Thanks a lot. My audio interface has only 1/4 inch outputs and during a concert last week I had that line hum (I had no idea cable length causes that). Well, thank you!! Will get a D.I box!
leah777 That is not correct. DI's don't turn inst level into line level. That's what pre amps do. DI's primary purpose is to turn unbalance signals into balanced signals. Blanaced signals have the benefit of being able to cancel out any interferance that is picked up along the way and so are better suited for longer runs (eg: long snake run to a mixer at the other end of the room). It will ampifiy the signal simply because of the nature of balancing it (-10db to +4db) but those levels are always relative to the input signal.
OK, just going a bit further for those interested. There are commonly 2 different analogue audio signal types. 1. In domestic audio, we have unbalanced or single point audio. This is where there is one signal conductor per channel and a common ground shield. The signal is like low voltage AC of varying frequency and wave shape that emulates the sound waves. The ground shield is the reference voltage for the signal. While the reference voltage is often referred to as zero volts, there is no such thing. It's just that the difference between the reference and the signal is what gives the signal it's voltage. Therefore, it is essential that both of these be connected between unbalanced components or they won't work at all. Typically RCA or Tip Sleeve (TS) phone connectors are used for a channel or a Tip Ring Sleeve (TRS) phone connector having both a Left & a Right signal conductor and a ground shield may be used for stereo (2 channel) connection. 2. In professional audio or PA, a balanced or multi point signal type is preferred. This is where each channel has 2 signal conductors, in phase signal notated as + (hot) and inverse phase notated - (cold). There is also a ground shield and sometimes there is a drain as well. So each channel plug has to have 3-4 connecting pins. The ground shied has not signal path function but is used to drain away excess induced noise from adjacent cabling or radio interference. However, as the cables in PA are often very long some of this induced noise can significantly infect the signal conductors. The noise though is in phase on both conductors but the signal is phases are inverted (opposite) of each other. Connected equipment exploits this to cancel out the noise by inverting one line and combining it with the other. In this way, we can carry a very clean signal a long way with balanced cabling but unbalanced cable is only good for about 5 metres. As mentioned, XLR connectors are often used, especially for microphones. However TRS phone connectors may also be used which can be confusing as they are also used for unbalanced stereo and you can't tell if a sockets is TS, TRS, unbalanced or balanced just by looking at it. You have to check manuals or test the connector and signal electrically. As the ground shield has no signal path function, it may be lifted at one end to break ground loops though connecting that end via a significant resistor retains better noise grounding. DI boxes come in 2 forms (passive or active) and with varying levels of complexity and features but essentially, signal is transmitted from input to output via induction commonly using an audio transformer. Therefore the Input signal conductors are not directly connected to the output signal conductors leaving the balanced and unbalanced signal paths electrically isolated from each other yet able to pass signal by induction. There may be additional electronics to help keep the tonality of the signal intact, there may be attenuation switches (-6 dB etc), gain controls, filtering, ground lift, stereo channel merging etc. Some DI boxes are passive (un-powered) others are active (powered) if there are functions like amplification or DAC (You can get USB DI boxes). Depending on the complexity, flexibility and quality you require, they can range from about $30 to $400 or so. An important function of DI boxes is impedance (Z) matching. In audio, impedance matching is most important. The rule is that a source output impedance must be many times lower than the receiving devices input impedance, often by 1000 fold or more. If this is wrong then the tonal quality will suffer due to frequency based filtering. Electric guitar pickups have Hi Z and mixing desk XLR inputs have Low Z, directly connecting them will suck all the richness from the guitar's tone. Many desk's have a HiZ TRS phone input for this reason but still may not be high enough. It is usually best to use a DI to connect HiZ sources to a mixing desk. Usually audio gear sorts this for you so you don't have to think about it, except for instruments and Amplifier / speaker connection where cable impedance (gauge and length) is important. Possibly too much but budding audio engineers may be interested.
what’s the difference between a basic DI box and just using a pigtail cable that adapts a 1/4” to XLR (aside from the ground lift, dB switch capability)?
Bryan ***** , thank you for this informative video. 2 questions if you would have time to help. 1. If an electric guitar is plugging into the box with a quarter inch plug, should it go into the "In" line or "Out" line? 2. What is the difference between the 40, 20, and 0 DB? Which should be used? Thank you so much for the video and help answering these two questions!
I keep seeing the Fender Micro DI in my local shop and abroad! I’m glad I didn’t get it because I thought DI stood for Distortion! Ugh I’m pretty dumb! Glad I found this video thank you for explaining!
Hello, I'm interested in knowing if the TYPE 85 is working with a tube amplifier directly connected to a sound card in the home studio without connecting the speaker to the amplifier. Can the amplifier be damaged? Thank you Avi Mandalevy
Awesome finally someone made this clear and cover the variety of user for this di box thanks for saving my time searching through a lot of tutorials that just wasn't giving me the information that related to my issues.
You only have 1 input. The other Jack plug is a parallel output for linking to for instance another DI box. You would need to DI boxes in order to obtain a stereo signal(lets say you have stereo RCA (red white) to 2 mono jacks.
Which type do you recomend??passive DI or Active DI.. I see most pros using passive DI boxes. It is my understanding that the active choice gives you a larger impedance inputs than a passive DI.Therefore using a passive DI...wouldn't you be limiting your input choices. Great videos by the way..I watch all the Studio One recording ones...I have 16.4.2 and Studio one 2 Pro. Cheers;
I've ignored buying DI's and about a month ago, I went with my band to a gig where they had professional sound equipment but they didn't know a rock band was going to the event so they didn't bring any DI Boxes. They ended up putting mics even to the bass amps...
I play really loud rock music (usually gigs are from 500-1000 people). And I almot always mic my bass cab (whilst using a DI box at the same time). Been doing it for 8 years. Wider tonal option to choose from.
Mario Paul an active di box would be powered via the phantom power on a balanced line. The passive version would operate via a 9v battery that is fitted inside the do box.
The side of the DI box that he said was inputs actually has a 1/4 inch input and the other is an output. The way you would use this is plugging your guitar directly into the input of the DI box, then running a cable from the 1/4 inch output to an amplifier. The XLR output on the DI would be sent to an audio interface as a Clean guitar signal for re amping through computer software
Essentially, these are impedance matching transformers. They convert the high impedance unbalanced output from most instruments (guitar, bass, etc.) into a low impedance signal carried on a balanced line. The benefit is twofold. You turn your instrument's output into a low impedance signal that can run over much longer cables without significant signal loss -- especially in higher frequencies. You also get a balanced output which rejects RFI, EMI and other types of interference introduced through the cable itself.
(Presentation, not content.) Hi Brian, something you are probably not aware of, is the habit a lip-smack as you take a breath to continue. If you are willing to eliminate that habit, your videos will be much more enjoyable to hear. Playback this video and sit with a couple of trusted friends to hear their comments.
Hello. Nice video. I have a question,,it may seem a stupid one, i don't know. If i use this for playing my backingtracks from my soundcard (let's say Focusrite or something similar), would'nt it be necesarry that the DI have 2 stereo outputs? I mean, i bring the stereo signal from the sound card via the two jacks from it s output to the two jacks from Di's Input, and then I see it's just one XLR output from the DI. Will the sound on the mixer arrive panned and stereo as it should be, or will it be a big and unfortunate centered mono?
Can you help me with my problem? I have Mesa M3 Carbine, the rack version, with DI output (XLR) and I want to record my bass guitar using M-Audio Fast track audio interface (XLR input for mic, line and guitar jack input). Obviously I cannot put DI from MESA to mic input on M-Audio interface, it makes only crazy sound. Is in this case DI Box useful? So I can maybe go with XLR from Mesa to DI Box and then continue from DI Box to LINE/GUITAR input on M-Audio interface? Thanks for a tip.
Your best bet would be to connect your M3's XLR output to the line input on the M-Audio. You'll need an XLR to 1/4" TRS adapter. Don't use a HiZ/LoZ adapter. But really you'd be better off getting a better interface. Why record such a nice amp with such a cheapy interface? The fast track has no gain/att controls. But it should be OK because you can control "DI Level" knob on the M3.
I have been recording into my computer direct, using a 1/4 inch jack to usb (from a Rocksmith game) and then adding fx in my DAW.it works but I notice a slight lag and it makes recording fast parts just a bit off. Will getting a DI box take help? Either way I guess hearing it through a amp in real time might fix the problem in itself.
@FinalFragment You might want to consider a firewire or USB audio interface, such as the Presonus Firebox, it is well priced, and really powerful. Good luck! Call me if you need some help.
I have a direct Box pdi. And I have all the hookups I have a Zoom Podcast Track P4. allow you to record your music. As long as you have the right hook up. I am playing my keyboard through the Direct Box . That has the 🎤 mic cord that goes in the direct box to the mic of the podcast. I can see it recording . my question is how do I go back to listen to what it recorded I can press the play .on it do I need speaker like The amplifier.or something
Will this reduce the noise I get from my amp sim softwares and my Presonus Audiobox iTwo into bias fx2 or overloud TH-U? What if I use the send on my Katana and take it into my interface?
@@theprophetminstrel1597Strands of copper cable is strands of copper cable. Pro quality cables are a myth for the most part. Of course, there's cheap BS ones that you can tell right away. For the most part, a < $50 cable is more than sufficient.
so iv been using a DI at church with my bass for years. tone not great but it works. should i shell out money to get a bass one like a mxr DI or something good? or will it not change anything really? the church has some sick subs and speakers but i still sound like a cardboard box sometime
hi i'm recording my electric guitar straight into my mixer line input...should i be using a DI box with XLR to my mixers MIC XLR then?....also is there a DI box with a 9V tip - socket built in, or do they only run on battery? cheers, good explanation man.. ;)
I've been banned by a sound man to plug guitars directly to the mixer 2 years ago, but I've tried many times before to plug guitars directly without any problems as I mute the channel whenever I plug and unplug. I know DI box can protect the mixer, but is it guilty to plug the guitar without using DI box in a practical point of view?
Some have 9v tips, and others do not, just depends on which one you get, really. You don't have to use the DI box to run the guitar in, but it might improve signal quality, depending on what you're working with. Best of luck! Call if you need one on one help.
Why would you want to convert to XLR when recording bass guitar in the studio? Can't you just plug in directly? Don't most Pro Tools HD rigs have DI's already?
I'm still confused on the PURPOSE of getting one. I understand what it does but for example, If i plug into my pedalboard, and from that to my halfstack...is there any use for it there? second scenario: to plug into a PA or something like a nightclub show, isn't it better just to get an sm57 and just mic ur cab and send that through the PA rather than Guitar->input(DI)->output into mixer and "input through" to your amp?
Hi, i have a problem, i have the roland ua 55 interface, i play live with laptop + roland ua 55 which goes into a DI box which is connected to a PA, the problem is that i have no sound coming out, i have singal but no sound coming out.
So basically this is the same thing as a line-out box for an Amp that doesn't already have one built-in? I remember I had a Peavey Amp awhile ago and I actually made one of these boxes myself. But I think there must be more to it because the one I made was super simple and only cost me like 5$ to build. I think it was just a few jacks and a capacitor...? I did not need an XLR output though I just used a 1/4" TRS output and then went from that into a USB recording interface that had 1/4" TRS input. Now that I think about it, it probably sounded like shit, because there wasn't any cab simulation or anything going on. LOL. I guess you could always run it through a software cab sim later on after it's recorded though.
I just read a forum thread about high/low impedance and balanced/unbalanced. I am now bleeding from the ears, nose and eyeballs, my brain just couldn't take it. I have an electro acoustic guitar with (I assume, as it has an EQ and takes a battery) an active pick-up. Do I still require a DI box to plug directly to my mixer? Also I own a G5 effects pedal, should I be able to use that as a substitute? I've not incorporated the effects pedal into my act yet which is why I ask.
Hi, I have a big question... I connect my guitar to a Line 6 POD HD500 multi effects processor and I use a tubes amp. I use the 4 cables method for connecting all, but the POD causes a tone suck when I use my amp's preamp... a friend of mine told me to use a DI box between the amp´s FX Send and the POD´s FX Return to solve this problem, but my question is... is the 1/4 out of a DI Box the same signal as the 1/4 input or you really have an impedance balance there?? Thanks!
Do they make these DI boxes with 1/4" out? I have a guitar amp with a 1/4" out that I'm running into my monitor speakers. My concern is that I don't know if the resistance or wattage is on par with the speakers. Should this be a concern? I just don't want to damage my speakers. Everything sounds ok, but I do hear a bit of fuzz (probably from my stratocaster pickups).
So, if I want to plug in my DTX drums as MIDI via USB into my computer, then use VSTi plugins and then output using an audio interface, how do I then make the sound into the speakers. I'm not sure what connections are required and to where it's supposed to be plugged in (mixer or PA). I've been researching this for hours but haven't found the solution to something that is supposed to be super simple. If anyone can help me, I'd be grateful. Thanks!
so pretty much they work as noise reduction boxes? I have a Noise reduction pedal in my pedal board and my guitar sounds pretty clean, makes me wonder if I still need a DI.
I have a PA System and too much noise when I Plug almost anything into it. Have been wondering about these DI Boxes for a long time. I see them in the Pawn Shops a lot. No I Know. I'll buy one right away. Thanks so much. {:-)
Hello, I have a mesa boogie amp and I am using a koch loadbox to do silent recording. When I plug the signal from my koch (XLR DI OUT) into my audio interface I have to turn the gain down almost all the way to stop clipping. Would a DI BOX right before my interface fix this?
Sounds to me like your audio interfaces XLR input is a mic input. Your koch's outputs are providing line level. A DI might help if it's got a pad on it you can use, but that's just a feature of most DI's and not the actual purpose which is line balancing and impedance matching. You don't need that cus your koch's XLR out is already balanced. You can also just get an inline XLR pad (-20db should be fine) for much cheaper. Or if your interface has a balanced line level input you can use that. Or see if there is a mic/line switch on your interface of a pad switch.
BMKid my presounus interface has two combo inputs I use for mics and guitar strait in. I also used this for the Koch input so maybe I need to plug the Koch into the other inputs it has on the back that have no preamp and I use for my keyboard in.
Thanks, this was helpful. I am learning about this stuff. I got a FocusRite 6i6 interface. It has 4 inputs but only 2 have pre-amps. I need at least 3 inputs. Would getting a DI box allow me to boost and use my guitar signal in one of the non pre-amped inputs? Or would it be a better idea to shell out more money for the 18i8 with more pre-amps.
There are different DI boxes as well. Active and passive. Which one do you need? If your source/guitar is passive meaning no battery or powered eq then an active DI is in order. If you have a powered source/guitar meaning there is a battery or some sort of inserted power such as a stomp box then a passive DI is what you need.
i see why you would need this do go to a mixer butt why if you play a live gig plug the guitar in your guitar amp than sm57 mix in front of the amp why would you plug the guitar in a mixer cheesy sound it would butt if you do use a di to a audio interface than yes a good thing to use if you use vst sound
@FinalFragment If your only using one or two inputs at a time such as in doing solo projects, you can get Presonus Firebox which I use, or something comparable like an Avid M box, and they also give you Pro Tools LE software bundled with it, or in my case Studio One. If you need more inputs they also have different models to suit your needs. You will definitely hear a difference and be able to record at higher sample and bit rates if you desire. Price range around 250 dollars and up.
If my amp has a quarter inch line out should i buy a di so i can convert it to xlr without losing the tone of my amp? I running my amp through the pa so i can get my amps tone but have the power of the pa
it's all about ONE path to ground. if you eliminate all the ground pins from every interconnected piece of gear, except ONE, no hum, no problem. however, doing so, can expose musicians, to potential electric shocks, if an amplifier develops a problem. the balanced d.i. converted box eliminates the danger.
Hi Thanks for the fantastic explanation.. I now have a lot clearer understanding of what DI boxes do.. In my band we have two electro acoustic guitars; could I run these two into one DI box? & what would be the best (& most economical) one to get? Thank you...
After rocking back and forth in a foetal position, sobbing and dribbling for a while, I did a bit more research. I'm pretty confident the G5 will do the trick as it has a selector for active or passive input, a balanced XLR output and various output settings in the menu. I now ask out of interest, are there DI boxes designed for both active and passive pick-ups? I read that a general rule of thumb is active pick-ups with a passive DI box or vice versa (although active and active will work)
Yes, I plug the drums into the PC via MIDI and then output through an external sound card and then I can use RCA out or connect the RCA into a DI box. I hope it's the right way.
Subscribed, informative video :) Quick question, if I use it for stereo acoustic guitar recording- with 2 mics and all. I will need a Stereo DI Box (dual channel) right? I heard 2 mono DI Box won't be the way to go with stereo acoustic guitar recording?
i have pedals i connect directly,most are too much power will this be perfect to control the volume,gain settings. if so,the set up would be guitar,x amount of pedals then dibox then interface?
Ive had a db1 for like 7 years...no clue how the fuck i use it it was a high tech beer coaster...but now i have very fun studio so now i get it. Bad ass.
Great info. Thanks. If I wanted to bring a BALANCED signal out of my DAW soundcard (VST Synth) to a mic pre amp and back into my DAW to color the sound, would I need a direct box or an inline attenuator? In this situation I'd be padding the input to the mic pre.
My Roland TM-2 Drum Trigger Module has (2) 1/4 jack outputs, R and L. How do I get them back to the PA board while keeping stereo without running (2) 1/4 inch cables all the way to the board?
@1pilotsteve Many thanks! I would go with a Passive, I believe, because it should technically reduce your noise level. You shouldn't be limiting yourself, as most places you'd use a DI should be able to play nicely with a Passive.
Got a question for you. My church has the house system but the band has its on system. Meaning church mixer used to sound the singers but me and the band havs a mixer used for keys, drum mics, bass and play click tracks.Is it possible to bridge the 2 systems together with the di box and if so what is the proper way to connect it.
2:39 - actual explanation
Thank you mate. (:
Lol OMG thanks
Hahahahhaaaaaaaaa!!!
Thanks a lot. My audio interface has only 1/4 inch outputs and during a concert last week I had that line hum (I had no idea cable length causes that). Well, thank you!! Will get a D.I box!
unfortunately the club I DJ at uses RCA in only....this would only be good when I DJ for a band connecting to the sound engineer's board.
***** yup..its an older model Denon mixer.
thank you!
okay, so to sum up, di-boxes are used to cut out interferance like high screeches and buzzing sounds coming from amplifiers if your a guitarist?
Your DI box converts your instrument signal to a line signal, meaning it converts the signal from unbalanced to balanced.
leah777 That is not correct. DI's don't turn inst level into line level. That's what pre amps do. DI's primary purpose is to turn unbalance signals into balanced signals. Blanaced signals have the benefit of being able to cancel out any interferance that is picked up along the way and so are better suited for longer runs (eg: long snake run to a mixer at the other end of the room). It will ampifiy the signal simply because of the nature of balancing it (-10db to +4db) but those levels are always relative to the input signal.
Love to hear yourself talk much?
I do! Comes with being awesome
OK, just going a bit further for those interested. There are commonly 2 different analogue audio signal types.
1. In domestic audio, we have unbalanced or single point audio. This is where there is one signal conductor per channel and a common ground shield. The signal is like low voltage AC of varying frequency and wave shape that emulates the sound waves. The ground shield is the reference voltage for the signal. While the reference voltage is often referred to as zero volts, there is no such thing. It's just that the difference between the reference and the signal is what gives the signal it's voltage. Therefore, it is essential that both of these be connected between unbalanced components or they won't work at all. Typically RCA or Tip Sleeve (TS) phone connectors are used for a channel or a Tip Ring Sleeve (TRS) phone connector having both a Left & a Right signal conductor and a ground shield may be used for stereo (2 channel) connection.
2. In professional audio or PA, a balanced or multi point signal type is preferred. This is where each channel has 2 signal conductors, in phase signal notated as + (hot) and inverse phase notated - (cold). There is also a ground shield and sometimes there is a drain as well. So each channel plug has to have 3-4 connecting pins. The ground shied has not signal path function but is used to drain away excess induced noise from adjacent cabling or radio interference. However, as the cables in PA are often very long some of this induced noise can significantly infect the signal conductors. The noise though is in phase on both conductors but the signal is phases are inverted (opposite) of each other. Connected equipment exploits this to cancel out the noise by inverting one line and combining it with the other. In this way, we can carry a very clean signal a long way with balanced cabling but unbalanced cable is only good for about 5 metres. As mentioned, XLR connectors are often used, especially for microphones. However TRS phone connectors may also be used which can be confusing as they are also used for unbalanced stereo and you can't tell if a sockets is TS, TRS, unbalanced or balanced just by looking at it. You have to check manuals or test the connector and signal electrically. As the ground shield has no signal path function, it may be lifted at one end to break ground loops though connecting that end via a significant resistor retains better noise grounding.
DI boxes come in 2 forms (passive or active) and with varying levels of complexity and features but essentially, signal is transmitted from input to output via induction commonly using an audio transformer. Therefore the Input signal conductors are not directly connected to the output signal conductors leaving the balanced and unbalanced signal paths electrically isolated from each other yet able to pass signal by induction. There may be additional electronics to help keep the tonality of the signal intact, there may be attenuation switches (-6 dB etc), gain controls, filtering, ground lift, stereo channel merging etc. Some DI boxes are passive (un-powered) others are active (powered) if there are functions like amplification or DAC (You can get USB DI boxes). Depending on the complexity, flexibility and quality you require, they can range from about $30 to $400 or so.
An important function of DI boxes is impedance (Z) matching. In audio, impedance matching is most important. The rule is that a source output impedance must be many times lower than the receiving devices input impedance, often by 1000 fold or more. If this is wrong then the tonal quality will suffer due to frequency based filtering. Electric guitar pickups have Hi Z and mixing desk XLR inputs have Low Z, directly connecting them will suck all the richness from the guitar's tone. Many desk's have a HiZ TRS phone input for this reason but still may not be high enough. It is usually best to use a DI to connect HiZ sources to a mixing desk. Usually audio gear sorts this for you so you don't have to think about it, except for instruments and Amplifier / speaker connection where cable impedance (gauge and length) is important.
Possibly too much but budding audio engineers may be interested.
what’s the difference between a basic DI box and just using a pigtail cable that adapts a 1/4” to XLR (aside from the ground lift, dB switch capability)?
LOL. He said "Audio Gremlins"
Jim Dale can I get an audio gremlin filter Pedal?
Special Snowfake yes you can! It’s called a DI box. 😈 Gremlin...🙉...Filter
Bryan ***** , thank you for this informative video. 2 questions if you would have time to help. 1. If an electric guitar is plugging into the box with a quarter inch plug, should it go into the "In" line or "Out" line? 2. What is the difference between the 40, 20, and 0 DB? Which should be used? Thank you so much for the video and help answering these two questions!
I keep seeing the Fender Micro DI in my local shop and abroad! I’m glad I didn’t get it because I thought DI stood for Distortion! Ugh I’m pretty dumb! Glad I found this video thank you for explaining!
@deaner18 Usually, although, there is always possibility for noise in any cable, the cable quality is really important.
I’ve been trying to find this information in lay terms for 2 weeks! Thank you!
Hello, I'm interested in knowing if the TYPE 85 is working with a tube amplifier directly connected to a sound card in the home studio without connecting the speaker to the amplifier. Can the amplifier be damaged? Thank you Avi Mandalevy
THANKYOU x Great Teacher
Awesome finally someone made this clear and cover the variety of user for this di box thanks
for saving my time searching through a lot of tutorials that just wasn't giving me the information that related to my issues.
You only have 1 input. The other Jack plug is a parallel output for linking to for instance another DI box. You would need to DI boxes in order to obtain a stereo signal(lets say you have stereo RCA (red white) to 2 mono jacks.
*****
yeah well.. in this case, the DI box shown, the statement above is still true.
Radial engineering ProD2 is a stereo DI box for instance.
Which type do you recomend??passive DI or Active DI..
I see most pros using passive DI boxes. It is my understanding that the active choice gives you a larger impedance inputs than a passive DI.Therefore using a passive DI...wouldn't you be limiting your input choices. Great videos by the way..I watch all the Studio One recording ones...I have 16.4.2 and Studio one 2 Pro. Cheers;
I've ignored buying DI's and about a month ago, I went with my band to a gig where they had professional sound equipment but they didn't know a rock band was going to the event so they didn't bring any DI Boxes. They ended up putting mics even to the bass amps...
Ouch!
I play really loud rock music (usually gigs are from 500-1000 people). And I almot always mic my bass cab (whilst using a DI box at the same time). Been doing it for 8 years. Wider tonal option to choose from.
Hey Brian, what's the difference between active and passive DI boxes?
Mario Paul an active di box would be powered via the phantom power on a balanced line. The passive version would operate via a 9v battery that is fitted inside the do box.
I would think a passive box does not need any power supply
making a signal balanced requires phase invertion. It needs a power source and processing board to do that
Not necessarily. A transformer will perform phase inversion.
A passive DI uses transformers and don´t need power. An active DI uses some kind of amplifier so it needs a power supply.
I play guitar direct into a 100w amp and get hum will a DI fix that?
I know it’s an old vid- but does guitar cable go directly into Dbox or out of The amp into Dbox? Anyone help thanks
The side of the DI box that he said was inputs actually has a 1/4 inch input and the other is an output. The way you would use this is plugging your guitar directly into the input of the DI box, then running a cable from the 1/4 inch output to an amplifier. The XLR output on the DI would be sent to an audio interface as a Clean guitar signal for re amping through computer software
Thanks. Very informative
I also hear that thay stop you from getting electrocuted from some thing called a ground loop.
Essentially, these are impedance matching transformers. They convert the high impedance unbalanced output from most instruments (guitar, bass, etc.) into a low impedance signal carried on a balanced line. The benefit is twofold. You turn your instrument's output into a low impedance signal that can run over much longer cables without significant signal loss -- especially in higher frequencies. You also get a balanced output which rejects RFI, EMI and other types of interference introduced through the cable itself.
Hello. A quick question.. Do D.I Box can retain acoustic guitar sound Including Tapping? And percussion etc.? Thanks for reply..
Nice explanation! thanks for the video.
I have learned a thing or two from watching these videos. Hopefully Ill never stop learning.Thank you for posting.
Why 2 1/4 inch holes on the back, why not just one?
Thanx for your time !!!!!!!
(Presentation, not content.) Hi Brian, something you are probably not aware of, is the habit a lip-smack as you take a breath to continue. If you are willing to eliminate that habit, your videos will be much more enjoyable to hear. Playback this video and sit with a couple of trusted friends to hear their comments.
Thanks for the input, but this video is over ten years old. I have been doing this a very long time and don't worry, it's all good now. Thanks.
Hello. Nice video. I have a question,,it may seem a stupid one, i don't know. If i use this for playing my backingtracks from my soundcard (let's say Focusrite or something similar), would'nt it be necesarry that the DI have 2 stereo outputs? I mean, i bring the stereo signal from the sound card via the two jacks from it s output to the two jacks from Di's Input, and then I see it's just one XLR output from the DI. Will the sound on the mixer arrive panned and stereo as it should be, or will it be a big and unfortunate centered mono?
Two DI boxes would probably suit you best.
Can you help me with my problem? I have Mesa M3 Carbine, the rack version, with DI output (XLR) and I want to record my bass guitar using M-Audio Fast track audio interface (XLR input for mic, line and guitar jack input). Obviously I cannot put DI from MESA to mic input on M-Audio interface, it makes only crazy sound. Is in this case DI Box useful? So I can maybe go with XLR from Mesa to DI Box and then continue from DI Box to LINE/GUITAR input on M-Audio interface? Thanks for a tip.
Your best bet would be to connect your M3's XLR output to the line input on the M-Audio. You'll need an XLR to 1/4" TRS adapter. Don't use a HiZ/LoZ adapter. But really you'd be better off getting a better interface. Why record such a nice amp with such a cheapy interface? The fast track has no gain/att controls. But it should be OK because you can control "DI Level" knob on the M3.
I have been recording into my computer direct, using a 1/4 inch jack to usb (from a Rocksmith game) and then adding fx in my DAW.it works but I notice a slight lag and it makes recording fast parts just a bit off. Will getting a DI box take help?
Either way I guess hearing it through a amp in real time might fix the problem in itself.
@FinalFragment You might want to consider a firewire or USB audio interface, such as the Presonus Firebox, it is well priced, and really powerful.
Good luck! Call me if you need some help.
I have a direct Box pdi. And I have all the hookups I have a Zoom Podcast Track P4. allow you to record your music. As long as you have the right hook up. I am playing my keyboard through the Direct Box . That has the 🎤 mic cord that goes in the direct box to the mic of the podcast. I can see it recording . my question is how do I go back to listen to what it recorded I can press the play .on it do I need speaker like The amplifier.or something
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Will this reduce the noise I get from my amp sim softwares and my Presonus Audiobox iTwo into bias fx2 or overloud TH-U? What if I use the send on my Katana and take it into my interface?
It's not really for that, a DI box is a connectivity-based peripheral.
I'll tell you what a DI box does. It destroys your tone.
Only when you use a cheap one it will, like this one. Get a good expensive one and you'll be fine.
Buy quality and crank it and you’ll be good...
Active or passive?
@@jesseavimanYeah go spend some money. Your engineer should know this. Also professional cables.
@@theprophetminstrel1597Strands of copper cable is strands of copper cable. Pro quality cables are a myth for the most part. Of course, there's cheap BS ones that you can tell right away. For the most part, a < $50 cable is more than sufficient.
Is this active or passive
Well, you could, but the signal won't really be changed, it simply will output to XLR.
Thank you for this video, it was very helpful😀👍🙏
Glad it was helpful! Please sub for more.
so iv been using a DI at church with my bass for years. tone not great but it works. should i shell out money to get a bass one like a mxr DI or something good? or will it not change anything really? the church has some sick subs and speakers but i still sound like a cardboard box sometime
well i got one anyway haha oh well i needed to get one eventually ha, its got a preamp built in as well. thanks anyway
Just looks like an impedance matcher
hi i'm recording my electric guitar straight into my mixer line input...should i be using a DI box with XLR to my mixers MIC XLR then?....also is there a DI box with a 9V tip - socket built in, or do they only run on battery? cheers, good explanation man.. ;)
I've been banned by a sound man to plug guitars directly to the mixer 2 years ago, but I've tried many times before to plug guitars directly without any problems as I mute the channel whenever I plug and unplug. I know DI box can protect the mixer, but is it guilty to plug the guitar without using DI box in a practical point of view?
Hey, thanks for the easy-to-understand tutorial on DI boxes.
I believe there are, but I would have to research, to find out.
@benthemiester well, I said 30/40 feet as an example, there's not much limit on a good cable, of course. thanks for watching!
Can I use this to hooke my krank rev jr amp head direct to my m-audio interface?
Some have 9v tips, and others do not, just depends on which one you get, really. You don't have to use the DI box to run the guitar in, but it might improve signal quality, depending on what you're working with.
Best of luck! Call if you need one on one help.
Why would you want to convert to XLR when recording bass guitar in the studio? Can't you just plug in directly? Don't most Pro Tools HD rigs have DI's already?
would this item reduce a signal into an 'overly hot' audio interface that is constantly clipping on its lowest setting? thanks.
I'm still confused on the PURPOSE of getting one. I understand what it does but for example, If i plug into my pedalboard, and from that to my halfstack...is there any use for it there? second scenario: to plug into a PA or something like a nightclub show, isn't it better just to get an sm57 and just mic ur cab and send that through the PA rather than Guitar->input(DI)->output into mixer and "input through" to your amp?
Unfortunately, no -- a compressor or limiter would do that.
Hi, i have a problem, i have the roland ua 55 interface, i play live with laptop + roland ua 55 which goes into a DI box which is connected to a PA, the problem is that i have no sound coming out, i have singal but no sound coming out.
So basically this is the same thing as a line-out box for an Amp that doesn't already have one built-in? I remember I had a Peavey Amp awhile ago and I actually made one of these boxes myself. But I think there must be more to it because the one I made was super simple and only cost me like 5$ to build. I think it was just a few jacks and a capacitor...? I did not need an XLR output though I just used a 1/4" TRS output and then went from that into a USB recording interface that had 1/4" TRS input. Now that I think about it, it probably sounded like shit, because there wasn't any cab simulation or anything going on. LOL. I guess you could always run it through a software cab sim later on after it's recorded though.
I just read a forum thread about high/low impedance and balanced/unbalanced. I am now bleeding from the ears, nose and eyeballs, my brain just couldn't take it.
I have an electro acoustic guitar with (I assume, as it has an EQ and takes a battery) an active pick-up. Do I still require a DI box to plug directly to my mixer? Also I own a G5 effects pedal, should I be able to use that as a substitute? I've not incorporated the effects pedal into my act yet which is why I ask.
Hi, I have a big question... I connect my guitar to a Line 6 POD HD500 multi effects processor and I use a tubes amp. I use the 4 cables method for connecting all, but the POD causes a tone suck when I use my amp's preamp... a friend of mine told me to use a DI box between the amp´s FX Send and the POD´s FX Return to solve this problem, but my question is... is the 1/4 out of a DI Box the same signal as the 1/4 input or you really have an impedance balance there?? Thanks!
Do they make these DI boxes with 1/4" out? I have a guitar amp with a 1/4" out that I'm running into my monitor speakers. My concern is that I don't know if the resistance or wattage is on par with the speakers. Should this be a concern? I just don't want to damage my speakers. Everything sounds ok, but I do hear a bit of fuzz (probably from my stratocaster pickups).
So, if I want to plug in my DTX drums as MIDI via USB into my computer, then use VSTi plugins and then output using an audio interface, how do I then make the sound into the speakers. I'm not sure what connections are required and to where it's supposed to be plugged in (mixer or PA). I've been researching this for hours but haven't found the solution to something that is supposed to be super simple. If anyone can help me, I'd be grateful. Thanks!
so pretty much they work as noise reduction boxes? I have a Noise reduction pedal in my pedal board and my guitar sounds pretty clean, makes me wonder if I still need a DI.
I have a PA System and too much noise when I Plug almost anything into it. Have been wondering about these DI Boxes for a long time. I see them in the Pawn Shops a lot. No I Know. I'll buy one right away. Thanks so much. {:-)
Hello, I have a mesa boogie amp and I am using a koch loadbox to do silent recording. When I plug the signal from my koch (XLR DI OUT) into my audio interface I have to turn the gain down almost all the way to stop clipping. Would a DI BOX right before my interface fix this?
Sounds to me like your audio interfaces XLR input is a mic input. Your koch's outputs are providing line level. A DI might help if it's got a pad on it you can use, but that's just a feature of most DI's and not the actual purpose which is line balancing and impedance matching. You don't need that cus your koch's XLR out is already balanced. You can also just get an inline XLR pad (-20db should be fine) for much cheaper. Or if your interface has a balanced line level input you can use that. Or see if there is a mic/line switch on your interface of a pad switch.
BMKid my presounus interface has two combo inputs I use for mics and guitar strait in. I also used this for the Koch input so maybe I need to plug the Koch into the other inputs it has on the back that have no preamp and I use for my keyboard in.
Audio gremlins
Thanks, this was helpful. I am learning about this stuff. I got a FocusRite 6i6 interface. It has 4 inputs but only 2 have pre-amps. I need at least 3 inputs. Would getting a DI box allow me to boost and use my guitar signal in one of the non pre-amped inputs?
Or would it be a better idea to shell out more money for the 18i8 with more pre-amps.
That sounds like it would work, at least to me.
There are different DI boxes as well. Active and passive. Which one do you need?
If your source/guitar is passive meaning no battery or powered eq then an active DI is in order.
If you have a powered source/guitar meaning there is a battery or some sort of inserted power such as a stomp box then a passive DI is what you need.
i see why you would need this do go to a mixer butt why if you play a live gig plug the guitar in your guitar amp than sm57 mix in front of the amp why would you plug the guitar in a mixer cheesy sound it would butt if you do use a di to a audio interface than yes a good thing to use if you use vst sound
@FinalFragment If your only using one or two inputs at a time such as in doing solo projects, you can get Presonus Firebox which I use, or something comparable like an Avid M box, and they also give you Pro Tools LE software bundled with it, or in my case Studio One. If you need more inputs they also have different models to suit your needs. You will definitely hear a difference and be able to record at higher sample and bit rates if you desire. Price range around 250 dollars and up.
If my amp has a quarter inch line out should i buy a di so i can convert it to xlr without losing the tone of my amp? I running my amp through the pa so i can get my amps tone but have the power of the pa
it's all about ONE path to ground. if you eliminate all the ground pins from every interconnected piece of gear, except ONE, no hum, no problem. however, doing so, can expose musicians, to potential electric shocks, if an amplifier develops a problem. the balanced d.i. converted box eliminates the danger.
@benthemiester Thanks for watching! Glad you like what I do :)
Hi Thanks for the fantastic explanation.. I now have a lot clearer understanding of what DI boxes do.. In my band we have two electro acoustic guitars; could I run these two into one DI box? & what would be the best (& most economical) one to get? Thank you...
is that a pretty decent DI box??and how much that cost you??
Silly question, but gotta ask. Can you plug, say a bass guitar 1/4 inch in and get the processed signal 1/4 inch out using that box?
cheers man, i bought a behringer d120 DI, haven't had time to try it yet...thaks man.
After rocking back and forth in a foetal position, sobbing and dribbling for a while, I did a bit more research.
I'm pretty confident the G5 will do the trick as it has a selector for active or passive input, a balanced XLR output and various output settings in the menu.
I now ask out of interest, are there DI boxes designed for both active and passive pick-ups? I read that a general rule of thumb is active pick-ups with a passive DI box or vice versa (although active and active will work)
this has been some useful information to me, thanks OBEDIA! peace
Yes, I plug the drums into the PC via MIDI and then output through an external sound card and then I can use RCA out or connect the RCA into a DI box. I hope it's the right way.
Subscribed, informative video :) Quick question, if I use it for stereo acoustic guitar recording- with 2 mics and all. I will need a Stereo DI Box (dual channel) right? I heard 2 mono DI Box won't be the way to go with stereo acoustic guitar recording?
One correction. A good balanced cable should be able to run hundreds of feet without no problem.
i have pedals i connect directly,most are too much power will this be perfect to control the volume,gain settings.
if so,the set up would be guitar,x amount of pedals then dibox then interface?
dude this was usefull info but i also need to know if i can use a DI box to record what i am playing to my pc
The drums have to go in via MIDI.
I don't believe that'll happen!
Can I connect the line out of a bass amp to a DI box and the DI box to my USB audio interface? Or can I do this without a DI unit?
Ive had a db1 for like 7 years...no clue how the fuck i use it
it was a high tech beer coaster...but now i have very fun studio so now i get it. Bad ass.
Great info. Thanks. If I wanted to bring a BALANCED signal out of my DAW soundcard (VST Synth) to a mic pre amp and back into my DAW to color the sound, would I need a direct box or an inline attenuator? In this situation I'd be padding the input to the mic pre.
My Roland TM-2 Drum Trigger Module has (2) 1/4 jack outputs, R and L. How do I get them back to the PA board while keeping stereo without running (2) 1/4 inch cables all the way to the board?
***** Actually, I got a female 1/4" jack to Male XLR Transformer adapter for $18 online, worked well at the last gig. Only used the L side, mono.
@djprj5514 Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much THIS WAS SERIOUSLY HELPFUL
How will you connect it to 4 channel mixer? Thanks
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@1pilotsteve Many thanks! I would go with a Passive, I believe, because it should technically reduce your noise level. You shouldn't be limiting yourself, as most places you'd use a DI should be able to play nicely with a Passive.
Got a question for you. My church has the house system but the band has its on system. Meaning church mixer used to sound the singers but me and the band havs a mixer used for keys, drum mics, bass and play click tracks.Is it possible to bridge the 2 systems together with the di box and if so what is the proper way to connect it.
I recently found out about guitar di box and this video nicely explains what di box is
So if I' going from my bass to my mixer (1 meter) away it means it is not necessary to buy a DI box? Best ! your video is perfect !
Hi, congrats for the video very well done, I have a question, can I plug two differents instruments at the same time? thanks in advance.
why not just always use LIFT, if GRN can introduce noise?
thank you, please sub for more!
Thanks for the answer. I'm sure it will. I'll have a chance to test it out in the upcoming months if I get gigs for drumming.
@benthemiester Yeah! Those ones are cool, and can be useful in the studio.