How to Record Bass - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro 

every time i see one of this videos i grow a little more as an engineer. Thakns a lot from Argentina!

You have No idea how much Gold you leave out for free for us. You blew my mind with the simple way to fix the phase and made that Peavey bass Sound like a million here in my humble living room with a soundbar and a sub... Amazed by your way to make everything Sound amazing and make it all look so simple. Thank you so much Warren. Best Regards Thomas

Warren, as usual I benefit vastly by watching your tutorial videos. Living in a remote non-metro area as I do there is no one but myself working with ProTools these past 4 years, so your instructions have helped me grow in leaps and bounds. Can't wait to record my next Bass track now! Bruce

Bass player for over 4 decades...seen mute math multiple times live they are one of my favorite bands! Great video!

You are the first person ever to explain to me how to use BF! I did tons of searching online and came up pretty empty. All you had to say was 'fixed threshold' and I finally understood what I've been struggling with for a year! I like the BF tone on some things, but I never use it because I was lacking that little basic operating understanding and it frustrated me. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

I bought a T-40 on consignment from a music store about 25 years ago. Still have it. Love that thing. Weird seeing someone else hold one. Also makes me realize mine is filthy.

so happy to see T40 love here - lol - I have been recording with my T40 since I got my black one in '86. Hands down the quietest instrument I have ever played D.I. well rounded freq responses - great studio tool - as long as you're sitting down - I couldn't strap this on for a long session without shoulder pain - lol.

As always there's another valuable tip. Previously I'd wither record a DI or record just the amp or if I was feeling adventurous I'd record both and pick the one that suits the track. Blending the DI and Amp sound is something I hadn't really tried before watching your channel and your trick for putting a low cut on one and high cut on the other, well, if I was wearing a hat I would take it off to you

I really watching your videos, they have a ton of useful information. I pretty much watch them daily in my adventures of home recording.

Wow Warren this video is Gold, thank you for the phase alignment trick... This video is pure Gold.

Thanks a lot you've really opened my mind on how to make a sweet bass sound. I like duplicating the track and applying EQ and distortion what a cool sound almost sounds like a Chris Squire tone

Hi, I watched one of your videos for the first time about two days ago and now I can't stop watching. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Great sounds in this song.

The Peavey T series are incredible, we use a T60 for guitar in our band, we feel exactly the same way about the T60 as you do about the T40. Unreal instruments. Thanks for making your videos Warren, I watch them all the time and they're always great. Please give our video a watch I you get a chance. Thanks again Warren

Great video Warren! It's nice to hear someone extol the virtues of the t-40 I got my first one in1979, I wore it out. I'm on my second one now.

This video is fantastic! I'm looking forward to watching the rest of them.

Boy, I only intended to tune in for a bit and suddenly 3 hours have gone! 3 hours very well spent, I might add. Lovely stuff. Thank you for sharing your awesome knowledge and Billy Sheehan? - Awesome. I've got to check that one out again. Thanks Bill. You're the man.

Warren you teach guide affirm like a pro as well. Cheers my brother. I spotted the peavey immediately....totally cool.

I wish I saw this video years ago! I used my Apollo UAD 1176 to level my Jazz Bass recording DI for re-amping later. And the audio sounds great! Thanks!!!

So clear and helpful - wow!! Thank you very, very much!

Thanks Warren, for confirming to me that I've been recording the same method. I just don't the BAE hardware. Your studio is awesome!

Ooh. It’s like your feed is looking right into my home studio! I just picked up a Rupert Neve 517 (not BAE but not a bad 500 series module well worth the cost) which has the variable phase alignment knob and built in compression. Thanks again! Looking forward to applying the techniques learned on this episode to do some live bass overdubs to replace some midi bass lines and add some life to a track we’re working on. Thanks Warren. Cheers!

Thanks a lot, Warren, for keeping me up ALL freakin' night long watching your videos on autoplay!!! I only have to pack the van and drive 225 miles this afternoon WITH NO SLEEP! But you know what, you've managed to become my newest best friend in the process and I don't mind having stayed up all night with no sleep at all...yet. I may be cursing you tonight but don't worry, I'll get over it. Just to introduce myself briefly, I'm a 68 year old rockin' blues recording artist, originally from Oklahoma, then '69-'83 in LA (and San Diego too...beautiful city) and from '93 I've called my home Nashville. Like so many of us I love recording at home too and have been using Cakewalk DAWs since they first appeared on the market. Pro Tools is great and is used everywhere but I started with Cake because PT wasn't available for PC at the time so I've stayed with their SONAR series in recent years simply because it's what I know best. BTW, the new SONAR Platinum is a very fine program and it has more features than I'll ever use! LOL! Enough about me and SONAR already! You, my friend, have loads of raw talent, eons-worth of knowledge to share and a humble way of sharing your knowledge and talents with the world. I don't know how long it's gonna take me to watch ALL of your videos but I am determined to catch up with you so I can bug you about what your NEXT video is gonna feature and when it will finally be posted. Yes, I am definitely a huge fan...and yes, I am doing marvelously well, thank you. I think that's the first time I've ever said the word marvelously to anyone...LOL!!! Anyway, thanks for doing what you do and please keep doing it. Cheers! Dub Campbell

your videos are so useful, thank you so much!

OMG thanks Warrent for this videos, always that I need learn more I go to this Channel, million of thanks!!!!

Merci for help Warren,,The fact of seeing the branch helps more the computer party, cool thank you.

A great video Warren. I always learn something really useful... now to go back through my bass tracks and fix some phase mud now I know what to look for :-)

I've got the same bass, wonderful variety of sounds you can get from it.

oh I love Peavy, I played T60 LEAD, YEA VERY HEAVY hardwood, but the wiring is priceless and plays smooth as I have ever played on

great videos. I discovered this channel not long ago and ha've been enjoying many of them... I'm learning a lot. thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. greetings from Israel.

Brilliant thanks! Helped me to decide my recording path

Thanks Warren, very useful video. Like the 'comp auxes' and will try it!

Mr. Huart you are AWESOME!!!! Thank you!!!

Wow! Nice video. I'll be subscribing... A friend is an executive chef who has been helping me with my cooking skills. He always says, "It's not the ingredients, it's the method." I think you proved that to be true in recording, as well. Excellent job... I'm a Sonar/PC guy.

I find this channel to be just great ! Now I am retired, I have time and I am interested. I am just starting out. I intend to support church or charity thingys - but that's really running before I can walk.. I have fuddled around with recording from a very simple mixer at church - at a very basic level - but I'm thinking of going to night school or something to get lift off sooner so I can understand about buses, plugins and particularly to get some practice and feedback from the tutor. (no pun intended)! :-) One thing, if you can recommend a source/booklet/video/ idea for a slow intro to compression I would really appreciate it. I am aware its something I have to get my ears into listening as much as understanding of 'input, output and the adjustments in between' :-) Thanks again for a great channel.

Great exactly what I needed. Had an amp and DI track and was sounding like mud being a first time mixer. Gonna try this I'm sure it will sound like a pro, after coffee tho

Always a pleasure! Love from Norway! :)

I had that same bass when I was 21 years old back in 1979 , my very first bass. I can't figure out where it's at in my parents attic most likely.

Thanks for the video, very helpful!

you are the best. thank you for all your help..Bradley Hall Lake Havasu City Az.

Hello again. Even though I already had prior experience doing what is instructed in this video, it is still a pleasure watching you explain it so elloquently. Wasn't aware of the Peavy, so that's something new I've taken away! It has a great thumpy tone! Cheers

I'd love to see how you would go about recording/mixing slap bass!... And thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge!...

Great video, love that you demonstrate everything using affordable gear. Videos that show great results with 10k+ in gear might as well be in Latin for the majority of musicians.

No Warren, I hope YOU'RE doing marvelously well. great video thanks for the tips!

I just scored a 1982 T-40! I’m excited to track with it.

There was a beat up t40 in my high school's music room. I've had a hankering for one ever since.

Great Video! But I was wondering why would you have a compressor, gate etc. on the way in (so you would not record it), when you also could do it afterwards...having all options!

Warren. I don't use the auxiliary in/out or grouping tactic. I just treat each bass channel as an individual track (as per the direct in and amp cab mic set up) and apply the compression to each as required. Is there any advantage in using aux/grouping?

I'm always pretty happy with various setting on the VT-BASS DI from Tech 21. But will definitely try recording an amp and DI. The VT has a Parallel output! Woohoo!

Hi Warren, excellent video on bass recording and great to see you using an ashdown amp. I use the Ashdown ABM 600 with 4x10 and 1x15 cabs. Also I use a plugin that Ashdown have a vst cabs plugin that I use. My question is, how to get the same sound from a vst amp, as though you were micing it up live. I do have ideas and have a way that I do it, but would love to hear how you would approach this situation. J do apologise if this has already been covered in a previous video. Thanks Pete

great tips! Thanks!

you got the tip of the year if you apply this method for the important bass tracking that glues a song together

Warren, thanks for the great info! I'm 14 and recording a friends' acoustic guitar and vocals, so excited! I also play bass, so I may add on to the acoustic track. You should totally do a studio tour if you have the time. Thanks, Cade Allen

Great video

Help me please... I have am 58' Pbass re-issue. I Love vintage tones and I need an DI. What do you prefer, a EBS Valve drive or the Two notes le bass? Thanks and sorry about my tragical english.

Thank you once again for your very generous advice. It looks like that mic on the bass amp is an LDC designed for bass instruments. Would a general-purpose LDC suffice ? Alternatively, what about a dynamic mic designed for kick drum ? I am recording through a Tech 21 VT Bass DI, which I plan to mix with the mic'd bass cab.

EXCELLENT -Cheers warren.

Very didactic, although the audio is not in Spanish language, it is understood quite well. Many thanks for sharing. A greeting from Argentina.

LOL! Had a T40 when the first came out back in the day :) Loved it.

I've just found this channel and subscribed, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. BTW, I have a Peavey Bass as well (mine is a Patriot) :)

yet another question...Marvellous video by the way. Here goes, What would be your signal chain when recording bass..in the box but wish to commit to a outboard compressor? Eg..bass to DI..parallel out to amp and mic..to pre on interface...And DI out to compressor..then to Pre-interface? (Does that make sense???)

hey guys, i have a question. Wish someone can tell me~ i just looked around 8:00 .Warren was setting up Amp and DI in tracks' i/o My question is... Why he created an aux track for DI in..then bus to normal audio track and same as amp(mic) in ? Can we set audio track first and then bus to aux track with comp? Is this a little bass recording tips?or just a habit when recording bass? THX

Tho I like to have a clean signal while recording bass, making tracks with both a amp and DI sounds fantastic blend possibilities. I'm gonna do that more often, good video. Cheers! :D

BTW, thanks for your video with Studio Bassist Paul Ill !! As a Guitar Player (for 31 years) I don't know all the in's and outs of Bass gear yet but I've been getting into playing Bass Guitar more lately and will be recording Bass guitar myself as well as Guitar on my Demo's. I heard Paul talk about "Felt Picks" for when he plays a session with a pick instead of fingers. I'd never heard of Felt Picks before. Although I like to play Bass with my fingers alot...I can see where playing with a pick would be preferred depending on the vibe of the song....but using a regular guitar pick the sound is just too "Clanky". When I heard about the "Felt Picks" thing I went "Oh, yeah....that's it". So I ordered some along with some "Flatwounds" to put on my "Squier Vintage Modified '70 Jazz Bass". Can't wait to record with this new setup !!

Thanks for sharing. How about quantise bass in PT, elastic audio generates artifects

Warren, goofy for some but important to me question: I am quite old school when it comes to recording. I have a hybrid set up. DAW with analog summing, and gear. I like to mix with minimum tracks i.e. make decisions while recording. With about 3.5 ram on my imac, minimal use of plug- ins, how many tracks should I be able to have before incurring problems?

top notch vocal mixing there!!!!

Great man! Oh i agree! Love those old Peavey's!!!

Hi Warren. Thank you for the very informative video. The only thing that puzzles me is where do I put my pedalboard in the chain? Bass>Pedalboard>DI>Amp or Bass>DI>Pedalboard>Amp? Thank you very much.

My first bass was a Peavey T-40. I sold it years ago to a friend of mine. Your comments make me regret that now haha. I was a skinny teenager when I had this thing and it weighed a ton.

Your videos are for sure the best. Is there a difference between adding the delay to get them in phase as opposed to just zooming in and nudging one of the tracks to line up?

Hey Warren, If you're tracking DI and Amp, how do you feel about recording a bass cab that only has one 8" speaker? Wondering if it matters much if you're relying on the DI for the low end. Cheers!

Good info on recording bass guitar from Warren Huart @ PLAP!!

Trying my hardest to resist buying a T40 recently and I see this video! They're getting harder to get hold of over here as more and more Rickenbacker fans settle down to Peavey land instead. Great video mate, although now I have to go look in the mirror and tell myself I don't need another bass, I don't need another...

Hi Warren, thanks for this - and all your other videos. Recently I've been going straight into my Apogee Duet and have been really happy with how clean it is. The plan is to then re-amp using my Radial X-Amp and Ashdown once I've done all my edits. Are there any disadvantages do this approach?

Man thanks a lot for you sharing your information! Can you explain a bit about the fade you were doing in there and why did you?

Hi Warren, what are your thoughts on level riding the bass (or heavily transient shaping it) in the box? A lot of times I read it's a great way to really fit the bass into its "pocket" in the mix. But the times I tried it, it sounded so lifeless compared to input compression.

Very informative. Thank you, for sharing your knowledge and experience. Regarding, the Sontronic mic you depict, how would this compare to a Bock IFET? An acquaintance is offering a used Bock, and I'm looking for something to place on a B-15. Bass guitar would be its only use. And, I do have a 1073DMP for DI. Thank you, sir! Mark me subscribed. I really enjoyed the Chris Chaney piece too.

i like your work

Hey Warren thanks for the great video:) what are your thoughts on recording bass through Neve 1084’s/73? I usually go through my Chandler mkii as overall it’s not as “phat,” as the Neves I have but is more consistent and has better clarity in my opinion. I always find the Neves too lumpy for bass and murky for bass.

Thanks Warren 👍🏼

That Peavey T-40 is PRISTINE!

Hi Warren, I'm trying to record some bass but I keep struggling with some boomy, muddy noise around 200 hertz. I've used a shure BETA and a SM57 and I play a Thunderbird throught an Ashdown amp. Do you have any advise, please?

Hi Warren, I play bass I found the shifting of DI input to match the phase of the speaker input very helpful. Did not know that was possible. I was a bit lost on the set up of the DI/speaker compressed tracks when you went to the drop downs and selected Aux inputs and Bus 1 etc. I will check for more videos and how to's on setting up tracks. Thanks tons for your series. Pete Z

I have a Rickenbacker 4001 and l like using a SansAmp RBI direct to Ensemble. My bass is currently mono (old one) which I am going to mod to the Rickosound TRS soon. Any thoughts on this setup other than to mike a cab as you showed in your video. Thanks.

hi warren,i use torpedo live n amp for recording but torpedo doesnt have a di output n i have noticed some loss of high frequencies specially while leveling my input gain on torpedo but if i turn the torpedo off n on back,the high frequencies seems to appear again.am i having this problem becos of no di ouput on my torpedo?

Hi Warren, really like your friendly and professional demeanour. I have been a pro bass player for many years and as you say there are many ways to record bass but the fundamentals are all the same - clear balanced signal path, a well rehearsed player and finally an engineer/producer who has good ears. Nowadays there are a myriad of DI's, pre-amps and plug ins but all are after the fact, the mentioned formula always gets the right recording no matter the style. Oh and a Stingray Bass is my secret weapon - producers love them :)

Where does the microphone hook up to that you have in front of the amp, The DI or the audio interface? Do you use two inputs on your audio interface or something to record the bass?

Hello Warren, I wanted to know what the difference would be if you had added the compression after the recording as opposed to before the recording? Is there a particular reason why you did it before hand?

true vintage...have not seen a peavey T series of that style since the late 80's. always wondered if they were nice to play.

Are there benefits to going through a DI instead of just plugging into the input of your interface?

Curious, why set up auxiliary channels for plugin compression vs. just inserting compression on those channels? Hopefully this isn't a stupid question, sometimes simple things allude me. Thx, and love what you do.

Podrán ser tus otros videos en idioma Español como este? Gracias, muy bueno!!!

Hi Warren, I am curious what you would do with a stereo bass with a bi-amped bass rig? Specifically I run an Alembic Series II fretless bass with separate outs for each pickup. These each go into Alembic preamps with builtin crossovers. The highs, two channels one from the bridge pickup and one from the neck pickup, then go to a pair of Mesa/Boogie Basis M2000 amps and 2 x 4x10 cabinets. The bridge pickup with just a little overdrive from the pre, the neck pickup clean. Then the low end crossed at somewhere between 80 and 100 Hz get mixed back together and fed to a Mesa/Boogie M400+ and a pair of 1x15 cabs. The sound is amazing!!! I won't tell you how much the rig cost though.. :-) I have miked all 4 cabs (RE20's on the tops and Audix D6's on the bottoms) and I have done 3 DI's out of the amps. I am have used this bass in the studio for some sessions work and the engineer just DI'd the mono output wich sounded ok but not as big as running the stereo bi-amp. How would you tackle this mess. I am going to try tracking both miked cabs and DI's and maybe even the mono out to see if there is a big difference. On stage the stereo trick really sounds like two separate basses playing. It's pretty cool. Thanks for all the vids. I've learned a ton.

Great video! One question with reference to the compression settings. What is the metric you're using to gage a "good" setting? Is the goal to get to a certain dB of gain reduction, then boost it back up to the original dB to even the sound out? If that is correct, how do you determine the proper amount of gain reduction needed for given situation?

found the song: Emree Franklin - Get you alone it's up on soundcould

I can't believe I found you! I'm so stoked!

also using the DI take and adding some distortion to it to blend it in and make a nice rock bass sound, i usually duplicate the track for that and cut off a lot of lows almost getting to 300hz at times

I'm a keyboard player who "plays" some bass and drums. When I sit at the drum set I don't play a groove & expect the bass to follow, I listen to the bass line and adjust my bass drum pattern to match what the bass is doing. For me, my take away from this video is to not forget to "sync" up your bass guitar line & bass drum pattern. I'd rather create a cool base line first, then adjust the drums. I like your channel. Thanks.

Hello Warren, I'm a producer as well as a Musician in Miami. I work in a lot of Jazz and Latin productions in my Studio. I have a question that I hope you can give me your take on. I do a lot of bass recording on the upright type of bass like the Ampeg B4 baby bass with passive pickups among others fender bass etc. I have found that when I do record in 2 separate tracks like a direct signal from the bass and a Neumann 103 mic feding from my Ampeg cab when I try to blend the two tracks in to a mono bass track I'm running in to phase issues. The don't interact well cancelling bottom a bit from each other, If I solo each track the sound is much better. What can be causing my problem. Many Thx for you time and input! Kenny Quintero

Hi Warren Supper cool bass tutorial, is it possible to do exactly the same in Logic ? how do I see the Samples and what stock delay would I need to use ? thanks in advance