlwdge of these things is pretty ‘limited’.


Oggy

Hi Chaps,

Our drummer bought a Zoom H4n a wee while ago, couldn't drive it so gave it to me to have a go at.

Used it for the first time last week at our regular Thursday night practice session, the only setting I did was set it to sterio mode, mount it on a mic stand about 2 mtrs in front of us and make sure that the volume bar didn't go to the limits (too often anyway).

Result from the very first number tried:[attachment=81385:GFMB_260511_BU.mp3]

IMHO, not bad, considering it's the first go - cut off the bickering before and after the number using GarageBand. Looks as though this bit of kit will come in handy. I'll give it a go with the extra two external mic inputs, should get more control and be able to do a wee bit of mixing - that'll be fun.

Oggy

Hi Scott

Nice site.

Great sound for a three piece - I know how hard that is.

Really liked: 'Bend Your Knees' and 'Information Overload'.

Oggy

Hi Chaps

I've recently come into possession of a Zoom Handy Recorder H4n, our drummer (the only one with any money in the band) bought it a few weeks ago but doesn't have the time to play with it and get it sorted out so he's handed it over and I'll be doing the business with it.

I'm getting to grips with it and think I understand enough to be able to record at our rehearsal sessions and perhaps gigs.

The beast came with a software disk (Cubase LE5, OEM Version) to enable editing / enhancement of the recorder files but I have a problem! I have a Mac Mini that I bought some three and a half years ago the operating system software on this Mac is designated at 'Tiger Mac OS X 10.4.11', apparently the Cubase LE5 software needs 'Leopard Mac OS 10.5.0' minimum to run the Cubase. I've been told that there are some free versions on Cubase available on the internet that will allow me to do a limited amount of editing / enhancing of the files from the Zoom on my Mac and will run on the older operating system - I hope that some of you guys may have some pointers to give me on this.

I can get files from the Zoom onto the Mac just by plugging the device into a USB and they play OK on iTunes and can be stored wherever I want to put them on the Mac so I guess that any piece of music editing software will be able to recognize them and allow me to manipulate / edit them?

I'd be grateful for some advice on the above, I don't really want to go spending loads of cash upgrading my Mac OS just so that I can use the Cubase LE5 software.

Thanks chaps.

Oggy

[quote name='51m0n' post='1236706' date='May 19 2011, 10:15 AM']Oh and one last thing about those levels, this looks to have been run into a brickwall limiter (Waves Ultramaximiser or similar), if you cant hear any distortion I wouldn't worry too much, he's using it to get a higher RMS to peak level, or in ocmmon parlance, he's making the mix louder.

If you can hear it at all in terms of artiofacts then get him to back it off.

Also make sure he sets the output level at about -0.4dB, some CD players cannot cope with higher output than that, and it is utterly irrelevant extra level.[/quote]

Thanks for your last two post's, just sent you a PM.

Oggy

[quote name='Bloodaxe' post='1236564' date='May 19 2011, 06:18 AM']Quite true, but you're restricted to a maximum of 20MB per post, plus the owners/mods are a little concerned about the current volume of attachments across the board as a whole [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=126658"](more details here)[/url]. Uploading to an external host such as Skydrive/Dropbox/Putfile/Imageshack/Photobucket etc. removes the burden on BC's server entirely as all you're posting is a link.

Back on-topic...

Tim, I agree about the reverb, but it still needs [i]some[/i] & maybe leave it on one or two - they put me in mind of early Feelgoods or Count Bishops (& that ain't no bad thing). Apart from that nothing leaped out & screamed for attention... with one exception...

Levels. They're a bit on the high side & you're very close to clipping. Could be an artefact caused by iTunes, but I'd check with the studio. Knock 3dB off it.



Overall I'd leave well alone on the mix at this stage (apart from the 'verb & levels) - what you've got should be more than adequate for punting around venues & putting on your website.

My one criticism (& it's probably entirely unfounded), is that the finished article needs more variation. The three tracks you've posted up are quite similar in vibe. I seem to recall you did a cracking version of "I'm Your Witchdoctor" - if you've taped that it really needs to go in. A promo CD needs to mirror a gig in a way... start with a bang, ease back a bit, then take it down, & finally... blow the bloody doors off

Pete.[/quote]

Hi Pete

Thanks for the feedback, I’m making notes and I’ll try and print up your screenshot for the benefit of the engines-ear at the studio. Being compared to early Dr Feelgood is a compliment in my book – Yardbirds / Feelgood / Bluesbreakes / and all those early British R&B bands are what I was brought up on – love em to bits.

Sorry about the three tracks all being of a similar vibe, the missing two are Walk In My Shadow and Coin Operated Love, I didn’t know I was going to run out of space until I did – I can take down these three and add the other two or, better still use one of those hosting sites you mentioned, which one would you recommend? – Ease of use being the main criteria.

We’ll be recording another 5 tracks, when we have this first five sorted out – I’ll try and get the other two to agree that I’m Your Witchdoctor will be one of them.

Oggy

[quote name='Bloodaxe' post='1235810' date='May 18 2011, 03:08 PM']Surviving.

Ah. Didn't realise you were a Mac-hippy ,

Try this:

[url="http://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/how-to-convert-wav-file-into-mp3-file-with-itunes/"]http://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/how-to-con...le-with-itunes/[/url]

but don't bother with the 'Custom Setting' bit, just go for 160kbps or 192kbps. Have a go with both settings & see what the resulting file size is.

P.[/quote]

Thanks Pete. I'll be giving it a go this evening, once I've negotiated the M4 and M25 - Aghhhhhh

If it works out I'll load them up this evening and await the abuse with bated breath.

Oggy

PS. The only reason I have a Mac is that I thought it'd be easier to use that a Windows PC, it's not a big posh one just a standard small footprint desk top.

[quote name='Bloodaxe' post='1235767' date='May 18 2011, 02:35 PM']Wotcha,

40MB?! No, No, No, No & No to uploading WAVs... that 40MB/file will crucify most peoples' bandwidth. They need compressing to MP3 which ought to bring them down to around 5MB each depending on how much compression you apply.

A couple of freeware converters that I'd recommend:

[url="http://cdexos.sourceforge.net/"]CDeX[/url] will convert WAV to all sorts of flavours of MP3
[url="http://www.formatoz.com/"]Format Factory[/url] will convert almost anything into anything (Youtube Flash to MP3 no problem).

Of the two, CDeX is the better featured as it allows you to choose between Constant Bit Rate (CBR) & Variable Bit Rate (VBR) - VBR is probably the best compromise as the compression level varies according to how 'busy' the audio is. That said, Format Factory is by far the easier one to use - if you go for this, set the bitrate to either 192Kb/s or 256 Kb/s (the default is 128). 192 will probably be more than adequate, but 256 will have a better bass response.

As for actually uploading the files... if you're a Hotmail user, you already have a Windows Live account that gives access to SkyDrive & 25GB of free online storage. If, however, you detest all things Micro$oft, there's a free service called Dropbox that gives around 2GB free (it's kind of like Imageshack or Photobucket but for any file type). PM me if you want to go for the Dropbox option, as it's mutually beneficial if done via personal recommendation.

Pete.[/quote]

Hi Pete,

How the Devil are you? Thanks for the reply, appreciated.

I have a Mac at home with iTunes on it so something that will convert the files for a Mac would be good and allow me to convert the .WAV to .MP3 for Mac and posting on this site – sorry for being so techie ignorant . I don’t want to do any mixing or enhancing, it’d be better just to get opinions on how they are now and recommendations on what to ask the recording engineer to do to make them sound OK.

Look forward to hearing from you – just hope the boss doesn’t catch me .

Oggy

[size=5]Thank you Chaps for giving me some very helpful advice, appreciated.

Oggy[/size]

I get it - at last an explanation of what compression does and how it can help that even I can understand, thank you BOD2.

I only read this post yesterday and was blown away at how well the subject was put across; I immediately went to the ‘For Sale – Effects’ section looking for something suitable, I’ve spotted a few - I feel a purchase coming on.

By happy coincidence - I was in a recording studio last night with our lead guitarist, overdubbing some vocal tracks onto the instrumental tracks we did a few weeks ago, I was telling him about this compression explanation – he stuck his hand into one of his gig bags and pulled out a ‘BOSS Compression Sustainer CS-3 stomp box’ and said I could have it for free if I wanted it – 'gift horses, mouths' and the like so I took it . I know it’s probably designed for guitar but I’ll try it with my Bass anyway.

Thanks again BOD2 for a really informative and well written explination.

Oggy

[quote name='Bigjas' post='1223616' date='May 7 2011, 08:09 PM']Oggy

You just turn it on, select what mic setup you want, and press record

It is a really easy bit of kit to use, setting up the mic is just pressing a button to scroll through 4 settings. i use the '2ch' setting as it pics up sound from all directions. just place the H2 in the middle of the room with all amps facing it and away you go. I use the mic stand adapter to hold the H2. You can st the recording level to what ever you want, just follow the easy to use manual.

The quality of the recording is great, not what you expect from such a cheap and small unit.

HTH

Jas[/quote]

Thanks Jas

Drummer is handing over the device to me on Thuesday - I'll has a look at the manual and give it a go the following week.

Oggy

[quote name='bassninja' post='1223634' date='May 7 2011, 08:20 PM']A solo bass/vocal version of 'Summertime' I did a couple of years ago for a lady singer friend for her first solo album. Just listened to it for the first time since we put it down.

My NT Thumb V direct, IIRC. Pleasantly surprised, if a bit 'verby at the start.

Not exposed myself to fellow bassplayers/colleagues/comrades like this before (..!)

[attachment=79306:summertime__final_.mp3][/quote]

Really nice, loved it. Great playing and that lady singer has a rich smooth voice.

Expose yourself some more, I'd listen to it.

Oggy

[quote name='boywonder' post='1211220' date='Apr 25 2011, 09:11 PM']2nd!!! Zoom H2 is amazing. I have one and use it to record practices and also sfx for composition/film work. Very good quality of recordings. Good price, loads of good features, small and compact. Buy one! [/quote]

Hi Chaps (Zoom H2 users)

Our drummer bought one of these about 6 weeks ago, it's still in its box, never used it To be fair, he's a bit of a non-techie and I think he's afraid of it.

Do those of you that use it have to do loads of tweaking and playing with settings or is it really just a case of using the default settings and finding a suitable spot in the rehearsal room / gig to place it?

Does anyone have some samples of the recording results they would be willing to post?

Oggy

[b]TC-Helecon VoiceTone Double[/b] – I’ve had it two years and used it 3 or 4 times at rehearsal – not really the kind of vocal sound that’s any good in a Blues band, fun though. Have a search on the net to see reviews / hear results.

Manual / Specification here: [url="http://www.tc-helicon.com/download/manuals/voicetone-double/VTone_Double_US.pdf"]Manual in PDF Format[/url]

Very good condition, perfect working order, printed A4 manual (no way could I see the printing on the Mickey Mouse size manual that came with it).

I’m looking for [b]£100[/b] and I’ll post it from work (free), well packed, to anywhere in the UK. I really don’t want to get involved in sending it overseas.

I’d be interested in a swap for a Digital Recorder of roughly the same value.

Thanks for looking

Oggy

[b]EDIT 23/03/201[/b]1:- Link to Manual / Spec. added

-------------------------------------------------------

Hi honza

DON'T DO IT - you'll be sorry, they're a great Bass. I have one, CIJ strung as yours is, the depth of the sound is fantastic and it's just so playable, I have to force myself to use the SG re-issue short scale Bass I have that cost me twice as much; if I don't use it now and again she'll make me sell it .

Oggy

[quote name='BottomEndian' post='1167023' date='Mar 18 2011, 01:07 PM']Sticking strictly to the budget, the Zoom H1 is probably worth a look*. Very simple interface -- they've ditched the slightly fiddly (and eye-strainingly small) menus from the H2 and gone with a much more hit-it-and-go thing (BIG RED BUTTON to record). It's happy up to 120 dB SPL too, which is useful.

Don't forget to factor in the cost of a bigger storage card too. You usually get 2GB, which'll probably only do you a couple of rehearsals at CD-quality WAV.

* Based on nothing more than the fact I love my H2 and I guess the H1 will be similarly decent. [/quote]

Thanks BottomEndian

Good point about the extra storage - well spotted.

Oggy

[quote name='butlerk02' post='1167005' date='Mar 18 2011, 12:49 PM']Hi Oggy,

I've just purchashed a Zoom Q3HD, and used it last night for the first time. I have to say its an excellent bit of kit. Although they retail at £200, i'd say they are definately worth the money. They also use the same mics in the Zoom H4, but this is £50 less and you can also capture video in HD too.

If you want to listen to some clips from our rehearsal, I can send you a link if you like (as long as you don't laugh).

Cheers
Keith[/quote]

Hi Keith

Please pass me the link, I promise no laughing from me uless it's Benny Hill, George Formby or Arthur Askey covers you're doing .

Oggy

[quote name='thebrig' post='1166970' date='Mar 18 2011, 12:27 PM']Hi Oggy,

I'm from "Bore em stiff" too!

I use a [b]Zoom H4 [/b]and find it excellent for live recording, although it does cost around £250.

The [b]Zoom H2[/b] is around £150 which should also do a good job.

But I saw the [b]Alesis PalmTrack Handheld SD Recorder[/b], in Digital Village for £69.99 reduced from £119, and looks perfect for your needs.

Give Digital Village in Barnet a ring, and they will get one for you to try, if they do not already have one.

There are quite a few under £100, just check out the DV website.

Good luck with your search.[/quote]

Hi – Another Bass player from Borhamwood, I’m not alone then .

Thanks for the info I’ll pass it to our ‘new’ drummer, he’s making the purchase and it’s really for his benefit. The Guitarist and myself have been playing together for over three years now so we’re pretty tight but the poor old drummer is struggling a wee bit remembering where the Starts / Stops / Breaks etc – no wonder really, he has three ¾ hour sets to get his head around and most of the material is news to him – who said Blues and old style R&B was easy?

Drop me a PM sometime, if you’re up for it, it’d be nice to have a chat or run things by another local Bass player. Are you playing locally?

Oggy

I’m sure that this has been asked before but it’s been some time since I’ve been on the site and I’m not sure where to look for the info.

I’m looking for a ‘low-cost, say £50 - £100’ digital recorder to use at rehearsal sessions that will give a reasonable quality replay sound, recommendations would be appreciated. Drums / Bass / Guitar and Vocals - Blues Band.

Thanks Chaps.

Oggy