I play and record bass often. If the space is large (like a church) then a microphone seems to work well. A small small space like my recording room at 10w x 15l x 15h a microphone doesn't sound so hot. A DI right out of the bass into the mixer works well in most situations. Then EQ compress and soft clip in the box.

[[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.recordin…"]I almost forgot about this thread.[/]="http://www.recordin…"]I almost forgot about this thread.[/]

I'll generally utilize an active direct box (DI) right on the output of the bass guitar. If the bass player has a really nice amp with a dedicated direct output, I'll frequently take that. I generally don't have any problems with that but if you don't set levels properly, you'll have problems with that. Which is what you're having. So this is probably operator error? I don't normally put a microphone on the bass guitar amplifier. Many do. I generally don't.

You'll also find the you'll probably need to limit the bass a little? As in using a limiter. You might need just a little bit of equalization? Maybe none if it already sounds good. But, if you have a crappy sounding bass guitar, it will always sound crappy. But I will generally judge how good a bass sounds when I take a direct right off of the bass guitar. I generally don't want all of the equalization that the bass player sets their amp to. That's why I'll generally take a direct off of the guitar. But that also requires a decent direct box which Radio Shaft ain't got. "Ain't got" is sophisticated technician speak I don't expect you to understand.

Fasisticated Engineer
Ms. Remy Ann David

The part of Remy's post that is key here, is the mention of the EQ settings on an amp head for a 'live' performance.

Also, I have found that a LOT of the direct outs on even really high-end bass amps simply dont give you what you want for a recording. Impedance mismatch maybe or maybe you're trying to take this output to the micpre input on an outboard preamp or a preamp in a board.

Definately use the line in. Even if there's an XLR on the amp.

the amp is an ACOUSTIC B200 it cost $350. how nice is that?
probably not nice enough. should I go for a sansamp DI?

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[[url=http://[/URL]="http://recording.or…"]This[/]="http://recording.or…"]This[/] thread is my go-to for bass info.
Some knowledge in there.

I've had a Sans Amp for about 10 years now and it's absolutely amazing for DI'ing bass guitar. To be fair, the sound I get using it as a DI for guitar is not at all to my liking (sounds like a maxed out line in to a cassette deck?) BUT, as a DI for bass? Amazing. To my ears, it sounds like an SVT driving an 8x10" refrigerator. The one I have is the "Classic". It's a pedal with a switch for bass. They can be a little bit noisy, but if you fiddle enough you can get it to break up like tubes without much noise at all (far below audible in a quiet mix). Just thought I'd chime in because I've used it as a bass DI and I always will. :)

http://www.tech21nyc.com/classic.html

From the link;
"SOLD OUT Production suspended until further notice."

Nasty. :(