What is wrong with these DIs?

[Cognition]

I was sending a bunch of tracks off for re-amping and was told my DIs are "a bit funky" (no further explanation given). What is the problem, and how can I fix it?

Recording chain:
Ibanez Rgr321Ex guitar with Seymour Duncan Blackout pickups (bridge)
direct into E-MU 0404USB (which has Hi-Z inputs)

MIX with amp sim:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3049335/FunkyDIs/funky-InMix.mp3

The "funky" DIs:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3049335/FunkyDIs/funky_guitarDI-left.wav
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3049335/FunkyDIs/funky_guitarDI-right.wav


When listening back it sounds like maybe the DIs are breaking up slightly. The above was done on the EMU0404 gain setting '0dB/Unity (Unbalanced)'.

The below were done on the absolute lowest gain setting:

MIX with amp sim:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3049335/FunkyDIs/AnyBetterMix.mp3

DIs:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3049335/FunkyDIs/funky_guitarDI-left.wav
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3049335/FunkyDIs/funky_guitarDI-right.wav


This is a very rough and temporary mix. I'm just concerned with solving my DI problem. Any advice would come much appreciated, particularly if there is something I can do that won't be very expensive.

 

[CatharsisStudios]

when i re-amped em they sounded like a neck pickup
atleast on that first song you sent me i am gonna keep re-amping em though

 

[Forceps]

I was sending a bunch of tracks off for re-amping and was told my DIs are "a bit funky" (no further explanation given). What is the problem, and how can I fix it?

Why not ask the guy you sent the DI's to?

 

[Cognition]

Why not ask the guy you sent the DI's to?

I did, but didn't get an answer before now, that they apparently sound like neck pickups.

Either way, if there's a way I can improve my DIs for the future I'm all ears.

 

[Forceps]

I'm on my laptop now and don't hear any difference in the files. Are Blackouts active PU's? Are you sure your batteries aren't dead (almost)?
Have you tried using a dedicated DI instead of the HiZ inputs? Maybe that could help you get less funky DI's?

 

[Cognition]

The Blackouts are active. I'm sure the batteries are good. They're only one or two months old.

I haven't been able to test using a dedicated DI. I can't really afford a Countryman at the moment, but would something like a Behringer Ultra-Di Di100 Active Di-Box be worth giving a shot? That's within my budget.

I would save up for a more expensive DI if I was convinced it would do wonders for my guitar sound.

Thanks for the ideas!

Edit: I do have an Art Tube MP preamp I've tried using, which adds a bit of tube colour, but I've heard non-tube is preferable.

 

[deLuther]

0404 USB usually sounds good, way better then Art Tube MP, maybe better then Ultra-DI100 (and you also need to use mic pre of 0404 USB).

 

[deLuther]

Maybe "funky" means that there is no palm-muting at all
I have DI-track recorded with ESP Eclipse with AHB1 through Hi-Z input of 0404 USB, very good sound, but performance is much better.

 

[deLuther]

Check it out:
http://webfile.ru/4174596 (Don`t know how well this works outside of Russia).

 

[Cognition]

0404 USB usually sounds good, way better then Art Tube MP, maybe better then Ultra-DI100 (and you also need to use mic pre of 0404 USB).

What do you mean by I must use the mic pre of the 0404 USB?
I just have a standard guitar cable from my guitar to the Neutrik combo input.

Maybe "funky" means that there is no palm-muting at all
I have DI-track recorded with ESP Eclipse with AHB1 through Hi-Z input of 0404 USB, very good sound, but performance is much better.

Some of the tracks I sent have palm muting. Sure, the performance is not amazing, but all I ask for is a heavy guitar tone Your DI sounds nice, but have only had a chance to check it out on headphones at work. Will check it with my amp sim settings when I get home.

Thanks!

 

[Forceps]

What do you mean by I must use the mic pre of the 0404 USB?
I just have a standard guitar cable from my guitar to the Neutrik combo input.

What he means is: when you use a DI, the ouput of the DI has to go into a mic pre of your soundcard. The guitarcable you have is fine, cause you go from guitar to DI.

 

[deLuther]

BTW. lower links (DI, with lowest gain) are the same as with upper (with unity gain, unbalanced).
By using mic pre, I mean that someone need to use mic pre of 0404 if he will use any directbox (like mentioned behringer DI).
Of course, to use Hi-Z input all you need - is to plug your guitar into Hi-Z input of 0404 USB.
Eclipse DI is not my, it was sent to me.
For your DI-tracks (by provided links) I also can agree that DI are a bit "funky" or not heavy...

 

[Cognition]

Thanks a lot for clarifying!

So what do you guys reckon my problem is? Is it my budget guitar (Ibanez rgr321ex), or is the problem with the actual recording?

Do I need a decent DI box or a better guitar or is the problem something else?

I am assuming my Seymour Duncan Blackout pickups should be well up to the challenge.

 

[deLuther]

At least 0404 USB is good enough for quality DI, maybe something like Countryman Type 85 will give better result
At least 0404 USB is better than Art Tube MP and, probably, than any cheap DI, at least 0404 USB have 1 MOhm impedance, unlike many not expensive DI.
So weak parts are: guitar (not pickups) and performance. Maybe better performance is the way to go.

(DI sample posted is mentioned ESP Eclipse Custom with AHB1 through 0404 USB).

 

[Cognition]

Thanks! Really appreciate the input!

So what are the main faults with the performance?

What are the main areas that need improvement in the performance that will lead to better DIs?

 

[deLuther]

As a little illustration how performance can affect tone: http://webfile.ru/4181325 (if there will be download problems - post a message).
There is 4 guitars (different price range), in one case same guitar with electronics modification.
Which one better an which one worse?

ps. Uploaded to dropbox: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3630120/Comparison_DI.rar

 

[Frankzappa]

This problem is really easy to fix, you are NOT using the HiZ-input. It's eigther that or there is a serious problem with your pickups. On my soundcard there is a line in input/HiZ-input but you have to flick on a switch for the HiZ-input to be active. Maybe you need to "turn on" the HiZ input.

 

[Cognition]

This problem is really easy to fix, you are NOT using the HiZ-input. It's eigther that or there is a serious problem with your pickups. On my soundcard there is a line in input/HiZ-input but you have to flick on a switch for the HiZ-input to be active. Maybe you need to "turn on" the HiZ input.

I hope this is the case!

The only problem is, there is no switch on the interface. I've got the impression the interface will adjust to Hi-Z automatically when a TS jack is plugged in?

From the manual:
Mic / Hi-Z / Line Inputs
These Neutrik combination jacks can be used either as balanced microphone
inputs, Hi-Z guitar pickup inputs or line level inputs.
XLR Connectors - Use for dynamic or condenser microphones.
(1=gnd, 2=hot, 3=cold)
1/4 inch Jacks - Center opening. Use for electric musical instruments
(i.e. guitar, bass, etc.), or line-level signals. The inputs are balanced, but you
can use either balanced (TRS = tip-ring sleeve) or unbalanced (TS= tip-sleeve)
cables for line-level signals (tip=hot, ring=cold, sleeve=gnd).

Edit: The Manual:
http://www.emu.com/support/files/storage/0404-USB-EN.pdf

 

[Forceps]

I found this:

The guitar input is crap. This is no real Hi-Z input! It should be done with a switch because you really need to change the impedance of the input for guitars. Emu claims it can be done with the stageless potmeters but forget it. Even with a phantom powered DI box, guitars still don't sound great. No high frequencies...

Source: http://www.zzounds.com/productreview--EMU0404

 

[Frankzappa]

I hope this is the case!

The only problem is, there is no switch on the interface. I've got the impression the interface will adjust to Hi-Z automatically when a TS jack is plugged in?

From the manual:
Mic / Hi-Z / Line Inputs
These Neutrik combination jacks can be used either as balanced microphone
inputs, Hi-Z guitar pickup inputs or line level inputs.
XLR Connectors - Use for dynamic or condenser microphones.
(1=gnd, 2=hot, 3=cold)
1/4 inch Jacks - Center opening. Use for electric musical instruments
(i.e. guitar, bass, etc.), or line-level signals. The inputs are balanced, but you
can use either balanced (TRS = tip-ring sleeve) or unbalanced (TS= tip-sleeve)
cables for line-level signals (tip=hot, ring=cold, sleeve=gnd).

Edit: The Manual:
http://www.emu.com/support/files/storage/0404-USB-EN.pdf

The problem is your soundcard then, the manufacturer forgot to build the switch

Seriously you should go back to the store and get your money back for the soundcard, that is a piece of crap. You can buy a Behringer DI-box pretty cheap though, it should work fine for active pickups. It will sound MUCH better.