Bass tone through Garageband
Wednesday, February 23 2011 @ 07:00 PM CST

Hello MJs.

I have been recording bass through Garageband VIA Mbox 2 (And Amplitube), But I am not getting the sound I want. I was curious what others do to get a good, solid, warm tone with bass. The main problem I am having is the sound goes from 'not enough' to 'over distorted' without ever hitting the sweet spot.

What do you use to get a good sound from your bass? Also, How much does the interface have to do with it? I am also looking at getting something a little better than the Mbox.

Thanks CH

Re:Bass tone through Garageband
Wednesday, February 23 2011 @ 07:19 PM CST

CHRIS!!!!!!

Seriously, Rok41 is the guy to ask. I use Line6 GearBox or PodFarm. But sometimes I find the GB Sixties Bass Amp sim to be pleasing.

For rock tones I like the Line6 SVT sim with the SansAmp pedal sim.

Re:Bass tone through Garageband
Wednesday, February 23 2011 @ 11:59 PM CST

I use a Universal Audio LA-610 MkII preamp for the bass pre. I have a American Deluxe Fender P Bass with EMG actives. That combined with the killer pre gives me some pretty nice warm bass tone.

Re:Bass tone through Garageband
Thursday, February 24 2011 @ 02:00 AM CST

I use a 1970 US Fender Precision direct into my Behringer preamp and into Logic Pro. I tend to use full treble on the Precision and full volume too. I sometimes use the "60s Fingerstyle" preset which has a fair bit of low mids and middling bass and treble EQ - also a bit of compression. It works for me everytime. Make sure you have the signal as loud as you can without clipping.
Have fun,
Neil

Re:Bass tone through Garageband
Thursday, February 24 2011 @ 02:30 AM CST

I plug an active bass or passive bass directly into a mac mini, no interface, using a very good quality cable 1/4" to 1/8", to remove hiss. GuitarRig or Amplitube sound great but you have to tweak them a lot for bass. Add an eq to the rig at the end of the signal chain after adjusting the tone on each effect used and amp(s) if used. I use a compressor in the bass chain as well but minimally.

I've found that any interface I use just colors the sound in a bad way on the mac mini and on other people's computers as well although some require using one.

Re:Bass tone through Garageband
Thursday, February 24 2011 @ 06:35 AM CST

Hey Chris

I use a Hofner Violin bass into an M-Audio Fast track interface. The sixites amp setting in Garageband is pretty nice as Andrew has said, and then I try to spruce it up a little with the EQ presets and Compression till I'm happy with the sound. The interface is a recent purchase and I've found that with these things you get what you pay for.

In saying that, often I still get a lot of rumble and have moved into Logic which offers more in the way of control than Garageband. That and I need to remember not to turn it up so loud!

Re:Bass tone through Garageband
Thursday, February 24 2011 @ 09:01 AM CST

CH, I use the very smooth Apogee Duet interface for all of my recordings. I am still trying to find that "perfect bass tone" and although I think I'm close to figuring it out sometimes, it continues to drive me crazy too . I have found that for the majority of what I've done here, the Fender USA P-Bass has been the best option. It never fails to get a warm, full tone that has just the right amount of midrange. To me it is easier to EQ when compared to my passive Fender Jazz or any of my active basses. I too use several of the GB presets, usually the 60's, 70's or Direct Warm setting. I think that everyone will attest that eq/compression are the key and that the low mid settings will usually be your friend or foe. Try and stay away from the kick drum frequencies and find space. RoK

Re:Bass tone through Garageband
Thursday, February 24 2011 @ 10:12 AM CST

Quote by: Saltaireguru77 Hey Chris I use a Hofner Violin bass into an M-Audio Fast track interface. The sixites amp setting in Garageband is pretty nice as Andrew has said, and then I try to spruce it up a little with the EQ presets and Compression till I'm happy with the sound. The interface is a recent purchase and I've found that with these things you get what you pay for. In saying that, often I still get a lot of rumble and have moved into Logic which offers more in the way of control than Garageband. That and I need to remember not to turn it up so loud!

Ah that reminds me! The secret weapon to a good bass, drum, piano, and acoustic guitar sound is often the use of the "Bass Reduction" effect. I tend to set it at "remove deep bass" then adjust until I hear what I want. I also tend to put that last in the chain of effects.

Re:Bass tone through Garageband
Thursday, February 24 2011 @ 10:34 AM CST

The "CH" was actually for CounterHarmony, LMAO, but Chris is a good name! I don't mind it

Thank you all for the feed back, everyone is very helpful! It's good too, for me, to be able to listen to everyone and gather information and new techniques.

I think a lot of it may have to do with upgrading to Logic and a new interface. I would love to get an Apogee duet, maybe someday in the future.

Thanks again!

CH - CounterHarmony or Chris, whatever works..heheheh

Re:Bass tone through Garageband
Thursday, February 24 2011 @ 04:13 PM CST

I've found that working with the EQ makes a big difference, if you hit the right frequences to tweak. Here's a great site worth bookmarking: The Equalization Primer.

Some of the tips on which frequencies to tweak regarding bass:
• 50Hz: Increase to add more fullness to lowest frequency instruments like foot, toms, and the bass.
• 50KHZ: Reduce to decrease the "boom" of the bass and will increase overtones and the recognition of bass line in the mix. This is most often used on loud bass lines like rock.
• 100Hz: Increase to add a harder bass sound to lowest frequency instruments.
• 400Hz: Increase to add clarity to bass lines especially when speakers are at low volume.
• 800Hz: Increase for clarity and "punch" of bass
• 1,5KHz: Increase for "clarity" and "pluck" of bass.
• 3KHz: Increase for more "pluck" of bass.