Thumb NT/Stage 1 sound difference (with mp3s)

bassoctopus

bassoctopus

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I thought you'd be interested in the following sound files as I recorded the same song with both basses.

I'm recording an album with my band 300ft Gorilla at the moment, and I recorded the whole thing on my Thumb NT. However, I needed to re-record this track for timing issues so thought I'd try my new Streamer too.

The Streamer sits in this kind of song better IMO, but for our heavier stuff the thumb sounds amazing. I'll post some proper mp3s once I've finished mixing, but don't hold your breath as I've got 15 songs to get through yet ;)

[MP3]https://preview.bassoctopus.com/Holiday_thumb.mp3[/MP3]

[MP3]https://preview.bassoctopus.com/Holiday_stage1.mp3[/MP3]

Both recorded through Trace Elliot AH300, 4x10 with an AKG D112 bass drum mic, and a clean DI signal straight into the desk. Same amp eq, but the thumb had the amp's mid pre-shape on, and the Streamer didn't

:)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Make justice to your Thumb, pull off the mid killing pre-shape! :D

By the way, good grove :wink:
 
Maybe you're right on this song, on our heavier stuff it just helps it sit in the mix a lot better. There's still plenty of mid on it even with the pre-shape ;)
 
I prefer the thumb tone, but thats just me... what eQ settings have you got on the thumb, besides the mid boost? sounds very "alive"
 
Son of Bovril said:
I prefer the thumb tone, but thats just me... what eQ settings have you got on the thumb, besides the mid boost? sounds very "alive"
Click to expand...

The mid-shape on Trace Elliot heads scoops midrange
 
Just a bit of bottom end boost on the eq. I use the onboard eq (91 thumb so only 2 stage) bottom end just above flat, but lots of top end.

It's quite an interesting comparison as they're both wearing brand new strings, which won't often be the case
 
Mr Rabble said:
Son of Bovril said:
The mid-shape on Trace Elliot heads scoops midrange
Click to expand...

That's correct and if I was playing without my band I would always have that turned off, but the band as a whole sounds better with it on :)
Click to expand...
 
I prefer the thumb also, but right when I'm getting into the song it's over. Good track man...
 
If it was mixed I'd post the full track, but I just gave you up to the vocals as I haven't started tidying those up yet.

Drums recorded in my garage...
 
damn, what are the acoustics like in that room, face brick doesn't often make for great acoustics IME?
 
You can hear the results on the track!

I'm pretty happy with the drum sound :)
 
Nice work Octopus! Let us hear more A/B tests when you have the time.
The Streamer sounds nice and warm with a little amount of string rattle in the background, I like it :)

Good job on the drums.
 
Thanks for the comments :)

Funny how the thumb players prefer the thumb and the Streamer player prefers the streamer ;)
 
That's some good stuff Neil.& yes I prefer the Thumb, :wink:
 
Great picture... I love the obligatory "recording in a garage electric heater" in the background!
 
Nice Groove!
bassoctopus said:
Funny how the thumb players prefer the thumb and the Streamer player prefers the streamer
Click to expand...
I do like the thumb more. :P
 
Well, I've tried both the SSI and the Thumb NT. I loved the thumb, and when I first listened to your samples I naturally listened to the bass and prefered the thumb sample. Then I listened to them a few more times and now I agree with you, the fuller sound of the streamer fits the track much better.
Nice work.
 
I think that's a very good point Dragonlord. As a bass sound I think the thumb sounds better, but with my producer hat on, the SS1 seems to be the better choice for me.
 
That's cool stuff Niel. My immediate reaction after first listening to the thumb version was :"Nothing can be better than that".

But I have to join the most resent posters ... the SS1 makes the music better (in my ears).

BTW, nice pictures. I did something similar this weekend and I'll post stuff in a separate thread as soon as I catch up with some sleep.

/Patrik
 
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