In this free video tutorial for Pro Tools Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey shows you two ways to record your first Bass Guitar into Pro Tools.
The First technique uses the Instrument or High Impedance (Z) input on your recording interface. A great many modern audio interfaces have these extra inputs. The Universal Audio Apollo Twin (MK 1 and 2) has a High Z input on the front but with the added bonus of also allowing you to run bass amp emulations in UAD-2 plug-ins. James did not, however, use this feature in this tutorial.
The second technique uses a Direct Injection (DI) box to connect the Bass to the microphone pre-amps in your audio interface, mixing console or PA mixer. There are many different types of DI box available but for Bass (and Guitar) James likes to use a Passive DI which does not require a battery or Phantom Power. James shows how to connect the Bass and shows you when, and when not to use the Earth Lift input (or switch) to avoid unwanted noise in your signal path.