Audio Interface/DI
Recording with an Audio Interface/DI is the easiest way to record bass as all you need to do is plug in a jack lead and boot up your DAW.
This technique is the safest and quickest way to record as you can re-amp the signal, or run it through a digital AMP in your DAW.
It can also be useful when recorded alongside a miked AMP, as you can be sure you've caught the very deep end of the bass that some AMPs might not be able to capture. Having your options open and pulling different methods and techniques together can elevate your music as having both can add an extra layer in your mix. Recording through an Audio Interface can both avoid spill and open up options later on in the recording process. For example keeping the DI clean can offer greater flexibility at the mix stage.
However, an Audio Interface signal from a bass can sound brittle, and on its own can lack 'oomph'. So if you are looking for a powerful signal then grabbing microphones and an AMP is your next best bet.
Microphones and Placement
There are microphones that are specialised in recording low-end sounds/instruments such as bass and a kick drum. Microphones such as an AKG D112 usually work well when recording bass; it captures low-end boosts that are flattering to a bass signal. Dynamic mics such as the Shure SM57 and Sennheiser MD421, are also great for recording bass as they are designed to withstand high and loud sound.
When placing microphones:
For a bright crisp tone have a microphone pointing toward the center of an AMP.
Moving a mic toward the edge of an AMP produces a softer/darker tone.
If looking for a more punchy and clear tone, move a mic closer to the AMP.
For a more diffused tone move a mic further away.
Things to look out for when recording a Bass AMP is phase issues and placing a microphone too close to the cab. When a microphone gets closer to the cab of an AMP, there’s an increase in low–ends that makes the signal being captured lose it’s clarity. So make sure microphones aren’t too close. Another way to avoid phase issues when using more than one mic is to make sure the second mic is three times the distance from the first mic, this avoids any crossover.
AMP Placement
One thing to keep in mind is the position of your bass AMP when recording. When playing a Bass AMP loudly you may notice the feel of your playing through the floor, this is a condition called floor coupling or simply put major vibrations. When you place your Bass AMP directly on the floor, the sound will transfer directly to the floor, thereby increasing the overall boominess and bass response. For a live performance this may be ideal, depending on the location, as the bass tone feels more powerful. However, if recording in a studio you don’t partially want to interfere with others or capture a rattling sound and unusable booming sound.
An IRL example:
I wanted to record bass for a track of mine. I wanted a clean and crisp tone but for it to not be too low and booming. So first I set up and used a Fender Rumble 75 Bass Combo Amplifier bass AMP with a clean tone.
Next, I tilted the AMP off the floor to prevent the room shaking and interfering with the studio next door to me and any rattling whilst recording.
Lastly, I set up a Beyerdynamic MG 88 microphone. This is a preference of mine for capturing low-end frequencies, I like to use it to record kick drums. After some test recordings and adjustment to the microphone placement. I was ready to record.
(My example set up)
Here is result:
Overall, I was surprised with how crisp and clean the tone I captured was. The mic was close to the AMP but not touching and was just a little off the centre of the cone. Also, there was no rattling because the bass is tilted off the floor. This setup was very effective with how I wanted the bass to sound.
Bibliography:
Albano, J., 2015. Recording Electric Bass: 10 Quick Tips & Techniques For Capturing The. [online] Ask.audio. Available at: <https://ask.audio/articles/recording-electric-bass-10-quick-tips-techniques-for-capturing-the-low-end> [Accessed 11 May 2020].
Pack, B., 2017. Essential Tips For Recording Bass Guitar. [online] reverb.com. Available at: <https://reverb.com/uk/news/essential-tips-recording-bass-guitar?locale=en-GB> [Accessed 11 May 2020].
Tech, M., 2015. How To Record: Bass Guitar | Musictech. [online] MusicTech. Available at: <https://www.musictech.net/tutorials/how-to-record-bass-guitar/> [Accessed 11 May 2020].