Question about bass to mixer...

Hengishammer · #1 12-05-2005, 11:08 AM

I was playing at practice last night and a guy told me that I needed come sort of "box" that converted my line out on my amp head to a signal that would be acceptable to the mixer. He kind of explained that if I hooked my amp head up to the mixer directly, it would screw it up. Does anyone know what he's talking about and the proper terminology for it? I guess I need to buy one.

seanm · #2 12-05-2005, 11:33 AM

He is talking about a Direct Inject (DI) box. Your amp may even have a DI out.

Hengishammer · #3 12-05-2005, 11:45 AM

Thanks very much

)

iamthebassman · #4 12-05-2005, 01:35 PM

To find out if your amp has a DI out look for a jack like on a mic, a 3-pin XLR. If you have one, a mic cable can run from your anp to the mixing board and your bass will come thru the PA, and your amp won't have to do all the work of putting your bass sound into the room.
If it doesn't have one, you can buy a DI box for less than $50, or you can get a preamp stomp box like SansAmp Bass DI or MXR M80, which are very cool boxes you use like effects boxes, they have tone shaping and overdrive. They have a built-in DI.

Hengishammer · #5 12-05-2005, 02:10 PM

I'm guessing they are concerned that the signal will be too powerful??

I have a jack on my amp that says "DI" and it is an XLR jack. If this is the case I should be ok right?

seanm · #6 12-05-2005, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hengishammer

I'm guessing they are concerned that the signal will be too powerful??

I have a jack on my amp that says "DI" and it is an XLR jack. If this is the case I should be ok right?

What amp do you have (you should update your profile)? Some amps do not like phantom power. Just make sure phantom power is off on your mixer or that your amp can handle it.

**peabody** · #7 12-05-2005, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hengishammer

I'm guessing they are concerned that the signal will be too powerful??

I have a jack on my amp that says "DI" and it is an XLR jack. If this is the case I should be ok right?

Sometimes the signal can be a little hot, although most amps will have a signal level to help with that. What I've also discovered is some of the DI's in the amps have a noticeable hum when used, and that's why the techs want an external DI.