BDDI -> power amp

[Implosion]

I'm not sure if this should go to the amps section, but I'll post it here. I'm planning to use my Bass driver as a preamp but I need some advice. My future power amp's manual says:

"unbalanced two-conductor 1/4" plugs can also be inserted into these inputs, but you’ll get better signal quality and less outside noise and hum if you use balanced lines...........accepts input levels of any strength but needs at least +4 dBu to achieve maximum power."

The bddi has two effected outputs balanced XLR (0dB at line level) and unbalanced 1/4 (10 dB at line level). With the 1/4 I would get maximum power but it's unbalanced so I'm wondering would that be a problem? How much worse would the signal quality ne and how much more noise and hum is there going to be compared to the XLR? The cable would be max 10 feet long.

 

[niftydog]

Depends on the environment. Probably not a problem in your jam room, but on stage, next to lighting dimmer racks etc it could get nasty. But, it'll be no worse than the noise picked up from the cable from your bass to the BDDI.

 

[jalv6]

I own a BBDI and used it directly into a poweramp for a year or two, as well as being a professioal AV installer for some years.

Sending a signal balanced helps to keep the signal free from outside noise (many times picked up from near by powercables). Even though it's true that your signal will arive cleaner when you send it balanced, it won't make nearly any difference on a 10' cord run. The DI output is primarilly for use when going directly into a mixer/PA and the signal has to travel all the way across the room or arena (where it has a chance to pick up a lot of dirt).

If I were you I would use the 1/4", because it is going to give you a much hotter signal going into you poweramp. The key to "gain staging" is to get the signal as hot as possible without clipping at all inputs. If you used the cooler signal, of the Balanced Out, your poweramp is going to have to amplify that signal that much more which is going to increase any noise that comes from the pedal itself or your poweramp (In my experiance I have found nothing that is 100% trasparent). Besides, if you are going to be playing shows, you may want to have the DI output open to send your signal to the board. I usually send my direct signal and mic my cab.

Hope that helps!