DI -> interface quick question

[xMannequiNx]

I'm getting a separate DI box (finally) and im using an m-audio firewire 1814 interface, which has 8 1/4" line ins.

Quick question: how should I go from the DI box's XLR lo-z out into the unbalanced 1/4" inputs on the 1814 transparently?

 

[ahjteam]

guitar -> jack cable -> di -> xlr -> 1814

 

[xMannequiNx]

guitar -> jack cable -> di -> xlr -> 1814

I mean how should I convert the XLR into a 1/4" without losses. I know I can plug an XLR into the front of the unit, but then it makes my rack look messy uke:

 

[Metaltastic]

Well the DI box needs to go into a mic preamp to get the level at an acceptable level, so there's your solution! For future reference, however, line-in's are 1/4" TRS balanced, so an XLR-TRS cable would work for, say, connecting an external mic preamp to your interface. Only instrument inputs (which are usually clearly labeled) are unbalanced.

 

[xMannequiNx]

my 1814 has unbalanced line inputs: http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/media_hqpics/firewire1814_back.jpg

I thought the DI converted the signal to line level, not just lo-z. That all makes sense now.

 

[ahjteam]

I mean how should I convert the XLR into a 1/4" without losses. I know I can plug an XLR into the front of the unit, but then it makes my rack look messy uke:

No, you need to use XLR female -> XLR male cable. The DI-box needs phantom power (assuming you are buying an active DI), which is carried via the ground pin in the XLR-cable.

 

[xMannequiNx]

No, you need to use XLR female -> XLR male cable. The DI-box needs phantom power (assuming you are buying an active DI), which is carried via the ground pin in the XLR-cable.

I'm gettin a passive box.

 

[Metaltastic]

Then it DEFINITELY needs to go into a mic preamp!