DI box or Pad? Instrument input clipping on interface

[Ollie_H]

My instrument input on my interface clips unless I turn down the volume knob on my guitar. What would be a better solution, getting some kind of pad to reduce the volume, or getting a DI box? I'm leaning towards a DI box because apparently it improves the signal too? My guitar is a 7 string with a D-Activator bridge pickup, which is a pretty high output passive pickup. What kind of DI box would I want, I have to match the impedance or something don't I? Confusing stuff

 

[Mutant]

Let me guess. Saffire ?

Look for a DI box with an input impedance of at least 1 megaohm.

The DI box is what matches the impedance for you - thanks to it you can use your interfaces mic preamp input or even line input if the signal from your pickups is strong enough to not need any preamplification.

 

[Ollie_H]

Let me guess. Saffire ?

Look for a DI box with an input impedance of at least 1 megaohm.

The DI box is what matches the impedance for you - thanks to it you can use your interfaces mic preamp input or even line input if the signal from your pickups is strong enough to not need any preamplification.

Yup... . Is the more the better, i.e. should I get one with 2 megaohms, or is there a perfect amount for the impedance of my pickups or what? Any in particular you would recommend?

 

[LeSedna]

Mathematically, the more the better, but then the quality of the box itself makes more a difference than the number.

I have the Countryman Type85, I can recommend it, it's indestructible and does the job pretty well. There are a few other options in this price range too.

 

[Wohma]

If Countryman (or Radials) are too much for you, LA Audio DI2 is a cool DI box. I'm using it with my Saffire LE and I'm really happy with the sound I get.
As for the impedance - higher is usually better, but some of the praised ones have sub-1MOhm impedance and they still sound good.

 

[Ollie_H]

If Countryman (or Radials) are too much for you, LA Audio DI2 is a cool DI box. I'm using it with my Saffire LE and I'm really happy with the sound I get.
As for the impedance - higher is usually better, but some of the praised ones have sub-1MOhm impedance and they still sound good.

Just pulled the trigger on a countryman before I saw this, hopefully it will save me money in the long run. Thanks for all the advice guys

 

[kylendm]

I have a saffire as well and i have a 1M input on my box. I still have to lower the gain on my Pro24 which cuts the signal when I reamp it. Not really sure what to do about it. I could plug into the -16db and raise the gain but idk if that'll change anything.