Questions: Sansamp VT Bass Di -> XLR -> Scarlett Solo

[Zam]

Hey, guys. Total newbie here in home recording and pedals as well.

The gears I have:
- Sansamp VT Bass: [This invalid link has been removed]
- Scarlet Solo 3rd Gen: Scarlett Solo | Focusrite

Context: I'm recording / playing like this: Instrument -> (Input) VT Bass (Out) -> Scarlett (all of it using 1/4 cables).

If I didn't understand wrong, I could use the XLR of the VT Bass to plug in my Scarlett, and, with this "method", I wouldn't even need the power supply to turn on the VT BASS.

Questions:

1. Is it better to use my VT Bass -> Scarlett via XLR?
2. (If question 1 is YES) Should I buy a XLR / XLR cable, and plug it on the "Mic" of the Scarlett or should I buy a XLR / TRS cable?
3. At the VT Bass Manual Section , in the XLR section, it says "-20dB pad to match the output to equipment with different input level requirements. Disengaged (up position),
the output is 0dB. Engaged (in position), the output is -20dB". Should I always press this button when playing through a XLR in the VTBass?
4. Is anything I need to know / change / press in the Scarlett if I'm playing with the XLR?

Take care you all!

 

[silky smoove]

1. All that matters is whether or not you like the sound. There may be a slight difference in running via 1/4" to the hi-z input compared to using XLR which would be lo-z. Use whichever one you think sounds best.
2. Either is fine, but I'd go XLR to XLR. If you're intending to use the 48V phantom power as indicated above go XLR to XLR.
3. Press it if you need to pad the input. Don't press it if you don't experience clipping at any stage downstream of your VT.
4. There should not be.

 

[Zam]

1. All that matters is whether or not you like the sound. There may be a slight difference in running via 1/4" to the hi-z input compared to using XLR which would be lo-z. Use whichever one you think sounds best.
2. Either is fine, but I'd go XLR to XLR. If you're intending to use the 48V phantom power as indicated above go XLR to XLR.
3. Press it if you need to pad the input. Don't press it if you don't experience clipping at any stage downstream of your VT.
4. There should not be.

Hey, Silk! I'm completly fine with the sound via 1/4". I was just thinking if I was "missing" something, or be in disavantage without using the XLR.

Do you know if I buy the XLR / XLR, will the pedal (VT BASS) be charged without needing the power supply?
I really appreciate your reply!

 

[silky smoove]

Hey, Silk! I'm completly fine with the sound via 1/4". I was just thinking if I was "missing" something, or be in disavantage without using the XLR.

You're only "missing" something if you compare the lo-z and hi-z inputs and think one sounds better than the other. If you can't hear a difference than you're not "missing" anything.

Do you know if I buy the XLR / XLR, will the pedal (VT BASS) be charged without needing the power supply?
I really appreciate your reply!

According to the VT Bass DI manual it can be operated off of 24V phantom power and is safe to use with 48V phantom power. That would eliminate the need for a separate power supply. Some phantom power sources can introduce noise themselves, but it's rare. If you try it and things seem noisier try it with the power supply instead and see if the noise goes away. If you do that be sure and disable the phantom power buttons on both devices before connecting an external power supply.

 

[Zam]

You're only "missing" something if you compare the lo-z and hi-z inputs and think one sounds better than the other. If you can't hear a difference than you're not "missing" anything.


According to the VT Bass DI manual it can be operated off of 24V phantom power and is safe to use with 48V phantom power. That would eliminate the need for a separate power supply. Some phantom power sources can introduce noise themselves, but it's rare. If you try it and things seem noisier try it with the power supply instead and see if the noise goes away. If you do that be sure and disable the phantom power buttons on both devices before connecting an external power supply.

Thanks for your time and patience to explain to me. Take care!

 

[hbarcat]

There is no difference in sound quality between XLR cables and ¼" TRS cables, because they're both balanced signals (3 connector).

However, if the ¼" connector is TS (it only has 2 wires internally) it will be an unbalanced signal and more susceptible to interference noise.

Here's some more detailed information:
XLR vs 1/4 Inch: Which is a Better Choice? - Geek Musician

 

[Hummergeist]

I power my VTDI off the XLR when I use it, works fine and one less power connector to deal with. Pads are useful to have available, though I don’t think I’ve ever needed one.