How to check your DI output without a PA

mrpackerguy · #1 02-28-2011, 07:55 AM

My EA Micro head was causing some bad crackling at the gig this past weekend. At the end of the gig, the PA got packed up before I had a chance to diagnose further, other than we had narrowed it down to my DI out from the EA head as we were performing.

How can I further diagnose this - DI output vs bad cord vs trimpot issue without the availability of a PA? IS it possible to run the line out into the speaker cab?

**mikeddd** · #2 02-28-2011, 07:58 AM

Do you have any powered monitors? Small mixer or anything else that takes a XLR input?

**mikeddd** · #3 02-28-2011, 08:03 AM

Do you have a power amp handy? Run the DI into the power amp hooked to your cab.

mrpackerguy · #4 02-28-2011, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeddd

Do you have a power amp handy? Run the DI into the power amp hooked to your cab.

I've got another bass head, a Markbass F500.

**mikeddd** · #5 02-28-2011, 11:38 AM

If you have some cables you don't mind sacrificing,you can make an XLR to 1/4" adapter cable. You'd have to look up the exact pinout of the XLR, but I know Pin#1 is postive...I believe Pin#2 is negative (but look it up). Then connect the XLR outs to a 1/4" cable and plug into the input of the other amp. There would be a level mismatch, but you would be able to hear if it works or not.

babebambi · #6 02-28-2011, 12:35 PM

I am having sort of the same problem.

On my last gig, my SM12.0 only have signal with pre EQ on the D.I. and have no sound on the post EQ D.I.

I will see if I have the parts (and time) to make the XLR - 1/4" adapter. Thanks.

seanm · #7 02-28-2011, 12:39 PM

Do you have an ART Tube MP? Every bass player should have one! You could run the XLR into the MP and run the out to the amp, preferably to an effects return. Just be very careful to keep the levels very low.

Passinwind · #8 02-28-2011, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrpackerguy

My EA Micro head was causing some bad crackling at the gig this past weekend. At the end of the gig, the PA got packed up before I had a chance to diagnose further, other than we had narrowed it down to my DI out from the EA head as we were performing.

The first thing I always check for in those situations is a phantom power conflict, FWIW. You need to use the same PA to troubleshoot your problem, ideally.

Passinwind · #9 02-28-2011, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeddd

If you have some cables you don't mind sacrificing,you can make an XLR to 1/4" adapter cable. You'd have to look up the exact pinout of the XLR, but I know Pin#1 is positive...I believe Pin#2 is negative (but look it up).

Nope. Pin 1 is always ground, 2 is the hot standard these days, 3 hot used to be fairly common.

**mikeddd** · #10 02-28-2011, 01:21 PM

Thanks for clarifying the XLR pinout, Passinwind. I wasn't sure...that's why I told him to look it up. Don't want the guy blowing his stuff up.

Tunaman · #11 02-28-2011, 01:49 PM

Go right into your $20 Behringer mixer with headphones
Thats what I do!