A/B Box?

[Worldeeeter]

Our singer is the resident computer-interface recording expert in our band, and as we prepare to record a demo, he told me to purchase an "A/B Box". When I asked why, he told me that he wants to run a line out of the direct out on the back of my amp, and a second line out of the A/B box, so that he gets my raw bass sound before the preamp in my bass amp, effects, etc.
So, I believe I will patch my bass to the A/B box, from where one line will go through my pedalboard and into my amp (the standard setup), and the other line will go to his recording interface.

That said, I need a recommendation on a reasonably-priced A/B box that will not color my sound in any way.

Thanks in advance!

 

[dreamadream99]

No need to get an A/B box. Go direct into a DI (I recommend Countryman) then to your amp. He can get the unaltered sound from the DI, the altered sound from your amp's DI, and the mic'd sound from your cabinet. With those 3 sources, a good engineer can mix to taste.

 

[Leo Smith]

Agreed, you need a DI box.

The singer is using the wrong term for the concept. An A/B box is generally understood to be a switching box, sending an input to EITHER the A output OR B output.

A/B boxes also run at line-level 1/4-inch outputs. Does the recording interface only have 1/4" inputs? Or does it have XLR (mic) inputs? If XLR, then definitely get a DI box.

The Radial ProDI is $100 and will last you a lifetime. A Whirlwind Director is $75 and will last a while if you take care of it.

 

[Worldeeeter]

Beautiful - thanks for clarifying!
I was wondering if it was just a DI box that I needed...now I know!

 

[NKBassman]

There just so happens to be a Radial JDI for sale in the Classifieds right now *wink*

 

[Worldeeeter]

There just so happens to be a Radial JDI for sale in the Classifieds right now *wink*

Ooooooo - thanks!

 

[NKBassman]

Ooooooo - thanks!

Sorry, too late!

 

[Worldeeeter]

Sorry, too late!

Yeah, I just found it. Oh, well...