I wasn't sure whether to put this in here or in effects but as it's main use would be for live play I'll put it here. I'm wondering what the difference is between a bass di and bass preamp (specifically the mxr m80 di and m81 preamp) I'd be using it going straight into a mixing desk, leaving out the amp. It would be used in studio occasionally but mainly for live. I know the basics of a what a di is but not much. As for preamps I have a very scarce knowledge of them. Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance.
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Difference between DI and preamp for live play?
- Thread starter ichNinja
- Start date
Without getting into lots of gory details a DI, or Direct Input (1 of about a dozen variations), converts a high impedance, unbalanced input signal (your bass) to a low impedance, balanced signal capable of connecting to a sound board. It's usually 1/4" in to XLR (microphone cable) out.
A preamp is exactly what it says: pre-amplifier. If you had a bass head, the preamp section is the part that changes your tone: bass, mid, treble, etc... The units you mentioned are both DI's AND preamps.
I don't have much experience with the pedals you've mentioned, but looking at the specs the big difference seems to be the M80 has a foot switchable distortion while the M81 does NOT have distortion, but has more control over your tone. I think you should mess around with both if possible and figure out which one is right for you. Also, there are hundreds of options out there, mind boggling really but many folks here on TB are pedal freaks and will be able to throw out a number of suggestions.
To uncomplicate things for you, a lot of numbskulls call any tone shaping pedal a preamp.
Many DI boxes can use a hot ( line ) signal from a preamp as well as plain instruments.
Many preamps have DI outputs.
Many DI boxes can use a hot ( line ) signal from a preamp as well as plain instruments.
Many preamps have DI outputs.
A preamp is generally designed to go into the front end of an amp where the signal is further compresses. If your preamp adds distortion and you run it into a mixer it may sound like a box of bees. The same signal would sound good into the front of an amp. With a DI, the output is eq'd for a mixer. Of course, this is a generality and I'm sure there are exceptions with different devices.
The M80DI+ is the way to go. Has a blend for the distortion channel,and a noise gate built in. Parallel out as well. Get it.
