Can a guiat processor work on a bass, for direct recording

[Doug Oliver]

In my home studio, I record bass direct, through my mixer and preamp which
then goes to my Delta 44 sound card. I have a computer based set up, and then
I'll usually adjust EQ and compression later.
Awhile back, someone told me that I could use a guitar proceesor on bass, and
that it made no difference, so I started using a Zoom 4040 to add effects, or just
EQ and compression, to the signal. I sometimes even use chorus,flange, pitch shift,
delay slap, etc.
The sound seemed OK, but I guess now I'm beginning to question the quality of my
final bass sounds in my mixes.
I was hopeing that you gentlemen could help me with the following questions:
- is a bass signal unique enough to warrent special gear to process it ?
I realize that you can't plug a bass into a guitar amp and that bass requires more
wattage and larger cones for the amp/cab, but I'm just refering to the direct SIGNAL,
and not the actual acoustics.
I know they sell bass processors in music stores, but I was wondering if thats just
for marketing and if the actual electronics were no different from guitar units.
- Secondly, if the bass DOES require special gear, then I've been looking at the
following:
- SansAmp for bass
- Line 6 POD for bass
- an actual bass head that I can then bypass mu preamp and go direct to
my sound card
Any thoughts on these options?
As usual, I thank you in advance for your time and help and will always try to
add to this, any any forum I participate in, by answering questions as well as
asking them.
Thanks again,
DCO

[gigabass]

Depends a bit on the result you like.
If you want a bass - i mean a real bass - just record as you do directly, maybe use a DI Box. To me as a bass player all these Zooms and POD are just crap. 1000 different sounds but none that's really great.
Use a good bass with new strings, that will do the job better.

[narcoman]

true that you get a thousand different sounds, but they're okay. Bass pod is rather good.Pro version even better. If the bass is only DI'd, then thats what it will sound like, unless you use some amp simulation in plugins. I believe the new UAD nigel doobrey will do it under vst in about 3 or 4 weeks. I use amp farm in protools as well as a bass pod pro, both are excellent for anything but the most specialist of tones, and then , well, use an amp !!
cheers

[gigabass]

sure, some of the 1000 sounds sound good when the bass is played alone - better than the pure DI sound. but together with the rest of the "band" these sounds tend to go under.
i prefer the direct sound.
it surely depends on the kind of music you make. for the things i'm usually doin (rock / blues) the simple DI sound gives the better results. even in the bigger studios i only use a DI, maybe add a 2nd track with a real amplifier and a microphone.