I need help to improve my DI track sound!

[muckypup1]

At the moment I'm using an Alesis Guitar-link USB cable and my computer to record all my shit. I'm pretty pleased with how it sounds, especially for the price it cost But I was wondering, would adding a tube pre-amp make the DI tracks sound any better?

At the moment, the DI tracks I'm able to make are a bit cold sounding, cold and too bassy.

Would adding a tube pre-amp like this - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3163522/Art tube MP.png

The ART Tube MP pre-amp - would adding something that make the DI's sound any better? I don't have money to fuck around with, and I can't afford to go and buy a Profire or something like that! I have to stick with what I've got at the moment...so I have to do things on a very tight budget

So if you know if it would improve the sound at all please post I need some more info on this!

 

[updog]

I'd say get a real DI box instead - if you happen to not like the coloration the Tube MP gives you there's no way of removing it from the tracks afterwards. The tube in it isn't exactly the best there could be, the price is relatively low after all (that's not to say the tube couldn't be changed)... And I'd say a tube wouldn't make your DIs sound LESS bassy, at least. I have one of those, bought it to record bass, but didn't end up using it after all. It could work for live applications, though.

I'd look for a good DI box in the 100-200 pricerange. Also, a lot comes down to your guitar.

And this you probably know, but the DIs aren't supposed to sound that good in fact, they sound rather nasty.

 

[arv_foh]

would adding a tube pre-amp make the DI tracks sound any better?

probably not. A decent preamp (I've heard the golden age pre 73 is sweet for the price but have yet to get my hands on one because they're sold out everywhere), a decent DI (Radial, Countryman), and a decent guitar with good pickups (EMGs maybe) would be a good place to start.

 

[deLuther]

Art Tube MP will make your tracks even more bassy, due to tube.
I`d go for solidstate.
My test (DI tracks)
http://www.guitarplayer.ru/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=127019.0;attach=208105
Art Tube MP Studio vs 2 solidstate pres.
One is my ENGL e430 on bypass (true) sound taken from buffered out (just to compare, it`s a waste of it`s power).
Second is Digilab SPM-100 - solidstate mic/line/instrument pre (russian made).

Buying good DI-box does not solve all problems - you will need good pre to use it.

 

[muckypup1]

Whoa, this looks like its going to cost a lot of money

Would the Line 6 Gx or UX1 be any good for DI tracks? Or would it be much better than the cable i've got at the moment?

 

[deLuther]

You can consider E-Mu USB interfaces (0202 USB, Tracker Pre or 0404 USB), not very expensive, quality converters.
I have heard good DI tracks recorded with 0404 USB, at least better than Line 6 stuff.

 

[muckypup1]

You can consider E-Mu USB interfaces (0202 USB, Tracker Pre or 0404 USB), not very expensive, quality converters.
I have heard good DI tracks recorded with 0404 USB, at least better than Line 6 stuff.

Cool dude, I'm going to google them now

 

[arv_foh]

Cool dude, I'm going to google them now

Presonus Audiobox seems to be a nice one as well.

 

[deLuther]

From these E-Mu interfaces better to go with 0404 USB because instrumental input can accept greater levels than others.
0404 USB
Hi-Z Line Input: - Max Level: +12dBV (14.2dBu)
http://www.emu.com/products/product...611&product=15185&nav=technicalSpecifications
0202 USB
Max Level: +6.5dBV bal/unbal (+8.7 dBu)
http://www.emu.com/products/product...611&product=15186&nav=technicalSpecifications
Tracker Pre
Max Level: +6.4dBV bal/unbal (+6.9 dBu)
- Hi-Z/line balanced input: +6.9dBV bal/unbal (+9.1dBu)
http://www.emu.com/products/product...611&product=17511&nav=technicalSpecifications