Do you use a DI instead of an amp?

mmbongo · #1 08-27-2011, 10:13 AM

Something just hit me. When I'm at home, I rarely play through a cabinet. I run the DI from my GK1001 to a mixer then to my computer for recording and playing through headphones. Works great, I just have to run cables (XLR, tuner, instrument) from the amp on one side of the room to my desk on the other. I can't move the amp closer.

So, why not get a DI pedal that I can just put under my desk? Something like a Harkte bass attack?

I just have no experience with these DI pedals, need to hear from those experience with them!

scottfeldstein · #2 08-27-2011, 10:16 AM

I think that would work fine. I have a SansAmp that intend to run straight to the board in live situations. I suspect it'll give me an "ampy" sound to the front of the house while also leaving me free to EQ my rig for my own stage monitoring.

JimiLL · #3 08-27-2011, 11:23 AM

For bedroom style practice... theres nothing wrong with it.

I cant imagine doing a gig without some type of rig at my back

scottfeldstein · #4 08-27-2011, 11:26 AM

Upon reflection, I also like to have an on-stage amp of some kind. If you're talking about going straight into a studio mixer or into your headphones, that's one thing. Going straight to the front-of-house without an amp onstage... I wouldn't.

mmbongo · #5 08-27-2011, 11:35 AM

This would be for home use only. No way I could replace my GK 1001 with the 6x10 for gigs

countrybass007 · #6 08-27-2011, 11:36 AM

Never do I play without an amp. I DI out of my amp anyway.

JimmyM · #7 08-27-2011, 12:06 PM

Hartke Bass Attack rocks. I have one, and I think the DI in it is excellent and on a par with Radial and Countryman.

mmbongo · #8 08-30-2011, 07:10 AM

Hartke Bass Attack on the way!

basswave · #9 08-30-2011, 07:14 AM

No recommended but its getting a little more common to do a small tour with all in ear monitors and just using DIs for bass.

I did a small run like this and you get used to it fast enough but unless you have a good in ear and soundman that is your own I would not recommend it.

MODELL · #10 08-30-2011, 08:11 AM

I've definitely practiced and played open mics with acoustic duos and trios without bringing my amp. I use this DI:
Rolls SE162 | 8thstreet.com | Call 1-800-878-8882 | Free Shipping on most orders!

I got this direcly from Rolls as a 'scratch and dent' for $40.00. I've also used it with my acoustic guitar at home for recording.

rockstarbassist · #11 08-30-2011, 08:39 AM

Nope.

If I did I'd just buy a power amp and some high-end monitors and run my bass into that.

Pickebass · #12 08-30-2011, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basswave

No recommended but its getting a little more common to do a small tour with all in ear monitors and just using DIs for bass.

I did a small run like this and you get used to it fast enough but unless you have a good in ear and soundman that is your own I would not recommend it.

One band I play with only allows in ear monitors. The band gigs regularly. Admittedly it was weird at first, but I take one of my pedalboards which have a bass bone or a ebs microbass and sounds great! Also helps because they have a great soundman. Almost never pull out an amp at home. If a do, it is a line 6 lowdown 110 which is great for small gigs and practice

devilock76 · #13 08-30-2011, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pickebass

One band I play with only allows in ear monitors. The band gigs regularly. Admittedly it was weird at first, but I take one of my pedalboards which have a bass bone or a ebs microbass and sounds great! Also helps because they have a great soundman. Almost never pull out an amp at home. If a do, it is a line 6 lowdown 110 which is great for small gigs and practice

I have had this discussion before with bands about going to in ear systems. I am always reluctant about using them as I hate having something in my ears. I only wear ear plugs when absolutely necessary and tend to lean towards turn it down to prevent the need for ear plugs. I like the concept and pros of in ear monitors but I am having a hard time thinking of myself playing with them the whole time.

Ken

stingraysvt · #14 08-30-2011, 01:00 PM

I've been known to when I have my ears...

I used my sans amp 1/4 out to drive my 1/4 to mini 1/8 into my old computer soundcard, that way I could use my guitar cable into the sans amp, so I could stand up and walk around while practicing, didn't really need it but it was extra cool for the Eq and stuff...

jmac · #15 08-30-2011, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Hartke Bass Attack rocks. I have one, and I think the DI in it is excellent and on a par with Radial and Countryman.

Wow, that's a mighty bold statement. I'll have to check out the hartke unit.