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Does the Tech 21 VT Bass need a DI?

#11
The output of the VT is not balanced. It needs a balanced output to be a proper DI. The purpose of a DI is to make the signal most compatible for the pathway and device that receives it. In the case of most DI's, that means a long cable to a mic input on a mixer.

In the case of the USB audio interface, the definition of an audio interface is that it converts your signal into what is compatible with the pathway and device that receives it, namely your computer. It is therefore a DI.

The only exception for a bass/guitar would be if your USB interface only has a balanced input, or if its input is very low impedance, say less than 100 Kohms, though the impedance is only an issue for a passive bass.
 
#13
bongomania said:
The output of the VT is not balanced. It needs a balanced output to be a proper DI. The purpose of a DI is to make the signal most compatible for the pathway and device that receives it. In the case of most DI's, that means a long cable to a mic input on a mixer.

In the case of the USB audio interface, the definition of an audio interface is that it converts your signal into what is compatible with the pathway and device that receives it, namely your computer. It is therefore a DI.

The only exception for a bass/guitar would be if your USB interface only has a balanced input, or if its input is very low impedance, say less than 100 Kohms, though the impedance is only an issue for a passive bass.
Click to expand...

That explains it cheers! Looks like I can spend the cash on something else in that case :hyper:
 
#17
So, correct me if I'm wrong, but all the DI does is convert a 2 pole unbalanced signal to a 3 pole balanced signal which uses a TRS or XLR connector, and is less susceptible to interference and better at long distance cables?
Would there not be any benefit to all bass/fx/amp chains using balanced circuits?
Am I thinking too much (or not enough)?
 
#18
robgo said:
So, correct me if I'm wrong, but all the DI does is convert a 2 pole unbalanced signal to a 3 pole balanced signal which uses a TRS or XLR connector, and is less susceptible to interference and better at long distance cables?
Click to expand...

Yes. But also, a mic input at the receiving end is low impedence. You don't want to connect a bass directly to that - the impedence mismatch will make the bass sound nasty.

The transformer or active circuit in a DI box matches the impedences of the sender and receiver.

robgo said:
Would there not be any benefit to all bass/fx/amp chains using balanced circuits?
Am I thinking too much (or not enough)?
Click to expand...

Yes there would be a benefit. Balanced and unbalanced gear is compatible. You can use balanced ins and outs with ordinary mono leads - you just don't get the balanced effect of interference and noise reduction. Win win.

However it would add a little bit to the cost because of the extra components.

And in the case of the VT, I guess Sansamp wanted to make it clear it's a pedal, so it doesn't take away market share from their DI products.

But yeah, I'd love it if mine had a DI out ;)
 
#19
The effects loop mentioned above would be cool, but I wouldn't use it.

It's not that difficult to patch in pedals, but it does take time and is one of the more frequent sources of failure (and noise): the pedal itself, the patch cables or the power that runs them, be it battery or a wall wart. If the thing simply had a DI it'd be one stop shopping. If I have to patch another DI box in afterward it becomes much less appealing to me. I'm a sucker for simple signal chains.

No DI on the VT has been the barrier to the sale for me. I won't buy one until it has it, because if I buy one without it I know that the very next month they'll release one that does have it.

KO

Phagor said:
Yes. But also, a mic input at the receiving end is low impedence. You don't want to connect a bass directly to that - the impedence mismatch will make the bass sound nasty.

The transformer or active circuit in a DI box matches the impedences of the sender and receiver.



Yes there would be a benefit. Balanced and unbalanced gear is compatible. You can use balanced ins and outs with ordinary mono leads - you just don't get the balanced effect of interference and noise reduction. Win win.

However it would add a little bit to the cost because of the extra components.

And in the case of the VT, I guess Sansamp wanted to make it clear it's a pedal, so it doesn't take away market share from their DI products.

But yeah, I'd love it if mine had a DI out ;)
Click to expand...
 

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