Line Out Question
 

This might be a dumb question but why do so amps have a seperate volume control for the line out? Does it even make a difference?

Also if there is one on the amp what is a good volume level to have it on or again does it even matter since the final adjustment will be at the board?

Thanks.

If you are talking about the level on the DI, some DI signals can be too hot for the mixing board or too quiet.

Older GK heads have notoriously high DI output level, can easily clip the preamp of a mixer that doesn't have pads.

Having a variable output level is handy for situations where:
The next piece of gear doesn't have pad/gain/trim controls.
The mixer doesn't enough available line or mic inputs.
The next piece of gear expects a consumer level (-10dB) input.

Got it. Thanks for the response.

The default level reduction of every DI is -20dB.

But:

strong signal level into DI stage => means strong (-20dB) DI signal level out into FOH.


A lot of Folks like and prefer high level signals ...although there is never any need to do it like that.

Di signal level (by default) to FOH should be similar to micro signal level.

So if your (DI) gear gives stronger level then the FOH can handle means, try to reduce your signal level and give more stage level with the master of the amp.

True that typical feeds to FOH are mic level.

But, if all the mic inputs on the mixer are in use but line level inputs are available, then having switching/variuable output levels is a good thing to have.

Never could really figure out why there are level controls on amp DI's, since any board other than the really cheap stuff will have an input pad allowing for virtually any signal level to be handled with no problem. I guess on lower end 'PA heads', and on lower end gigs where the bands run sound from the stage, it might be useful.

ok that's right but, these signal inputs are unbalanced and therefore can't provide galvanic insulation.
That's no problem as long as all the gear on stage and "FOH" is connected to the same line socket.