***A QUICK CORRECTION: When I explained in the video what "D.I." stands for, I also meant to add "Direct Injection". In fact, that was the primary definition I MEANT to say. However, I forgot to say that and then also forgot to edit it in. My apologies. I've been sick so please forgive my airheadedness lol. Have a great day everyone! ... If you only knew the amount of AI facial work I had to do to cover up the fact that I was dripping in sweat. I HAAAAAAATE BEING SICK! lol
RNDI FROM RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS - MONO ● imp.i114863.net/x9GkWk RNDI FROM RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS - STEREO ● imp.i114863.net/rnPQZG INEXPENSIVE PASSIVE DI FOR ONLY $29 ● imp.i114863.net/Ry95k7 AWESOME DI FOR ACOUSTIC GUITARISTS ● imp.i114863.net/yR127D MORE GREAT DI BOX OPTIONS: ● imp.i114863.net/x9GkWO
TIMESTAMPS: Intro - 0:00 Opening Titles - 0:55 What We’re Doing Today - 1:02 What Are Direct Boxes? - 2:51 The Two Types of Direct Boxes - 3:40 Beau Tyler The Science Guyler’s Key Terms - 4:24 Unboxing the RNDI Direct Box From Neve - 9:27 Rant Alert / A Few Important Things To Know - 12:21 Comparison With + Without DI Box - 14:55 Beaunus Tips - 15:28 Conclusion - 16:37 End Titles - 17:38
18 years full time guitarist and I finally got the RNDI as my first DI box. Used it yesterday at a gig and the clarity and ease to hear crystal clear audio was amazing. I was running it through 5 pedals and a Boss RC300 and the speakers where QSC 12s. This DI is legit beautiful.
I met a fossil once who instead of giving Christmas money to his kids, he bought a super expensive Gibson for himself. He never used a DI box, even live, and never made it in music.
Thanks for the advice. I ordered one. I was so annoyed by my bass guitar recordings I didn't enjoy anymore producing music. Very enlightening video! Thanks!❤👍🏼
Thanks so much. I play six string electric. Since I've been amazed at how clean & clear 6-string electric guitars and 12-string electric guitars have sounded, when I was informed that I was also listening to them through Direct Injection, I knew I had to learn more about Direct Boxes and about how to use them. Thank you for helping my education. Your video was very well scripted & very understandable. Cheers!
I like the details you gathered into this video.I really covered some entire side of cables and DI boxes. thanks for that. I just bought this DI box and wanted to know about how to connect it and detailed description about all the switches and inputs outputs, then I realized many out there assume the viewers already know about connecting. how come you guys are just forgetting newbies like us.
Yo. I actually answered that in the video. To connect it you just run your cable into the front and run an XLR out of the back into the mixer or interface. The instrument cables will power it. :)
Being a bass player I'm almost embarrassed that I haven't been playing through a DI Box! You opened my eyes on this one Beau. I even went to their website to see how to route it through my GK Bass Rig. I'm already feeling sorry for my poor neighbors for the future when I get one!!!!🤣
Don’t feel embarrassed at all. I went years without understanding. The only reason I jumped on the DI train as early-ish as I did was after getting griped out by an incredible FOH engineer for showing up with a 7 member band and stressing their system out. He taught me a lot about them and I’m very thankful. Just paying it forward with this video :) Thanks for watching, my friend.
Thank you. I run a Precision Bass into a Fender Rumble 500 but I've not been happy with the recorded sound into my Clarett Pre 8. It sounds 'lifeless'. Pretty much like your non_DI sounds 😆 I think I know what to buy next - thanks again 💞
I have 2 scenario that needs your advice. 1st scenario I am recording with a fractal out to a Komplete 6 audio interface. May I know how should I connect the DI box in between? Guitar unbalanced to fractal => fractal balanced to DI balanced input => DI balanced output to interface input 1. Is this the right connection? 2nd scenario I am play a gig in a stadium that needs a 30 feet cable. My signal chain will be guitar => pedal board => Amp return. May I know where should I put the DI box to reduce noise? Thanx in advance!
So with fractal I’m not sure you’ll need it since it should do a really good job of balancing the signal. However, you can clean up your signal by putting the DI between your guitar and your pedal board. Honestly, depending on your rig there are a few places you could put it in your chain, but I’d start there :) hope that helps homie.
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic Do you mean in this signal chain? guitar => 1/4 inch unbalanced jack => DI box unbalanced 1/4 inch input. DI 1/4 inch balanced output => 1/4 inch balanced jack => Pedal board input
I greatly appreciate this video. 25+/- years ago, I started running sound in a tiny little church, then eventually to pretty much all the school functions including elementary school plays. I fell in love. I was going to go to college to be an audio engineer. Bleh, I don't need no edjumacation (owe that hurt to type lol). Fast forward to a little more than two years ago, I started piecing together my very own sound system... trying to get back in the game. I found all sorts of crap. Digital? Eewww... active speakers? Line array? Impedance...HUH? What is point source... oohhh, gotcha. See, although I went with what I was already comfortable with (analog mixer [or just mixer back in my day *gawd I sound old 😬🫣*] , passive speaker... also point source 🤷♀️, all old school stuff. But learning different things on UA-cam from great people like Dave Rat, Audio University, etc has really opened my eyes to a LOT. Now, to your video: I was just booked for my first festival. I've recently found out that several of the guitarists are running DI. I'm thinking about taking old speakon cable and splicing them with old XLR connections to free up the good cables for my mics. Oh but wait... do they "need" this balanced connection? Let me ask UA-cam 🤔. And you show up. Thank you. I now understand the importance of DI boxes and the need of them being balanced.
@BeauTylerMakesMusic 🤘I'm happy to know that I could make one person's day. My whole life has been one huge journey, but my love and passion for music is astounding and has helped get me to today. And, for me being able to give back to the industry as a whole (from making the music to enjoying the music) is what the life of a sound tech/engineer is all about. It truly does not matter if you're working for free or top paid in the industry... you're still helping others along their life journeys. You're video... this specific video has helped me along my journey. Thank you, I am grateful for you. Sorry for the weird ramble lol
This is the first video I've seen of yours (or on DI boxes, for that matter). Not gonna lie, I'm left feeling somewhat disappointed by the video. I was extremely surprised how well put together this was and how amazing you are at conveying information and making a point. But for whatever reason, I feel like the video ended before it had a chance to get going. I was truly getting into everything you were saying and the flow of the video. Then it just ends. I have no idea if I was expecting more info? More audio comparisons? Really not sure. But while I may sound negative, please don't take it that way. I'm literally saying I wish there was more from you. The video flew by and I thoroughly enjoyed it (and learnt something lol). I'm hoping you have a follow up to this with more details and examples. So I'm going to check right away. Absolutely an immediate new subscriber here! Really like your approach and am looking forward to seeing the rest of your content. Thanks!!!
So glad you enjoyed it though and I really appreciate the feedback. Learning as I’m going with these sorts of videos but I have several similar ones coming up :)
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic I absolutely did enjoy it. And I'm extremely pleased to see you took my comment in the manner I intended - a positive one. I genuinely loved the video. What's more, I posted in a guitar/amps/gear group and got the feedback you mentioned. People saying "no! It's not needed for your recordings at home!""The input on your interface is more than enough!" And all with a mocking/condescending way about them. But I'm not nearly as knowledgeable as you, so I didn't argue or try to disabuse them of their notions. That's your job 🤣🤣🤣 Right now I'm just trying to figure out if I go with the Neve or the J48. Maybe I'll be an idiot and get both lol. Anyway, thanks for the reply on an old (to you) video. Greatly appreciated!!!
Yo! Thanks for commenting. So I had a bit of a moral vs. creator sort of dilemma on this one. I recorded the non-DI signal first and then plugged the DI in and recorded that second. The creator side of me wanted to fix that, but then I would have been manipulating the signal. I wanted to keep the settings on the interface and my mixer the exact same so that everyone could hear an honest comparison. That huge boost in signal was just a really honest portrayal of how much the DI boosted the signal, which for me is a huge selling point. Hope that explains it well enough. Have an awesome day, AK! :)
Exactly, as a foh engineer, I'm constantly telling guitarists to quiet down because they get Over zealous and play loud over the lead vocals,and that's with hardly any fader...
Of course. While a good DI will make most things sound better, it’s not a necessity in the studio if you aren’t dealing with hum. You can definitely still get good sounds :)
what if I'm in a very small home studio and my cable runs are short. I'v been recently using a RNDI box with a pre-amp and a compressor in my outboard signal chain and I'm hearing a sound that I've been looking for. You've mentioned long cable runs a few times so my question is. Is the DI box not being used as intended? Would I get the same sound from just the Pre-Amp and Compressor?
If you’re not dealing with any hun or electronic interference then it’s not a must have, but it will still definitely clean up your signal no matter what. I think it’s more important for live musicians, but ultimately it’s just about what you want/need. :)
A guitarist can not use feedback (Jimi) using DI amp simulator box only, correct? Or have I missed some new gear wizardry? I see guitarists sounding great and realize there will be no chance of feedback use. 😢
Man...This is NEWS TO ME! Thanks for doing this vid. My question is, how will a DI (I would need a 2 channel for a totally in-the-box DAW recording process) help me if I do NOT record live instruments? All my sounds are samples that go directly to the DAW.
Yo. If you’re not recording any audio you won’t necessarily need one. If you’re sampling from turntables, however, it’s a good idea to run your RCAs into a direct box and then into the interface though. Also, If you’re filming any grooveboxes or gear it’s a great idea to utilize them the same way :) Hope that helps homie. Thanks so much for watching!!!
I did too for the longest time. It’s one of those things that when you’re googling the symptoms it doesn’t tend to easily lead you to the actual cause of the noise issues. Even when it does people can be overwhelmed with all of the jargon. Just want to save everyone the frustrations I had to go through. ✌️❤️
Hey great video - subscribed! So I got an old Washburn acoustic electric connected to a Yamaha mg06x mostly for vocal effects which is connected to an audio interface, both connected to headphone amp with monitor headphones so I can play with a friend or two at home and also online. I know the electric pick-up, which has both xlr and 1/4 outputs is cheap, but I seem to get ok sound the with unbalanced TS cable connecting it to my line level input on the mixer but maybe it could be better. Would I benefit from a DI box at all in this scenario by using the xlr mic level input instead for the acoustic from the DI box? It's a short run so would it even noticeably improve the sound quality? The mixer only has two XLR inputs with one taken up with a mic, so would be nice to reserve the second XLR input for a second mic, but that might be more a future use. If it makes a difference in quality of the acoustic, I might give it a go or any other configuration that might make sense? When I explained this to the guys at sweetwater, they told me that that I could also run the di box into the line level inputs on my yamaha using xlr to trs cables, but not sure about as the Yamaha manual says those line inputs are TS? Sorry confused...
Thanks so much David! Yo. If your rig already sounds great and you aren’t running into problems, then the DI box might not be necessary right now. In fact, somtimes they’re not at all “necessary”, but with acoustic guitars, unless there’s some rare factor I don’t know about it will ALWAYS sound better going through a DI. This is because the DI not only boosts and cleans the signal, but it also gives more body to the signal which can be really important for acoustics since they can sometimes sound a bit then when being amplified through cables. The DI, especially this one, gives a bit more fullness to the low end and makes the high end sparkle (for lack of a better word) a bit more :) Hope that helps!
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic Thanks so much for the feedback! Ok, I might have to try a lower end one for now due to cost and see what I get out of it. Thanks again!
If you are recording your guitar with pedals, do you put the DI box before or after the pedals? (And thank you very much for the time to answer this question.)
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic Thanks a million. (So, you recommend that the DI is always the last in line before an interface?) I thank you for helping us understand this stuff! 👍🏻
Thanks for an awesome video! I am a keyboard player and everyone recommends a passive DI box for the keyboard. But I use styles not only sounds. In styles have bass, guitar, drums.... tracks. Do you recommend the RNDI for this reason which is an active DI box and which option is best for me? From what I hear, I like RNDI a lot. Is this better than Radial JDI passive DI box according you? Thanks!
It depends on the use. On stage, I’d highly recommend it over going direct. In the studio, I’m not sure how needed it’d be though if you don’t have a ton of cable interference sounds :)
So this comment has nothing to do with the vid but If you get a chance to test the INSTA360 LINK webcam plz do a video Been tryina find more musicians perspectives on it coz holy crap it seems like a music content creators dream Decent cam + Focusrite = Good times Thanks again beau for everything ya told me about LOOPBACK haven't had any Maschine audio to camera issues since 👊
Yes they are :) such a great place… except for the large studio door in back of the facility that took my big toe nail off. That door can go to hell. 😂
Very well done video - sometimes quality explanantions need time - and I can assure you that I listened the comparison with or without the DI box with the shittest pair of headset on and I anyway heard a BIG difference. However, I'm a guitarist using active EMG pickup running to a guitar modeler (BOss GT 1) then straight to the PA. Do I need a passive oar active DI box? THanks in advance for your help
Yo! Thanks so much for watching the video. I’m really glad you enjoyed it. It depends on how you are routing. If you’re using a DI between your guitar and your multi effects pedal, then I would recommend active. If you are routing from the multi effects pedal to the mixer then passive should be fine. :)
Many thanks, I haven't decided my routing since I don't still own a DI box. However, judging from your video and the excellent quality of the RNDI inside preamp it wouldn't be bad to gofro the active Di before the multifx unit, as I woudl say it might even improve the sound of my guitar.@@BeauTylerMakesMusic
Hi Bro , ... Audio Interface Output ( 1 & 2 )--------> ( Input ) RNDI ---------> RNDI output -------> Audio interface input ( 3 & 4 ) --------> Record ( write in a Track ) ....??? ( Shall i get the Neve sound in my track ? ( Is that possible ? then definetely worth But .....is that possible ?????
Yo. If I’m understanding your question correctly, you’re asking about the routing. The microphone or the instrument cable goes into the RNDI. Then the RNDI is connected to your audio interface via XLR. As far as the “Neve” sound I think that would be more about preamps but this will definitely boost and cleanup just about any input signal for sure :)
Synths have a budget version of a DI already, but if you’re using it on stage or around a bunch of other electronics or cables you can pick up a buzzing ground noise, so it will definitely help eliminate that. Also, as your synth setup grows, you’ll likely need some next level routing and DI boxes DEFINITELY can help in that department. :)
OK great video, would’ve love to see more examples of using DI boxes and cables. Specifically I record electric guitar with my pod girl would you run balanced cables for your stereo left and right into an interface or a digital snake? Or would you need to DI boxes or is the pod go sufficient?
Haha. I know what meant. No worries. Man, there were so many examples I’d like to have given and I intend to touch on it more in the future, but I realized at some point during making the video that it was in danger of getting way too long. Especially for a video I just KNEW was going to be my least watched video ever lol. That being said, I would recommend running unbalanced cables into a direct box and then from a direct box into the the POD Go. That’s what I meant when I said pro audio gear prefers balanced signals. However, the POD outputs a balanced signal so from the POD to your interface or speakers I’d use a balanced cable for that. Hope that helps :)
Yo. Also. There’s nothing wrong with running it directly into the POD Go and running it from there into your interface either. It will still balance the signal well enough. Personally I’d recommend just trying the DI in multiple locations during your signal flow to find which you prefer. :) also, because the POD will balance the signal, even without the DI it’s gonna sound great. Also, can we just talk about how awesome the POD Go is? Lol
Yo! So in the back you plug an XLR cable into it and then run that the audio interface. If it were used live the XLR would either run to a mixer or to cable snake on the stage. On the front in you just plug in via 1/4” cable! Hope that helps, homie!
I've had this DI Box for quite a few years, do you like to place the bass guitar with effects directly into the Neves Box and set the DI to instrument or... do you put your bass directly into the DI and then using the thru connect to the pedalboard into the amp or DAW?
Hi Beau, I wonder if you could answer my question as I've been doing loads of research and can't seem to find a clear answer. What is the difference between a DI box, say the RNDI, and an amp head that has a di built in? Like the mark bass nano mark II amp head. Loved this video. Thanks!
Yo. So sorry. I guess I never sent my reply through days ago! Take 2 lol. Some amps or even multi-effects pedal boards have a built in DI. The difference is really all about quality and in some cases DIs offer different routing possibilities.
Great vid! Been kicking around the idea of getting a DI box to take my ASR's outs from unbalanced to balanced and then into the interface 🤔 I've heard the same exact thing you mentioned! Some say dont need one just use a shorter TS cable etc. I plan on getting an SSL six and 500 series gear with that being said would you still recommend a DI? Thanks
If you’re not using any electronic devices and you’re just using a small rig, a short cable I guess would suffice… but those people are giving you bad advice lol. Cables pick up noise from everything around it. Especially with all of the electronics in a studio. It always sounds cleaner through a DI box :)
It’ll still work, but the signal strength and quality will be much stronger with a DI for sure. Especially if you’ve got longer cables on a large stage. You’d use it on the way in to the board :)
In general, absolutely, but I suppose it would depend on the sound in question. Honestly, everything sounds a little bit cleaner with a solid DI, even if it’s a signal that doesn’t really require it lol. It can range from “just a little better” to “holy s*** that’s amazing”. :)
Sorry for the delay. I’m stuck to the couch because I have COVID, but I finally got in there to actually check since I never changed my Interface settings, but High Z :) Also, I checked out your channel and I loved that Angelina cover. Upload more! :)
@@averypowell975 I'm on the mend. I'm vaxed with the booster so this time it's not making me feel as much like death. So at least there's that lol. Have a great day homie!
Thanks for the info on this!! Still learning about recording guitar. So many new nuances for mixing and recording to learn. Hate it doesn’t have self 48v power not every application will have phantom power. Having to buy a phantom power supply to power the unit I am buying.
Glad you enjoyed it! This has to be one of my lowest viewed videos but it seems to have helped the most people :) anyway, I know it’s a bummer to buy external phantom power, but it’ll come in so handy that you’ll be so glad you did. I have a little standalone phantom power unit about the same size of the DI in this video. I bought it back when I got the Maschine MK3 to power condenser mics and I had no idea how often it would come in handy. :)
Looks like the Neve di, apart from the DI box basic funtions, has Low shelf and high shelf boost, i dont know if thats exactly something good or just a marketing thing, but lots of super expensive DI's doesnt resemble that EQ boost. Maybe you sould try to compare without the Neve, and aplying shelf boost on the DAW. Other important thing, at least for me, how much the noise floor it has (with numbers) compared with other DI units
Nah. That’s such a small portion of what a DI does. Mostly it fends off signal interference which provides clarity to the signal, not just an EQ boost :)
Question if you using virtual instrument like a bass virtual instrument. So that will be line level coming out of your interface. Can you go into a DI box or use something else to make it feel more realistic. Please advise
Yo. That’s definitely not the function of a DI box, if I’m understanding your question correctly. The DI doesn’t warm up sounds that are already in your computer or device, but rather, they clean up an audio signal on the way into the computer. Hope that answers your question :)
You should be good to go if all you are wanting a DI for is the balancing of signal. However, if you’re wanting the additional routing options that a DI offers then I’d recommend an actual DI box :)
Different people need direct boxes for different applications. If only I’d put timestamps in the video so that cranky people like you could just skip to the part you need… oh wait. 😂
***A QUICK CORRECTION: When I explained in the video what "D.I." stands for, I also meant to add "Direct Injection". In fact, that was the primary definition I MEANT to say. However, I forgot to say that and then also forgot to edit it in. My apologies. I've been sick so please forgive my airheadedness lol. Have a great day everyone!
... If you only knew the amount of AI facial work I had to do to cover up the fact that I was dripping in sweat. I HAAAAAAATE BEING SICK! lol
I love my Neve. You get what you pay for. Highly recommended. 🎼
I can't speak highly enough about it. You're totally right.
RNDI FROM RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS - MONO
● imp.i114863.net/x9GkWk
RNDI FROM RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS - STEREO
● imp.i114863.net/rnPQZG
INEXPENSIVE PASSIVE DI FOR ONLY $29
● imp.i114863.net/Ry95k7
AWESOME DI FOR ACOUSTIC GUITARISTS
● imp.i114863.net/yR127D
MORE GREAT DI BOX OPTIONS:
● imp.i114863.net/x9GkWO
TIMESTAMPS:
Intro - 0:00
Opening Titles - 0:55
What We’re Doing Today - 1:02
What Are Direct Boxes? - 2:51
The Two Types of Direct Boxes - 3:40
Beau Tyler The Science Guyler’s Key Terms - 4:24
Unboxing the RNDI Direct Box From Neve - 9:27
Rant Alert / A Few Important Things To Know - 12:21
Comparison With + Without DI Box - 14:55
Beaunus Tips - 15:28
Conclusion - 16:37
End Titles - 17:38
Another great one Beau. Thanks for the knowledge! Informative and entertaining as always. Thank you for always for making the full stuff fun.
THANKS AS ALWAYS ANTI!
18 years full time guitarist and I finally got the RNDI as my first DI box. Used it yesterday at a gig and the clarity and ease to hear crystal clear audio was amazing. I was running it through 5 pedals and a Boss RC300 and the speakers where QSC 12s. This DI is legit beautiful.
That’s so awesome to hear!I’m glad you gave it a shot and loved it! A great DI changes everything.
I met a fossil once who instead of giving Christmas money to his kids, he bought a super expensive Gibson for himself. He never used a DI box, even live, and never made it in music.
Thanks for the advice. I ordered one. I was so annoyed by my bass guitar recordings I didn't enjoy anymore producing music. Very enlightening video! Thanks!❤👍🏼
Glad I could help! They’re such a boost in the studio for so many instruments
Thanks so much. I play six string electric. Since I've been amazed at how clean & clear 6-string electric guitars and 12-string electric guitars have sounded, when I was informed that I was also listening to them through Direct Injection, I knew I had to learn more about Direct Boxes and about how to use them. Thank you for helping my education. Your video was very well scripted & very understandable. Cheers!
You're very welcome! Glad it helped!
I like the details you gathered into this video.I really covered some entire side of cables and DI boxes. thanks for that. I just bought this DI box and wanted to know about how to connect it and detailed description about all the switches and inputs outputs, then I realized many out there assume the viewers already know about connecting. how come you guys are just forgetting newbies like us.
Yo. I actually answered that in the video. To connect it you just run your cable into the front and run an XLR out of the back into the mixer or interface. The instrument cables will power it. :)
Being a bass player I'm almost embarrassed that I haven't been playing through a DI Box! You opened my eyes on this one Beau. I even went to their website to see how to route it through my GK Bass Rig. I'm already feeling sorry for my poor neighbors for the future when I get one!!!!🤣
Don’t feel embarrassed at all. I went years without understanding. The only reason I jumped on the DI train as early-ish as I did was after getting griped out by an incredible FOH engineer for showing up with a 7 member band and stressing their system out. He taught me a lot about them and I’m very thankful. Just paying it forward with this video :) Thanks for watching, my friend.
Using volt 1 now and no longer use my radial DI . I think good Audio interface doesnt need DI box for simple direct guitar recording
Thank you.
I run a Precision Bass into a Fender Rumble 500 but I've not been happy with the recorded sound into my Clarett Pre 8. It sounds 'lifeless'. Pretty much like your non_DI sounds 😆
I think I know what to buy next - thanks again 💞
Glad I could help!
you got a new viewer because of the ripped t shirt! lol Legend my friend lol!
Haha. I spend all my money on gear and have none left for new clothes. 😆
That motherlover line at the end about punishment made my instant subscribe
FYI, the passive Radial StageBug ISO is a solid choice for rack units.
Good to know! I’ll check it out because I’m trying to fill up my rack I built!
I have 2 scenario that needs your advice.
1st scenario I am recording with a fractal out to a Komplete 6 audio interface. May I know how should I connect the DI box in between? Guitar unbalanced to fractal => fractal balanced to DI balanced input => DI balanced output to interface input 1. Is this the right connection?
2nd scenario I am play a gig in a stadium that needs a 30 feet cable. My signal chain will be guitar => pedal board => Amp return. May I know where should I put the DI box to reduce noise?
Thanx in advance!
So with fractal I’m not sure you’ll need it since it should do a really good job of balancing the signal. However, you can clean up your signal by putting the DI between your guitar and your pedal board. Honestly, depending on your rig there are a few places you could put it in your chain, but I’d start there :) hope that helps homie.
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic Do you mean in this signal chain?
guitar => 1/4 inch unbalanced jack => DI box unbalanced 1/4 inch input. DI 1/4 inch balanced output => 1/4 inch balanced jack => Pedal board input
I greatly appreciate this video.
25+/- years ago, I started running sound in a tiny little church, then eventually to pretty much all the school functions including elementary school plays. I fell in love. I was going to go to college to be an audio engineer. Bleh, I don't need no edjumacation (owe that hurt to type lol). Fast forward to a little more than two years ago, I started piecing together my very own sound system... trying to get back in the game. I found all sorts of crap. Digital? Eewww... active speakers? Line array? Impedance...HUH? What is point source... oohhh, gotcha. See, although I went with what I was already comfortable with (analog mixer [or just mixer back in my day *gawd I sound old 😬🫣*] , passive speaker... also point source 🤷♀️, all old school stuff. But learning different things on UA-cam from great people like Dave Rat, Audio University, etc has really opened my eyes to a LOT.
Now, to your video: I was just booked for my first festival. I've recently found out that several of the guitarists are running DI. I'm thinking about taking old speakon cable and splicing them with old XLR connections to free up the good cables for my mics.
Oh but wait... do they "need" this balanced connection? Let me ask UA-cam 🤔. And you show up. Thank you. I now understand the importance of DI boxes and the need of them being balanced.
Izzy, that made my day. Loved hearing about your journey and that the video could help. So glad you enjoyed it! Be well, homie.
@BeauTylerMakesMusic 🤘I'm happy to know that I could make one person's day.
My whole life has been one huge journey, but my love and passion for music is astounding and has helped get me to today. And, for me being able to give back to the industry as a whole (from making the music to enjoying the music) is what the life of a sound tech/engineer is all about. It truly does not matter if you're working for free or top paid in the industry... you're still helping others along their life journeys. You're video... this specific video has helped me along my journey. Thank you, I am grateful for you.
Sorry for the weird ramble lol
This is the first video I've seen of yours (or on DI boxes, for that matter). Not gonna lie, I'm left feeling somewhat disappointed by the video. I was extremely surprised how well put together this was and how amazing you are at conveying information and making a point. But for whatever reason, I feel like the video ended before it had a chance to get going. I was truly getting into everything you were saying and the flow of the video. Then it just ends. I have no idea if I was expecting more info? More audio comparisons? Really not sure. But while I may sound negative, please don't take it that way. I'm literally saying I wish there was more from you. The video flew by and I thoroughly enjoyed it (and learnt something lol). I'm hoping you have a follow up to this with more details and examples. So I'm going to check right away. Absolutely an immediate new subscriber here! Really like your approach and am looking forward to seeing the rest of your content. Thanks!!!
So glad you enjoyed it though and I really appreciate the feedback. Learning as I’m going with these sorts of videos but I have several similar ones coming up :)
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic I absolutely did enjoy it. And I'm extremely pleased to see you took my comment in the manner I intended - a positive one. I genuinely loved the video. What's more, I posted in a guitar/amps/gear group and got the feedback you mentioned. People saying "no! It's not needed for your recordings at home!""The input on your interface is more than enough!" And all with a mocking/condescending way about them. But I'm not nearly as knowledgeable as you, so I didn't argue or try to disabuse them of their notions. That's your job 🤣🤣🤣
Right now I'm just trying to figure out if I go with the Neve or the J48. Maybe I'll be an idiot and get both lol. Anyway, thanks for the reply on an old (to you) video. Greatly appreciated!!!
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic one more thing, please do keep this sort of content coming. You are really, really good at it.
Love your rant in this one brother! Always enjoy seeing you having fun in these videos!
Thanks brother!!!
Thanks. I didn’t know anything about this. Good advice
Glad it helped! :)
The bass signal is clipped on the DI version. Maybe this is intentional but a clipped signal will sound way different.
Yo! Thanks for commenting. So I had a bit of a moral vs. creator sort of dilemma on this one. I recorded the non-DI signal first and then plugged the DI in and recorded that second. The creator side of me wanted to fix that, but then I would have been manipulating the signal. I wanted to keep the settings on the interface and my mixer the exact same so that everyone could hear an honest comparison. That huge boost in signal was just a really honest portrayal of how much the DI boosted the signal, which for me is a huge selling point. Hope that explains it well enough. Have an awesome day, AK! :)
Exactly, as a foh engineer, I'm constantly telling guitarists to quiet down because they get Over zealous and play loud over the lead vocals,and that's with hardly any fader...
It’s so true!!! Thanks so much for watching!
You’re the G.O.A.T Beau! Great video. Thanks .
Glad to help, Anthony. So glad it helped!
Thanks for explaining the speaker feature
So if I’m a bedroom musician that only uses 1 15’ cable to connect to my preamp, I’m ok?
Of course. While a good DI will make most things sound better, it’s not a necessity in the studio if you aren’t dealing with hum. You can definitely still get good sounds :)
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic Ty!
what if I'm in a very small home studio and my cable runs are short. I'v been recently using a RNDI box with a pre-amp and a compressor in my outboard signal chain and I'm hearing a sound that I've been looking for. You've mentioned long cable runs a few times so my question is. Is the DI box not being used as intended? Would I get the same sound from just the Pre-Amp and Compressor?
If you’re not dealing with any hun or electronic interference then it’s not a must have, but it will still definitely clean up your signal no matter what. I think it’s more important for live musicians, but ultimately it’s just about what you want/need. :)
14:57 No gain matching is done for the comparision.
A guitarist can not use feedback (Jimi) using DI amp simulator box only, correct? Or have I missed some new gear wizardry? I see guitarists sounding great and realize there will be no chance of feedback use. 😢
Man...This is NEWS TO ME! Thanks for doing this vid. My question is, how will a DI (I would need a 2 channel for a totally in-the-box DAW recording process) help me if I do NOT record live instruments? All my sounds are samples that go directly to the DAW.
Yo. If you’re not recording any audio you won’t necessarily need one. If you’re sampling from turntables, however, it’s a good idea to run your RCAs into a direct box and then into the interface though.
Also, If you’re filming any grooveboxes or gear it’s a great idea to utilize them the same way :)
Hope that helps homie. Thanks so much for watching!!!
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic Thanx man...Hope you feel better.
@@craigpurdie3528 I appreciate that homie!
Bruh I've been sleeping on D.I. Boxes my entire life 🤯
I did too for the longest time. It’s one of those things that when you’re googling the symptoms it doesn’t tend to easily lead you to the actual cause of the noise issues. Even when it does people can be overwhelmed with all of the jargon. Just want to save everyone the frustrations I had to go through. ✌️❤️
As a bass player with a RNDI, I just had to sub after your opinionated rant ! Spot on, my man ! 😂
Thanks so much!!! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Hey, great vid. Do you see benefit using Neve after Hx stomp instead of direct from the balanced outs from stomp? Aside from ground lift benefits!
Yo! I'd recommend using it on the way in if you have to choose between one of those two options.
Hey great video - subscribed! So I got an old Washburn acoustic electric connected to a Yamaha mg06x mostly for vocal effects which is connected to an audio interface, both connected to headphone amp with monitor headphones so I can play with a friend or two at home and also online. I know the electric pick-up, which has both xlr and 1/4 outputs is cheap, but I seem to get ok sound the with unbalanced TS cable connecting it to my line level input on the mixer but maybe it could be better. Would I benefit from a DI box at all in this scenario by using the xlr mic level input instead for the acoustic from the DI box? It's a short run so would it even noticeably improve the sound quality? The mixer only has two XLR inputs with one taken up with a mic, so would be nice to reserve the second XLR input for a second mic, but that might be more a future use. If it makes a difference in quality of the acoustic, I might give it a go or any other configuration that might make sense? When I explained this to the guys at sweetwater, they told me that that I could also run the di box into the line level inputs on my yamaha using xlr to trs cables, but not sure about as the Yamaha manual says those line inputs are TS? Sorry confused...
Thanks so much David! Yo. If your rig already sounds great and you aren’t running into problems, then the DI box might not be necessary right now. In fact, somtimes they’re not at all “necessary”, but with acoustic guitars, unless there’s some rare factor I don’t know about it will ALWAYS sound better going through a DI. This is because the DI not only boosts and cleans the signal, but it also gives more body to the signal which can be really important for acoustics since they can sometimes sound a bit then when being amplified through cables. The DI, especially this one, gives a bit more fullness to the low end and makes the high end sparkle (for lack of a better word) a bit more :) Hope that helps!
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic Thanks so much for the feedback! Ok, I might have to try a lower end one for now due to cost and see what I get out of it. Thanks again!
If you are recording your guitar with pedals, do you put the DI box before or after the pedals? (And thank you very much for the time to answer this question.)
Yo. Thanks so much for watching! Guitar to pedals. Then, pedals to DI. Then, DI to mixer or interface. :)
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic Thanks a million. (So, you recommend that the DI is always the last in line before an interface?)
I thank you for helping us understand this stuff!
👍🏻
Thanks for an awesome video! I am a keyboard player and everyone recommends a passive DI box for the keyboard. But I use styles not only sounds. In styles have bass, guitar, drums.... tracks. Do you recommend the RNDI for this reason which is an active DI box and which option is best for me?
From what I hear, I like RNDI a lot. Is this better than Radial JDI passive DI box according you? Thanks!
Yo. I haven’t used the JDI so I can’t say in comparison, but for a powered keyboard yes I’d recommend a passive DI :)
Would this help a moog synth bass sound better when recording too?
It depends on the use. On stage, I’d highly recommend it over going direct. In the studio, I’m not sure how needed it’d be though if you don’t have a ton of cable interference sounds :)
Do i need di box to connect mixer to powered speaker?
Nah. I just use it for balancing inputs to the audio interface or mixer. :)
Nah you should be fine. I just use it for balancing inputs :)
So this comment has nothing to do with the vid but
If you get a chance to test the INSTA360 LINK webcam plz do a video
Been tryina find more musicians perspectives on it coz holy crap it seems like a music content creators dream
Decent cam + Focusrite = Good times
Thanks again beau for everything ya told me about LOOPBACK haven't had any Maschine audio to camera issues since 👊
I’ll check it out! I’m not very familiar with it so I’ll let ya know. So glad you’re loving Loopbackl It really is amazing isn’t it?!?!?
Is Mediatech still open? My band recorded with some students there in 2010.
Yes they are :) such a great place… except for the large studio door in back of the facility that took my big toe nail off. That door can go to hell. 😂
Very well done video - sometimes quality explanantions need time - and I can assure you that I listened the comparison with or without the DI box with the shittest pair of headset on and I anyway heard a BIG difference. However, I'm a guitarist using active EMG pickup running to a guitar modeler (BOss GT 1) then straight to the PA. Do I need a passive oar active DI box? THanks in advance for your help
Yo! Thanks so much for watching the video. I’m really glad you enjoyed it. It depends on how you are routing. If you’re using a DI between your guitar and your multi effects pedal, then I would recommend active. If you are routing from the multi effects pedal to the mixer then passive should be fine. :)
Many thanks, I haven't decided my routing since I don't still own a DI box. However, judging from your video and the excellent quality of the RNDI inside preamp it wouldn't be bad to gofro the active Di before the multifx unit, as I woudl say it might even improve the sound of my guitar.@@BeauTylerMakesMusic
Hi Bro , ... Audio Interface Output ( 1 & 2 )--------> ( Input ) RNDI ---------> RNDI output -------> Audio interface input ( 3 & 4 ) --------> Record ( write in a Track ) ....??? ( Shall i get the Neve sound in my track ? ( Is that possible ? then definetely worth But .....is that possible ?????
Yo. If I’m understanding your question correctly, you’re asking about the routing. The microphone or the instrument cable goes into the RNDI. Then the RNDI is connected to your audio interface via XLR. As far as the “Neve” sound I think that would be more about preamps but this will definitely boost and cleanup just about any input signal for sure :)
Thank you. And how about analog synth. Do I need a DI box for analog synth ?
Synths have a budget version of a DI already, but if you’re using it on stage or around a bunch of other electronics or cables you can pick up a buzzing ground noise, so it will definitely help eliminate that. Also, as your synth setup grows, you’ll likely need some next level routing and DI boxes DEFINITELY can help in that department. :)
OK great video, would’ve love to see more examples of using DI boxes and cables.
Specifically I record electric guitar with my pod girl would you run balanced cables for your stereo left and right into an interface or a digital snake? Or would you need to DI boxes or is the pod go sufficient?
Ha ha talk text said pod girl instead of pod go! That’s great
Haha. I know what meant. No worries. Man, there were so many examples I’d like to have given and I intend to touch on it more in the future, but I realized at some point during making the video that it was in danger of getting way too long. Especially for a video I just KNEW was going to be my least watched video ever lol. That being said, I would recommend running unbalanced cables into a direct box and then from a direct box into the the POD Go. That’s what I meant when I said pro audio gear prefers balanced signals. However, the POD outputs a balanced signal so from the POD to your interface or speakers I’d use a balanced cable for that. Hope that helps :)
Yo. Also. There’s nothing wrong with running it directly into the POD Go and running it from there into your interface either. It will still balance the signal well enough. Personally I’d recommend just trying the DI in multiple locations during your signal flow to find which you prefer. :) also, because the POD will balance the signal, even without the DI it’s gonna sound great.
Also, can we just talk about how awesome the POD Go is? Lol
🤘😃 Thank You! 🙇♂️💓🍀🎶
Thanks for watching :)
Hi beau. Great content. I am still wondering about what cables you use to connect on one end and the other?
Yo! So in the back you plug an XLR cable into it and then run that the audio interface. If it were used live the XLR would either run to a mixer or to cable snake on the stage. On the front in you just plug in via 1/4” cable! Hope that helps, homie!
I've had this DI Box for quite a few years, do you like to place the bass guitar with effects directly into the Neves Box and set the DI to instrument or... do you put your bass directly into the DI and then using the thru connect to the pedalboard into the amp or DAW?
I use both methods! With bass I just go straight in and send the DI to the audio interface, though. :)
many thanks for replying back @@BeauTylerMakesMusic
Hi Beau, I wonder if you could answer my question as I've been doing loads of research and can't seem to find a clear answer. What is the difference between a DI box, say the RNDI, and an amp head that has a di built in? Like the mark bass nano mark II amp head. Loved this video. Thanks!
Yo. So sorry. I guess I never sent my reply through days ago! Take 2 lol.
Some amps or even multi-effects pedal boards have a built in DI. The difference is really all about quality and in some cases DIs offer different routing possibilities.
Great vid! Been kicking around the idea of getting a DI box to take my ASR's outs from unbalanced to balanced and then into the interface 🤔 I've heard the same exact thing you mentioned! Some say dont need one just use a shorter TS cable etc. I plan on getting an SSL six and 500 series gear with that being said would you still recommend a DI? Thanks
If you’re not using any electronic devices and you’re just using a small rig, a short cable I guess would suffice… but those people are giving you bad advice lol. Cables pick up noise from everything around it. Especially with all of the electronics in a studio. It always sounds cleaner through a DI box :)
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic Thanks for the help appreciate you replying. Reading up on the Neve
hi, i have a question, amp modeller without xlr out can use with passive di box? or need an active di box ?
It’ll still work, but the signal strength and quality will be much stronger with a DI for sure. Especially if you’ve got longer cables on a large stage. You’d use it on the way in to the board :)
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic ok, so passive or active direct box doesn't mater ?
I ran a whole mix thru this because it can accept line level 21 dbu
Is there any improvement for vocal?
For sure! Pretty much all mics on a live station, for instance, are running into a DI box. Well, at venues with great sound anyway. Lol.
:)
Does it add warmth/girth to the sound running through it.
In general, absolutely, but I suppose it would depend on the sound in question. Honestly, everything sounds a little bit cleaner with a solid DI, even if it’s a signal that doesn’t really require it lol. It can range from “just a little better” to “holy s*** that’s amazing”. :)
Quick question, when plugged into your interface directly (not through di box) for the sound test, were you using the "instrument" or "high Z" mode?
Sorry for the delay. I’m stuck to the couch because I have COVID, but I finally got in there to actually check since I never changed my Interface settings, but High Z :) Also, I checked out your channel and I loved that Angelina cover. Upload more! :)
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic Hey thanks! I appreciate it ☺️. Hope you're doing alright with COVID.
@@averypowell975 I'm on the mend. I'm vaxed with the booster so this time it's not making me feel as much like death. So at least there's that lol. Have a great day homie!
It’s all about impedance.❤
Will this make my mpc drum machine sound better????
I wouldn’t think so, really. It’s more for making the live sounds better as you sample instruments on the way into the MPC.
🔥🔥🔥
❤️ Thanks homie! 🙏
Thanks for the info on this!! Still learning about recording guitar. So many new nuances for mixing and recording to learn. Hate it doesn’t have self 48v power not every application will have phantom power. Having to buy a phantom power supply to power the unit I am buying.
Glad you enjoyed it! This has to be one of my lowest viewed videos but it seems to have helped the most people :) anyway, I know it’s a bummer to buy external phantom power, but it’ll come in so handy that you’ll be so glad you did. I have a little standalone phantom power unit about the same size of the DI in this video. I bought it back when I got the Maschine MK3 to power condenser mics and I had no idea how often it would come in handy. :)
😎
Direct injection
Looks like the Neve di, apart from the DI box basic funtions, has Low shelf and high shelf boost, i dont know if thats exactly something good or just a marketing thing, but lots of super expensive DI's doesnt resemble that EQ boost. Maybe you sould try to compare without the Neve, and aplying shelf boost on the DAW. Other important thing, at least for me, how much the noise floor it has (with numbers) compared with other DI units
Nah. That’s such a small portion of what a DI does. Mostly it fends off signal interference which provides clarity to the signal, not just an EQ boost :)
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic yes i know, thats something all DI boxes does, was talking about the specifics of the Neve model.
Question if you using virtual instrument like a bass virtual instrument. So that will be line level coming out of your interface. Can you go into a DI box or use something else to make it feel more realistic. Please advise
Yo. That’s definitely not the function of a DI box, if I’m understanding your question correctly. The DI doesn’t warm up sounds that are already in your computer or device, but rather, they clean up an audio signal on the way into the computer. Hope that answers your question :)
Fantastic video. Question!! If you have a nice mic preamp w DI included..you're good to go..right?
You should be good to go if all you are wanting a DI for is the balancing of signal. However, if you’re wanting the additional routing options that a DI offers then I’d recommend an actual DI box :)
Hi, at 5:47 did you said 15 to 20 feets ? because if you did, that means 6 meters and not 46 ( unless I totally missed the joke here). best,
Ok after having listened that phrase multiple times I finally understand four to six and not forty six 😅
Yo. I said it so quickly it did sound a bit like 46. lol. My bad. Definitely 4 to 6 meters though :)
That sounds very uncomfortable
🤔
Eyelash
😂
This video should have been four minutes 🤦🏽♂️
Good principles, though .. but geez, the rambling..
Yowza.
Different people need direct boxes for different applications. If only I’d put timestamps in the video so that cranky people like you could just skip to the part you need… oh wait. 😂