Noob - how to go direct?

[Evil Undead]

I've got my first gig in a couple of weeks and am thinking about just going ampless. How do I do this? Is there anything I need to plug in to, like a DI box or do I just plug straight in to the mixer?

I'm a bit confused, never done any of this before so would appreciate a "gigging for dummies" course haha

[fractal0243]

Anytime I've ever gone direct is usually through a direct box, or through my own head. If you're playing a venue with their own PA and sound crew, chances are pretty good that you'll plug into a direct box.

[Evil Undead]

We're playing a tiny bar, and the singer will be bringing his own PA. I'm assuming that he has a mixer with that but I guess it would be a good idea to find out

[bassbrad]

Your Zoom might be enough to plug into the PA, which one do you have?

[fractal0243]

Oh, ok. You definitely want to check with him to see what kind of mixer/PA he has. The PA that my band plays through in small bar scenario's could never support a bass direct. It lacks the power, and sounds like crap. The only time I've ever gone direct and it actually sounded good was playing a large stage with a very good sound guy.

From my own experience, you're going to want to bring your rig with you, but I'll let the other more experience guys chime in on that one.

[Phalex]

I always do a DI. (For multi band bills and festivals and the like) I have my own, but the venue usually supplies one too. One problem I have depending on the system is monitor. Big ass systems like at outdoor festivals and arenas and the like have big ass monitors and lots of power for them. Not a problem to get decent bass out of them. If you're using a 12" monitor, and very little power, you may have issues hearing yourself. I spent one gig glued to the spot in front of a monitor, bent over with my head down trying to hear it most of the time. Not cool!