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

[Metaltastic]

Well that's what I'm not sure about though, and won't be until I've heard someone compare a Countryman to a "decent preamp with hi-z input" (I know my Redeye craps on the inst. inputs of my Onyx Satellite! Though I don't think those are more than 500 kOhms input impedance, so not the best example...)

 

[musickey]

Fuck i have been using just my FP10 Instrument ins. I know im thicked skulled, So you guys are recommending that its best to use a DI Box along with the instrument inputs?

 

[Metaltastic]

Nah, it'd be a DI box into a mic preamp, since the signal coming out of the DI is balanced/low impedance (lo-Z). Not saying I know for certain a DI would be better than the FP10 inst. in, but I think it's pretty likely!

 

[musickey]

Nah, it'd be a DI box into a mic preamp, since the signal coming out of the DI is balanced/low impedance (lo-Z). Not saying I know for certain a DI would be better than the FP10 inst. in, but I think it's pretty likely!

Thats what i figured, Thanks for the insight. I will try and pick up a decent DI Box and do some comparing.

 

[Metaltastic]

Cool man, looking forward to it! And if you haven't seen this thread, it might help with your decision! (though unfortunately I couldn't afford to buy any of the inexpensive DI boxes for the test, cuz I used all my available money getting the Countryman and J48!)

 

[::XeS::]

If a good preamp is better than a DI box, why our "big producers" friends use DI boxes? I mean, all of them own some fuckin' great preamps...

 

[Metaltastic]

Well specifically I think he meant a good preamp with a hi-z (inst.) input - but if nothing else, that doesn't give you the inst. thru output to send to an amp like a dedicated DI

 

[::XeS::]

Well specifically I think he meant a good preamp with a hi-z (inst.) input - but if nothing else, that doesn't give you the inst. thru output to send to an amp like a dedicated DI

Exactly.

 

[musickey]

What do you guys think, I have an ADL 600 pre, Should i use a DI box running into the ADL for recording my gat DI's? The ADL has instrument inputs as well, or do i just use the inst in?.

 

[Metaltastic]

Ooh, ADL, very nice - I'd think the inst. in on that would be fine (and very likely would be better than the FP10, though on the other hand, since the ADL is tube it might color it too much)

 

[musickey]

I havent got a chance to really do a critical test using the different gear i have. I have a guy coming over tonight to track guitar DI's, So Heres my choices. And i only have a behringer DI Box lol, And an X-amp re-amp box. And heres some specs on the ADL Input Impedence
Microphone Selectable, 150/300/900/1500 Ohm
Balanced Line 2KOhm
Instrument 100KOhm

1. FP10 - Inst IN
2. Behringer DI Box - FP10 Mic IN
3. ADL - Inst IN
4. Behringer DI Box - ADL Mic IN

 

[musickey]

I ended up using the DI Box into the ADL for the guitar DI's, Re-amped using a mix of a peavey XXX and a Mesa Triple Recto, into a Marshall Mode 4 cab loaded with EV Black Labels, 2 sm57s and a Sure KSM on the cab. And i gotta say its the best guitar tone i have gotten to date. its hard to say why it sounds so much better than my previous tones, but i will say that alot of the difference was likely becouse of the DI Box and preamp. So thanks for the info it is appreciated.

 

[Metaltastic]

Sweet dude! But wow, Black labels in a Mode 4 cab? Those weren't stock, were they?

 

[musickey]

Sweet dude! But wow, Black labels in a Mode 4 cab? Those weren't stock, were they?

Nope didnt come stock. It sounds beastly though. Going to try the same chain out soon just using my recto cab with 30's in it, and see if i get better results.