A really good solution to consistency in these tests is to have the player use and play into a looper pedal. Then use that loop to A-B the DIs. For an even more objective comparison, use analyzer or SMART software to visualize the difference heard.
I've used both of these particular DIs (among others, of course) in various house of worship and studio situations. Any time I had acoustics on stage that was going to be more than just texture, the Teegarden Magic DI would always get the gig and I saved the other ones for less prominent instruments. I only used it here and there on bass. Teegarden has a great bass DI as well but I really got to where I liked the Telefunken TDA boxes for that. Side note, the guys at TA are fantastic and great to work with.
Also on the subject of gain (which is something that's becoming a "thing" in mixes) even if the gain is on the cooler side, the moment distortion is introduced either by accident or design, it makes the sound louder. Even if there's a limiter cutting it all down to -3dB.... It still sounds a bit louder than clean signals. I've noticed that any track in a mix with distortion on it - I always have knock back the volume on the track in the mix to get it to 'settle' a bit better there also seems a relationship between the amount of distortion and the perceived volume
when an instrument is tied into a different circuit then the board often the difference in the distance from the two respective components to the panel you will get a ground loop because the ground has a longer distance to travel on the instruments circuit which increases the resistance down the line causing an imbalance that can be heard in the hum.
5:22, I saw some shop selling digital DI boxes, which means can transfer digitally like wifi or bluetooth, not what is it but that what they said.........
Thank you James!!! I now know more about DI boxes... I had always wondered about the "Ground Lift" switch. Would it take me to another dimension if activated or would the whole system shut down.!! :) We went to all instruments, except drums and percussion, using DI's when we got into our new building 5 years ago. Eliminating the need for individual amps and we started using IEM's. We have very good success with them..
i think, if you have ReAmp box, then you could send same identical signal from daw and record then, of course preamp is still in line of making sound ;)
Is there a delay when recording a live guitar and also using a DI to overlap the live guitar recording? I can’t get an answer to this . For some reason I feel like I heard a mixer once say everytime he gets a bass di and a bass recording it’s never in phase but idk if I remember this correctly . I really like the idea of using a DI to use the same performance on different gear and combine it
There's always a slight delay between the pickup and the mic. But it may or may not have a noticeable difference on a guitar. For a bass, the lower frequencies will cancel first, so it can make a more pronounced difference.
The only time I have ever needed a ground lift is when I use a laptop as an input to my soundboard. I add a DI box and lift the ground to get rid of the hum.
My digital instrument outputs a relatively hot (high impedance) signal (needs about 10 dB of preamp gain) and the cable run is about 6 metres, is it a problem that I don't have a DI? The signal is unbalanced, but shouldn't the signal/noise ratio be high enough? I haven't noticed any noise in the sound both live and when listening to the multi-track recording. Thank you for the awesome video!
Unrelated, I have a 24R and currently am recording in studio one. After we’re done recording I set every input to usb send so the tracks from s1 get the fat channel applied. The issue is I can’t seem to get it to the main buss in studio one, there’s no meter movement. How can I apply the fat channel via usb send and also send it to the main buss after that in s1, I tried setting the main buss out to the aux mix but still no meter movement on the main buss and consequently the mixdown is completely silent. How to fix?
My guitar amp is Vox PF15 and has lineout output at the back, (quite similar to some marshall MG's "emulated lineout" ), do i still need DI box? The port is a PL type, though im not sure if the port needs a TRS PL, because i'm currently using a (mono PL) TS to XLR cable going into our church's Mixer.
Killer video as always. If I'm doing a SmarPhone Headphone out / Splitter cable (L panned for Click / R for Backing Tracks) into my StudioLive Mixer, should I first go through a DI box, or could I just go into the Line in 1/4" TRS ?
Sometimes analog audio output from computers and such will have noise from having the charger of the device connected. In those cases, having a DI-box might help. There are special DI-boxes made for this purpose, having inputs in RCA and/or in 3,5 mm jack, or even bluetooth connection. But I've successfully inputed sound from smartphone into mixers directly via 3,5mm-to-RCA cable, both to RCA inputs on mixer and via RCA-to-6,3mm jack adapters to line inputs on mixer.
Not exactly. Resistance is constant, while impedance may vary with the frequency or strength of a signal... that makes it harder to understand (and to get it right).
It depends. If you have to travel way more than 5 meters it would be better. If the keys are near a stage box which is accepting ts you're probably fine.
This is the BEST explanation 'for Dummies' on Balanced vs. Unbalanced signal I've seen so far. Very clear, very simple, very understandable.
A really good solution to consistency in these tests is to have the player use and play into a looper pedal. Then use that loop to A-B the DIs. For an even more objective comparison, use analyzer or SMART software to visualize the difference heard.
Been in the industry for a while now but it's always good to review!!. There's definitely a different in boxes!!. Thanks 👍
Great message on direct boxes brother. Have a Blessed Day 🌟
I saw many many videos on this topic... I have to say, this is the best of all those videos.
I'm glad to hear that! Thank you so much!
I've used both of these particular DIs (among others, of course) in various house of worship and studio situations. Any time I had acoustics on stage that was going to be more than just texture, the Teegarden Magic DI would always get the gig and I saved the other ones for less prominent instruments. I only used it here and there on bass. Teegarden has a great bass DI as well but I really got to where I liked the Telefunken TDA boxes for that. Side note, the guys at TA are fantastic and great to work with.
Also on the subject of gain (which is something that's becoming a "thing" in mixes) even if the gain is on the cooler side, the moment distortion is introduced either by accident or design, it makes the sound louder.
Even if there's a limiter cutting it all down to -3dB....
It still sounds a bit louder than clean signals.
I've noticed that any track in a mix with distortion on it - I always have knock back the volume on the track in the mix to get it to 'settle' a bit better there also seems a relationship between the amount of distortion and the perceived volume
when an instrument is tied into a different circuit then the board often the difference in the distance from the two respective components to the panel you will get a ground loop because the ground has a longer distance to travel on the instruments circuit which increases the resistance down the line causing an imbalance that can be heard in the hum.
5:22, I saw some shop selling digital DI boxes, which means can transfer digitally like wifi or bluetooth, not what is it but that what they said.........
Thank you James!!! I now know more about DI boxes... I had always wondered about the "Ground Lift" switch. Would it take me to another dimension if activated or would the whole system shut down.!! :) We went to all instruments, except drums and percussion, using DI's when we got into our new building 5 years ago. Eliminating the need for individual amps and we started using IEM's. We have very good success with them..
what DIs are u using for keys? we’re about to make that transition as well
Wow, was just wondering about this yesterday. Thanks!!
Impedance video! Please
Really helpful info, mate! Thanks for posting 👍🏼
Damn. I remember this! Like from years ago! Thanks, man, for the reminder! Actually makes me want to get that new bass my wife says I can't have.
i think, if you have ReAmp box, then you could send same identical signal from daw and record then, of course preamp is still in line of making sound ;)
Is there a delay when recording a live guitar and also using a DI to overlap the live guitar recording?
I can’t get an answer to this . For some reason I feel like I heard a mixer once say everytime he gets a bass di and a bass recording it’s never in phase but idk if I remember this correctly .
I really like the idea of using a DI to use the same performance on different gear and combine it
There's always a slight delay between the pickup and the mic. But it may or may not have a noticeable difference on a guitar. For a bass, the lower frequencies will cancel first, so it can make a more pronounced difference.
The only time I have ever needed a ground lift is when I use a laptop as an input to my soundboard. I add a DI box and lift the ground to get rid of the hum.
Amazing Video thank you, by the. Way you are great explaining
My digital instrument outputs a relatively hot (high impedance) signal (needs about 10 dB of preamp gain) and the cable run is about 6 metres, is it a problem that I don't have a DI? The signal is unbalanced, but shouldn't the signal/noise ratio be high enough? I haven't noticed any noise in the sound both live and when listening to the multi-track recording. Thank you for the awesome video!
Unrelated, I have a 24R and currently am recording in studio one. After we’re done recording I set every input to usb send so the tracks from s1 get the fat channel applied. The issue is I can’t seem to get it to the main buss in studio one, there’s no meter movement. How can I apply the fat channel via usb send and also send it to the main buss after that in s1, I tried setting the main buss out to the aux mix but still no meter movement on the main buss and consequently the mixdown is completely silent. How to fix?
My guitar amp is Vox PF15 and has lineout output at the back, (quite similar to some marshall MG's "emulated lineout" ), do i still need DI box? The port is a PL type, though im not sure if the port needs a TRS PL, because i'm currently using a (mono PL) TS to XLR cable going into our church's Mixer.
nice and concise
Ive just recently hooked up keyboard, bass and guitar via DI. Really cleaned up the mix but i need your advice James!? 🙏
Do I need a DI box when I have a stage box that isn't far away from the digital console?
Thank you
Best practice is to change the impedance from high to low, even if you don't have a long run.
New Bass Player, Question I have a Orange Crush 50 amp. I am using a Compressor plugged into the Amp. Do I need a DI?
If you're going direct into the sound system, you'll need a DI. If you're just using the amp and/or putting a mic on the amp, then you don't.
Thanks for a great channel James :-) Do you have any experience/oppinion on the Behringer DI20?
I have one and it's the worst DI I have used, it's noisy and rolls off some low end. The DI100 is much better
Killer video as always. If I'm doing a SmarPhone Headphone out / Splitter cable (L panned for Click / R for Backing Tracks) into my StudioLive Mixer, should I first go through a DI box, or could I just go into the Line in 1/4" TRS ?
Sometimes analog audio output from computers and such will have noise from having the charger of the device connected. In those cases, having a DI-box might help. There are special DI-boxes made for this purpose, having inputs in RCA and/or in 3,5 mm jack, or even bluetooth connection. But I've successfully inputed sound from smartphone into mixers directly via 3,5mm-to-RCA cable, both to RCA inputs on mixer and via RCA-to-6,3mm jack adapters to line inputs on mixer.
Thanks for this
“That’s why they call it a circuit” 🤯🤯🤯
Might be helpful to mention that impedance is a synonym for resistance.
Not exactly. Resistance is constant, while impedance may vary with the frequency or strength of a signal... that makes it harder to understand (and to get it right).
@@permanenceinchange2326 In other words, impedance is resistance in flux with the frequency and amplitude. So therefore, impedance is resistance.
@@dooshmasta If you put it like that, I agree :)
love it
Isn’t it best to have active di’s with acoustic guitars and passive di’s with electric guitars
No hard & fast rule for that.
Horizon DI sounds the best to me in THIS example
That's why it's important to listen to your tools rather than rank them by price :)
Nobody gets fired for buying Radial DI’s
Following for algorithm
That noise gets eliminated!!! 😂😂😂😂
Hi-hat with chords 😂
Less coffee
Do a keyboard need di?
It depends. If you have to travel way more than 5 meters it would be better. If the keys are near a stage box which is accepting ts you're probably fine.
Horizon DI sounds better
քʀօʍօֆʍ