Using software sims: Better to plug into a DI box before interface?

[J.DavisNJ]

I'm assuming the signal will be cleaner and just plain sound better?? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

I want to buy a DI box to be able to record with Revalver and, of course, to have clean DI signals for reamping later on and such.

Am I correct in assuming this?

-Joe

 

[Metaltastic]

Yup!

 

[SocialNumb]

Hmmm what about when I plug strait in to an Apogee Duet? Should I still use a DI box?

 

[J.DavisNJ]

Yahtzee...

Gonna pick up a Countryman very soon.

-Joe

 

[grywolf627]

I don't use a DI box. My Digi002 has 10Mohm instrument input, so why bother? Was thinking of making a DI/reamp box just for the hell of it though.

 

[Black neon bob]

Hmmm what about when I plug strait in to an Apogee Duet? Should I still use a DI box?

Yeah, i would like to know this as well..

 

[devouredremains]

Yeah, i would like to know this as well..

I've never had a problem using instrument inputs on an interface. I don't see the point of coloring you guitar signal with a transformer more times than necessary especially if you are reamping. That's two extra transformers away from plugging directly into your guitar amp.

 

[grywolf627]

I'd say if the input impedance is high enough, it shouldn't be a problem. I did a quick search for the specs on the duet, but didn't find any actual numbers.

 

[mondocane]

duet hi-z input impedance is 1Mohm, I believe.

 

[Metaltastic]

I have to wonder if input impedance is the only factor in a good DI, though, seeing as how the Tapco DB-1A and Countryman Type 85 have the same input impedance but a $100 price difference (same with the Samson S-Direct and BSS AR-133...)

 

[Jaymz]

We need to find a DI Boffin'

 

[Metaltastic]

Haha, a what now?

 

[Jaymz]

Never heard of a Boffin'?

 

[Soundlurker]

DI boxes have a parallel output and ground lift switch. However, this does not necessarily mean they are better. For example, I used to use a crappy behringer DI until I got an interface with instrument ins (emu 1616m), the e-mu sounds way cleaner and hasn't ever had ground loop noise. As for the lack of parallel output, I just route the input to an output of the emu and into my reamp box and amp.

 

[abyssofdreams]

I've made some tests a few days ago with my mic pre (Hi-Z input), my DI box Samson S-Direct, and direct into my interface (unbalanced) and I can assure you the DI box as well as the mic pre do make a big difference in the resulting tone, you might not hear it just listening to the DI track alone but when amplified you'll notice

So to answer your question... yes, use a DI-box if possible.

 

[Metaltastic]

DI boxes have a parallel output and ground lift switch. However, this does not necessarily mean they are better. For example, I used to use a crappy behringer DI until I got an interface with instrument ins (emu 1616m), the e-mu sounds way cleaner and hasn't ever had ground loop noise. As for the lack of parallel output, I just route the input to an output of the emu and into my reamp box and amp.

Key words highlighted in bold

And James, I have not

 

[Jaymz]

Boffin' = 55-60 year old bloke, Lab coat, huge jam jar glasses, 30+ experience, masturbates over his chosen subject...in our case....DI boxes...,minimal hair which is white (grey at a push) with dirty teeth.

 

[Metaltastic]

Hahahahahaha, in that case, check in on me in a few decades!

 

[Jaymz]

LOL

 

[Soundlurker]

Well I'm not saying hi-Z input is always better than a DI box, just that if you have a decent preamp with hi-z input you don't really need a DI that much and in fact the signal chain is such than in more then a few cases the preamp can be the better choice.