BR-864 crackly bass top end

[caerurfa]

Hi

I hope this isn't too much of a dumb question ...

I play my active 5 string bass into the guitar/bass input on my BR-864 and it sounds great.

However, when it comes to playback of the track ... there is a harsh crackle at the top end of the bass noise as if something is distorting.

I have tried recording on different channels, with different effects on/off and at different volume levels, but the crackle is the same...not there on recording but always present on playback (into headphones)

I feel I have missed something "obvious" ???

Any advice welcome
Cheers
Mark

ps - I don't have another bass to try

[Aussierockman]

Check that your VU's are not clipping to start and secondly wind back the volume control a bit on your Bass Guitar as active pickups are great for live work but not necessarily good for recording because of their high output.
Do you record from an amp with mike or direct inject?
I would say that it sounds like direct injection! (but I might be wrong) So if it is, then ensure you are running the Bass through a DI Box to the recording unit as this, especially when using active pickups will balance the impedance to the input and in turn reduce nasty clipping and save your recorders' input circuits.
On the other hand, if you only hear it on your headphones then I'd say it might be time to invest in a new pair.
Hope this helps!
Let me know how you get on!
Regards, Aussierockman

[caerurfa]

Thanks Aussierockman

The bass is plugged directly into the unit - into the guitar/bass jack plug.

It sounds GREAT when you play it into the unit and when you record it - it just has the crackle on playback.

I'm going to borrow an amp with a "recording out" and a mixing desk over the next week so I'll try using it via another piece of kit.

I take what you say about the bass being active and putting too much for the kit to deal with - I have tried winding the volume right back - but ti doesn't seem to make much difference other than increase background hiss as I have to boost the system volumes to get the sound level.

I think the headphones are OK, they are pretty new (3 months old) and quite decent (Sennheiser HD25) so I was told.

I shall let you know how I go with the intermediate kit

Thanks for your help

Mark