It is very common to record electric bass directly by running it into a DI box (see Fig. 132). The main advantages of this are ease of setup and prevention of sound bleed from other instruments recorded at the same time. Additionally, the tone from direct recording an electric bass is usually quite good, so many choose to stick with this method.

When direct recording, the performer can have their signal run through headphones, though some bass players prefer to have their amp running because they are used to feeling its rumble as they play.

If a bass amp with desirable tone is available, miking the amp is also a great option and in many cases can result in a better tone and solid low-frequency response. As with miking a guitar amp, the mic can be placed very close (1–2″) to the amp, and placing the mic at the center of the speaker will result in brighter tone, while placing it towards the edge provides mellower tone.