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

[JamesNC]

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

Well damn. Shirley there must be something beginnerish that I can build from the VTB1 parts.

 

[NKBassman]

Heres another DIY DI kit. I've never built anything from these guys, but all their stuff looks really high quality.

FE2 Direct Input Box Kit (Ferrite DI mkII)

 

[byacey]

If you want a pro quality setup, I would use a Jensen transformer, as the have a good mu metal shielding can enclosing the transformer. A little pricey, but if you're going to do this, do it right.

 

[agedhorse]

If you plan on mounting inside the amp, it's important to understand how the EM noise sources within the amp can couple to a transformer. mu-metal shielding can greatly help, but it's not a slam dunk.

You want to build something but don't understand what your problem is and how a DI works yet. Why don't you use this time to learn WHAT makes a transformer work and WHY is used, HOW how it's used, and you will find the project becomes easier and more productive.

 

[DigitalMan]

Only slightly off topic, but that Avalon U5 can also handle a speaker output up to 400w so long as you keep the cabinet connected as well, and so long as you use the speaker input on the back of the U5. The U5 isn't a load box. It doesn't split clean/dirty, but might be another interesting way to combine the two. Also, as far as I can tell most people would probably give a strong "hell no" to putting a speaker output into the U5. But it is definitely designed as such, and who am I to disagree with Avalon engineers? (And maybe I have a chaotic fascination with finding out what happens)

And you could also take the slave out from the amp to the line in on the U5 for a similar arrangement without the thrill of all those extra electrons. Either way, you're still always keeping a cab connected as well.

 

[Doner Designs]

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

I think a good quality transformer like Jensen or Cinemag is close to $100. By the time you buy the box, jacks and other components you probably spend as much as what a JDI would cost I'm guessing (a used one anyway). Of course the experience of building your own is priceless - same with a Warmoth bass - you generally don't do it to save money.

 

[Doner Designs]

Only slightly off topic, but that Avalon U5 can also handle a speaker output up to 400w so long as you keep the cabinet connected as well, and so long as you use the speaker input on the back of the U5. The U5 isn't a load box. It doesn't split clean/dirty, but might be another interesting way to combine the two. Also, as far as I can tell most people would probably give a strong "hell no" to putting a speaker output into the U5. But it is definitely designed as such, and who am I to disagree with Avalon engineers? (And maybe I have a chaotic fascination with finding out what happens)

And you could also take the slave out from the amp to the line in on the U5 for a similar arrangement without the thrill of all those extra electrons. Either way, you're still always keeping a cab connected as well.

You can also do that with a Radial JDI which is a nice way to get full tube tone into FOH but same comment applies - its not a load box - still need a speaker.

 

[agedhorse]

While we are taking about a ground referenced speaker output, do NOT connect the speaker output of any amp that operates in bridge mode (including most class D amps that are internally bridged) to a DI. This can result in a damaged amp AND a damaged device it's connected to.

 

[FretFree]

If you plan on mounting inside the amp, it's important to understand how the EM noise sources within the amp can couple to a transformer. mu-metal shielding can greatly help, but it's not a slam dunk...

Off topic, but I totally read mu-metal shielding as "Nu-Metal Shredding" as I was scrolling through the thread. Carry on.

 

[JamesNC]

Why don't you use this time to learn WHAT makes a transformer work and WHY is used, HOW how it's used, and you will find the project becomes easier and more productive.

Thanks Dad!

hehe... I kid...

 

[Blues Bass 2]

A good DI box is something every gigging bass player should have in their gig kit . You never know what you might need it for . If your amp head goes down you still have a way to get heard . A keyboard player in a band I was in quite few years ago was having trouble in a very noisy room we were playing in . He borrowed my Countryman and got rid of most of the buzz . It's a great tool to have .

 

[Steviewevie95]

A good DI box is something every gigging bass player should have in their gig kit . You never know what you might need it for . If your amp head goes down you still have a way to get heard . A keyboard player in a band I was in quite few years ago was having trouble in a very noisy room we were playing in . He borrowed my Countryman and got rid of most of the buzz . It's a great tool to have .

Funny because I always carry a DI box and a Shure SM57 in my gigging rig like extra strings. You never know when you'll need them. But I agree! A DI box is always something that should be in a bassists back pocket. You never know when your amp is gonna crap out / you lose the ability to hear yourself.

 

[LUpton]

Jensen used to sell DI kits. A JE-DI transformer, resistors for optional input padding switches, and a schematic. Builder supplied the case, connectors, and switches.

I built 2 of them in the 80's. They still work wonderfully.