Adding XLR / 1/4 Out for direct input to a board.

[Steviewevie95]

I have a Orange Ad200 that has no XLR or line out in general and was wondering if there is simple mods to make it so the pre-amp of the Orange is not lost? Any mod at all? I love the amp and want to get that creamy high end.
I am splitting the signal with an Avalon U5 for cleans.

 

[Blues Bass 2]

Looks like your amp has a slave output . You could use a good direct box with that to get your tone . This is an oldie but goodie .
Countryman Type 85 1-channel Active Instrument Direct Box

 

[abarson]

The current version II has a "Slave" output at line level that should do the trick. Does your model not have this?
Otherwise, it might be a good idea to contact Orange for their recommendations.

 

[Steviewevie95]

The current version II has a "Slave" output at line level that should do the trick. Does your model not have this?
Otherwise, it might be a good idea to contact Orange for their recommendations.

It does have a Slave Output so would this plus a DI box do the trick??

 

[Steviewevie95]

Looks like your amp has a slave output . You could use a good direct box with that to get your tone . This is an oldie but goodie .
Countryman Type 85 1-channel Active Instrument Direct Box

Does it need the DI box or can the Slave essentially be used like a Line Out??

 

[Downunderwonder]

Does it need the DI box or can the Slave essentially be used like a Line Out??

The Slave out is not like a line out. It is a line out. You still need to be connected to a cabinet from the power amp out or you will blow it up.

 

[abarson]

The manual states it's at line level, so I don't believe you need a DI box, as long as your audio interface can accept line level. When in doubt, ask the manufacturer.

https://orangeamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Orange_AD200B_User_Manual_web.pdf

 

[Steviewevie95]

Thank you guys for the clarification! This is really helpful!

 

[agedhorse]

A passive DI with a ground lift switch will help you deal with ground loops if you encounter one. It will also output balanced mic level.

 

[popgadget]

You would still want a DI to give you a balanced signal to send to FOH or studio consoles. I’m pretty sure that the “slave output” is unbalanced.

 

[Wasnex]

@Steviewevie95

The slave is sampled off the 4 ohm speaker output, so you get the sound of the preamp and power amp.

Here's a drawing of the circuit I found.

Note the ring of the 1/4" jack is not connected to ground. With the proper 1/4 to XLR adapter it might function as an impedance balanced circuit, although I can't say for sure.

IMHO it would be better to use a DI.

 

[el murdoque]

depending on what you like to do, just go ahead and try the signal straight from the tab (always have a cab connected, though) and see how well it does.
Should you encounter ground loops, humming or other noise that might come from not having a symmetrical signal, add a DI.
I've done some low budget recording and I used a line out in one instance and went with an active bass straight into the audio interface in another, both worked well.

 

[Joris 55]

You could try an RNDI. You can place one between your amp and your cab. It catches the sound of your full amp and sounds amazing. Beware: It is not a loadbox. You'd still need to connect your cab.

 

[NKBassman]

Countryman Type 85 or Radial JDI are good, bulletproof options if you're wanting to get a DI box.

 

[Redbrangus]

A direct box is definitely indicated, but in this application--taking a line-level signal from the output of the amp--a seriously good DI like a Countryman isn't really necessary. A regular ol' passive transformer box like a Whirlwind Director would be more than sufficient, and probably not half as many $.

 

[JamesNC]

Are these units fairly easy to build?

 

[Redbrangus]

Passive DI's aren't hard to build, if you know much of anything at all...they're little more than a transformer and the appropriate connectors and packaging. A Google search will turn up a bunch of things; here's one source that appears to have a pretty decent explanation as well as build-it-yourself instructions. http://www.nfaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/DIY-DI.pdf

Another DIY DI box: “Boutique” DI box on a budget

 

[JamesNC]

Passive DI's aren't hard to build, if you know much of anything at all...they're little more than a transformer and the appropriate connectors and packaging. A Google search will turn up a bunch of things; here's one source that appears to have a pretty decent explanation as well as build-it-yourself instructions. http://www.nfaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/DIY-DI.pdf

Interesting, thanks! Wondering if my old Studio Projects VTB1 preamp has enough parts to harvest for this. I’m trying to learn pedal mods and lower-level builds.

 

[john_g]

The Ad200 doesnt have an XLR out? Hmmm...didnt know that. I was considering getting one of those a while back and had no idea. DI box is simple enough but still.

 

[agedhorse]

Interesting, thanks! Wondering if my old Studio Projects VTB1 preamp has enough parts to harvest for this. I’m trying to learn pedal mods and lower-level builds.

Sure it has plenty of parts, but not the right parts. Since the VTB1 is transformerless, it's not going to be useful.