Recording Bass Direct Through Focusrite Scarlett?

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chamlin
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2016/09/06 16:28:37 (permalink)

Recording Bass Direct Through Focusrite Scarlett?

I've never recorded bass at home. Do I need to do more than just plug the bass guitar in to the scarlett? Is an separate D.I. needed? Only other item I have is a PODXT for guitar... ???
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    Slugbaby
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    Re: Recording Bass Direct Through Focusrite Scarlett? 2016/09/06 16:30:10 (permalink)
    That's what I always do.  There's a Line/Instrument selector, i can't remember which it should be.  If one doesn't work, it's the other.
     
    post edited by Slugbaby - 2016/09/06 16:51:30

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    Mosvalve
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    Re: Recording Bass Direct Through Focusrite Scarlett? 2016/09/06 16:40:30 (permalink)
    If you are going to use the Pod then choose line level. If you go direct into the interface choose instrument. Be sure to select the correct one for the signal you are sending

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    Blackiejames7
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    Re: Recording Bass Direct Through Focusrite Scarlett? 2016/09/06 17:30:26 (permalink)
    Just plug your bass into the Scarlett and switch to instrument setting.  Watch your record level so you don't overload and go.  I record bass like this all the time and then EQ it in the mix and it comes out great.
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    cuitlahac
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    Re: Recording Bass Direct Through Focusrite Scarlett? 2016/09/06 19:50:29 (permalink)
    I record direct bass on occasion following the  suggestions above but I usually run through a hardware compressor before the interface.  My interface is not a Scarlett but the process is the same....

    Dave-
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    PeterMc
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    Re: Recording Bass Direct Through Focusrite Scarlett? 2016/09/06 19:58:26 (permalink)
    Nobody has suggested using a DI. Is that because the Scarlett "instrument" setting effectively acts as a DI?

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    BASSJOKER
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    Re: Recording Bass Direct Through Focusrite Scarlett? 2016/09/06 20:06:53 (permalink)
    very likely....my Lex takes my Bass direct no prob.....though I prefer a live/di mix ....for max possibilities
     

     
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    Maarkr
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    Re: Recording Bass Direct Through Focusrite Scarlett? 2016/09/06 21:05:20 (permalink)
    guitar and bass go in direct... no di needed.  next you'll want a vst bass amp.  set your buffer low and turn off unnecessary fx to reduce latency. 

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    chuckebaby
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    Re: Recording Bass Direct Through Focusrite Scarlett? 2016/09/06 21:23:29 (permalink)
    Yes it does because essentially you are using direct input by means of the focusrite.
    It's really as easy as pie

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    chamlin
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    Re: Recording Bass Direct Through Focusrite Scarlett? 2016/09/08 17:24:12 (permalink)
    Guys, thanks for all the input. Yes, so easy! Just direct into the Focusrite, and the sound was great. AND, I can definitely see the long-term benefit of doing a dual "Direct" and "Mic'd amp" option for a fatter, rounder sound.
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    elsongs
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    Re: Recording Bass Direct Through Focusrite Scarlett? 2016/09/09 04:06:02 (permalink)
    If you are playing a passive bass, I recommend using a DI in line to boost the signal so you can take advantage of a more full tone. I still use a DI even though all my basses are active though. My previous interface also had me go through a PreSonus TubePre for some coloring. The result was a really beefy sound, so if that's what you're looking for, you can use something like a SansAmp or other coloring device to give you the tone you want.

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    rontarrant
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    Re: Recording Bass Direct Through Focusrite Scarlett? 2016/09/09 05:36:53 (permalink)
    PeterMc
    Is that because the Scarlett "instrument" setting effectively acts as a DI?

    Yes, DI is built in.

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