Market input for D.I. outputs

[Sushi Box FX]

Hey everyone, quick question for you. I make a simple D.I. box that has a preamp driving the XLR output and also has an option to send the preamp output to the 1/4" output as well.

Every time I run low on circuit boards for a design I like to consider if there's anything that could be done to improve it, and this one I think is big enough I wanted to create a separate thread about it.

The "issue":

• Currently the "Level" control is shared between both the 1/4" output and the XLR output. If you're using both outputs, the knob affects both outputs at the same time.

Here are some options I was considering:

1. Keep it as-is. Don't change anything, leave it as a shared control.
2. Set the XLR as a fixed-level output (like Noble). The Level knob would continue to affect the 1/4" output, and the Gain would obviously affect both, but the XLR output would be a set level independent of the 1/4" output.
3. Add an internal trimpot for the XLR output and leave the Level knob for the 1/4" output. XLR volume would still be variable and not fixed, but it would be a set-it-and-forget-it thing that you dial in once when you're setting up your rig and never touch unless you're changing things up.
4. Add an internal trimpot for the 1/4" output and leave the Level knob for the XLR output. Same as above but swapping which control goes inside the box and which one is outside the box.

There may be other options out there that I'm not thinking of, if so please drop a comment.

Thanks

 

[Hasty]

The internal trimpot for XLR and an independent 1/4" out is a great idea. That way if you're rolling tubes you can adjust that level to maintain unity. Plus you can bump up your feed to the amp without making FOH mad.

 

[Michael Vee]

Great poll, Nathan! I cast the first non-carrots vote, for a fixed-level DI out, at mic level which is what most soundmen expect. If you retain a level control, it should be for the 1/4" out to amp input.

 

[Jebberz]

I'd add another option, a switch to chose which output is affected by the level so user can choose XLR, 1/4 or Both. Otherwise, I'd rather have fixed level XLR and variable 1/4, so you can chnge your level live if needed without disturbing the person who's doing your FOH sound

 

[Lammchop93]

Is there room for a stacked knob so you could control both?

 

[OldShark]

[...]4. Add an internal trimpot for the 1/4" output and leave the Level knob for the 1/4" output.

The second 1/4" should read XLR, I guess.

I don't have an answer as I don't know the Finally yet. But I guess it would depend on whether I might change the gain during gigs to add more dirt, and whether that would also affect the output level (which I assume). If so, I would like to be able to compensate that with decreasing the level on both outputs.

 

[Sushi Box FX]

Is there room for a stacked knob so you could control both?

I hadn't thought of that so I had to check, but unfortunately nobody makes a concentric pot that would fit where I need it. Solid idea though.

The second 1/4" should read XLR, I guess.

Whoops, you're correct. My brain moves a lot faster than my fingers. Just fixed it.

 

[Zbysek]

I voted fixed level for XLR.

A possibility that the player changes XLR during a gig is a nightmare for the soundtech…

 

[Parzival]

Hey everyone, quick question for you. I make a simple D.I. box that has a preamp driving the XLR output and also has an option to send the preamp output to the 1/4" output as well.

Every time I run low on circuit boards for a design I like to consider if there's anything that could be done to improve it, and this one I think is big enough I wanted to create a separate thread about it.

The "issue":

• Currently the "Level" control is shared between both the 1/4" output and the XLR output. If you're using both outputs, the knob affects both outputs at the same time.

Here are some options I was considering:

1. Keep it as-is. Don't change anything, leave it as a shared control.
2. Set the XLR as a fixed-level output (like Noble). The Level knob would continue to affect the 1/4" output, and the Gain would obviously affect both, but the XLR output would be a set level independent of the 1/4" output.
3. Add an internal trimpot for the XLR output and leave the Level knob for the 1/4" output. XLR volume would still be variable and not fixed, but it would be a set-it-and-forget-it thing that you dial in once when you're setting up your rig and never touch unless you're changing things up.
4. Add an internal trimpot for the 1/4" output and leave the Level knob for the XLR output. Same as above but swapping which control goes inside the box and which one is outside the box.

There may be other options out there that I'm not thinking of, if so please drop a comment.

Thanks

Internal trimpot for XLR. Set it default at what is now 12 o’clock (50%) as that was always a good level to work with live and would make a good default starting point. But that’s just me.

Thanks for reaching out to everyone for input.

 

[gtirard]

I'd have the fixed-level XLR output, adjustable 1/4" output.

Plus a -10 dB pad for the XLR out in case the signal is too hot for the FOH

In practice, during a gig, you don't want to change the volume sent to the FOH when you adjust your amp (1/4" output) volume, that would make the sound guy crazy.

But, in case the DI out is too hot for him, the -10 dB pad is enough to adapt the signal to his need. Then he has his own gain knob on the mixing board to adjust more precisely.

I prefer an external switch for the -10 dB pad rather than an internal trimpot, because you need to be able to select it quickly during the sound check (and not require to open the box).

 

[One Two]

I voted internal adjustable XLR out level.
If it was shipped default with a healthy XLR out level, that would probably cover a lot of cases, but having the option to change the XLR out level if needed, could prove valuable with different level Bass guitars, or using it with Upright etc.

 

[XLunacy]

Could live with 2 or 3. I like @gtirard's suggestion of a pad switch

 

[J-Dub]

I'd have the fixed-level XLR output, adjustable 1/4" output.

Plus a -10 dB pad for the XLR out in case the signal is too hot for the FOH

In practice, during a gig, you don't want to change the volume sent to the FOH when you adjust your amp (1/4" output) volume, that would make the sound guy crazy.

But, in case the DI out is too hot for him, the -10 dB pad is enough to adapt the signal to his need. Then he has his own gain knob on the mixing board to adjust more precisely.

I prefer an external switch for the -10 dB pad rather than an internal trimpot, because you need to be able to select it quickly during the sound check (and not require to open the box).

+100 to this

I’ve rarely been told my direct signal is to weak, but often told it’s too hot and need a quick and easy way to fix it.

So maybe the volume knob is 1/4” out only and there’s room for a -10db mini toggle somewhere?

 

[Lammchop93]

I'd have the fixed-level XLR output, adjustable 1/4" output.

Plus a -10 dB pad for the XLR out in case the signal is too hot for the FOH

In practice, during a gig, you don't want to change the volume sent to the FOH when you adjust your amp (1/4" output) volume, that would make the sound guy crazy.

But, in case the DI out is too hot for him, the -10 dB pad is enough to adapt the signal to his need. Then he has his own gain knob on the mixing board to adjust more precisely.

I prefer an external switch for the -10 dB pad rather than an internal trimpot, because you need to be able to select it quickly during the sound check (and not require to open the box).

this would be my choice, and is how a lot of DI boxes are. A Db pad button for the XLR, and a level knob for the 1/4”

 

[Parzival]

Changing my vote to internal trim for 1/4 output. My reasoning is that I often forget how many folks just do recording at home or studio now and how many folks go ampless live.
With the 1/4 output being internal, you could gauge it at home or at rehearsal and make adjustments to get it close to what you need and then just adjust at the amp for a show if needed. That would leave the XLR for adjustment at pedal and be easier on FOH at shows.

 

[trevcda]

Just to add some input here; I currently use a Fishman Platinum Pro DI, as well as the Platinum Bass version. The volume on it controls both the 1/4" and the XLR. I prefer it this way as when I'm running my own sound, I need to adjust the level I'm sending to the PA- because there's no one out front to do it. I also prefer that when I turn down to tune that I'm not still sending signal to FOH. I've wanted to try other DI's, even within the Fishman line, but the lack of this feature, along with a lack of a phantom power option, keeps me using the DI/preamps I'm currently using. For me personally, being able to switch the XLR from being controlled by the volume or not would open up some options, as I could see where a fixed volume might be desirable.

As far as the poll goes. Switheable XLR is not a listed option. No vote cast.

 

[DELACIUS]

I wouldn't do internal for XLR, because some basses have stronger output so you would have to change it as you change basses so it's not that good to have it internal.
But it would be great if there is a switch for what you wanna do as choose which output is affected XLR, 1/4 or Both, as @Jebberz suggested

 

[Medicine Man]

I think external control for the xlr would help me the most, because FOH should get what they want, and the quarter likely goes to an amp with a gain knob.

 

[Obese Chess]

Voted for number two - I wouldn't do internal for the reason mentioned by DELACIUS above. If I need to adjust something on stage, I don't want to have to fiddle with opening up the unit.

That said, I planned to buy a Finally for recording only, so maybe weight my opinion slightly less.

 

[Hasty]

Plus a -10 dB pad for the XLR out in case the signal is too hot for the FOH

That's a good idea, but I'd still like the internal XLR trim option just in case the tube has really hot output that the pad might not fix, especially if the gain knob is still in play.