DI or Signal Splitter for Power Amp Configuration?

[SLAM_Bass]

Hey all, I come seeking advice relating to my current setup. I've done research and am still unclear what the best solution for me would be.

I recently made the switch from a rack setup to a pedalboard/power amp setup, which is as follows:

Bass -> FEA Photon Fuzz -> Darkglass Vintage Microtubes -> Eden WTDI -> Black Russian Big Muff -> Boss CEB-3 -> Boss TU-2 -> MXR MC-401 Line Booster -> Carvin HD Poweramp -> Cab

Originally, I had the WTDI as the penultimate pedal in the chain (before the line booster) so I could take advantage of the built in DI as well as the preceding effects, however, after experimenting a bit, I've found that the setup sounds better when the WTDI comes before the Muff, Chorus, etc.

I'm wondering what would be the best way to setup for live sound? I figure I could purchase a Countryman Type 85 to sit between the power amp and cab and running to FOH this way. Another option, I believe, is a Radial JDI which could do the same.

Is there a cheaper solution? Would it be possible to just buy some type of signal splitter, place it in front of the Line Booster, and run my signal to the venue's DI? Would there be a degradation in the signal?

Conversely, would I absolutely have to find a DI that would be placed between power amp and cabinet or can DI's handle processing distorted/effects laden bass signals?

And finally (apologies! congrats to anyone who read this far!) what would be the options if I wanted to switch between passive and active basses? I've read that an active bass is usually used with a passive DI, and a passive bass with an active DI; are there any DI's out there that can handle both?


TL;DR: I need a DI to run with a power amp configuration. Or, can a signal splitter be used instead to run to the venue's board? DI that supports both active and passive basses?


Thank you to anyone who can offer some insight!

 

[walterw]

don't worry about the active vs. passive bass thing; that only matters at the first thing it hits, in this case the photon fuzz. from then on the signal is really coming from the previous pedal, not the bass.

the eden DI really would make more sense as the last pedal, to send to both the power amp and the house. barring that, a good passive DI box as the last thing would fit the bill. (passive, because it's already getting an active signal from all the stuff before it, regardless of which bass you use.)

you want a really good transformer in it, so look at radial, countryman, or jensen-equipped whirlwind.

 

[JackTheRipper]

If you were to swap the Carvin HD power amp with a DCM version, you can feed the FOH with the same signal you feed your power amp from the back of the DCM. I do it all the time.

--jack

 

[SLAM_Bass]

don't worry about the active vs. passive bass thing; that only matters at the first thing it hits, in this case the photon fuzz. from then on the signal is really coming from the previous pedal, not the bass.

the eden DI really would make more sense as the last pedal, to send to both the power amp and the house. barring that, a good passive DI box as the last thing would fit the bill. (passive, because it's already getting an active signal from all the stuff before it, regardless of which bass you use.)

you want a really good transformer in it, so look at radial, countryman, or jensen-equipped whirlwind.

Thank you for the response, I'm thinking maybe I'll move the WTDI back to the end of the chain as this is most likely the easiest solution.

My only concern about this is whether or not I'll be losing out in tone? I plan to add a few more effects to my board (delay, octave) so would I not be getting the full benefit out of such pedals having my "pre-amp" after these modulation effects?

 

[uhdinator]

Most effects pedals are made for instrument level and may work with line level as well. Should be no concerns running all pedals before a preamp.

That's what guitarists do all the time.
Some multi effects pedal boards/units may be line level out to feed a power amp or mixer line in.

Always good to check input/output specs on what you're using.

 

[EastCoastThump]

If you were to swap the Carvin HD power amp with a DCM version, you can feed the FOH with the same signal you feed your power amp from the back of the DCM. I do it all the time.

+1