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Record from Balanced DI Out

J

justarookie

Apr 11, 2023
52
58
#1
Hi,

I would like buy a new audio interface and I have a question:
If the bass combo has a "balanced DI out", can I connect it to the microphone input of an audio interface with an XLR cable and record what I play bass even without VST? According to the official description, yes, but I thought I'd ask here too, because I don't want to do any harm! With active pickups, should the phantom power be turned off on the audio interface while I playing on the bass?
This is the plan:
Bass->Combo->Balanced DI Out->XLR cable->XLR Microphone Inpout on the audio interface->PC
Thanks in advance for your answers! (Sorry for my english)
 
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#3
Your amp balanced out is already powered, so you do not need to activate the phantom power from the audio interface.

Phantom power option is useful if you are using an active DI which requires phantom power. For some DI/preamp pedal, you can also use the phantom power to power the pedal without battery, e.g. Sansamp BDDI.

You may try direct recording without using VST plugins, but soon you may want to experiment with compressor and preamp plugins, e.g. 1073 preamp, 1176 comp.
 
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#4
Chris Chong said:
You may try direct recording without using VST plugins, but soon you may want to experiment with compressor and preamp plugins, e.g. 1073 preamp, 1176 comp.
Click to expand...

But if I already have a preamp (Ampeg combo) why should I use an another preamp(vst)? (Sorry if it’s a stupid question)
And if I buy a compressor pedal isn’t it a better choise for the sound quality? (Bass->compressor->combo…etc)
 
#5
justarookie said:
But if I already have a preamp (Ampeg combo) why should I use an another preamp(vst)? (Sorry if it’s a stupid question)
And if I buy a compressor pedal isn’t it a better choise for the sound quality? (Bass->compressor->combo…etc)
Click to expand...
I'd be careful with outboard compressor. They could kill all dynamics out of your playing if pushed, and if that's the signal you recorded, you can't do anything about it later. A small touch is ok, helps with gain staging, but it's very easy to overdo it.
 
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#6
justarookie said:
Hi,

I would like buy a new audio interface and I have a question:
If the bass combo has a "balanced DI out", can I connect it to the microphone input of an audio interface with an XLR cable and record what I play bass even without VST? According to the official description, yes, but I thought I'd ask here too, because I don't want to do any harm! With active pickups, should the phantom power be turned off on the audio interface while I playing on the bass?
This is the plan:
Bass->Combo->Balanced DI Out->XLR cable->XLR Microphone Inpout on the audio interface->PC
Thanks in advance for your answers! (Sorry for my english)
Click to expand...
Good plan. Turn phantom power off, because it's not needed, and have fun.

You don't need VST plugin (for amp sound) if you like the sound coming from your amp on XLR. If you want to try some VST, then just plug your bass directly into your audio interface, some have an instrument input/switch but it's not a must with your active pickups, and enable VST amp/cab sims.
 
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#10
I use the XLR DI from my Ampeg BA210 to my UI (XLR to XLR), no phantom power required. I have a SVT Classic plugin that I really like, I usually add it after I record the track, but you can use it while your recording as well. Form what I understand the goal is to get the cleanest track you can, then it can be modified as much as you want.

Cheers and good luck
 
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#11
justarookie said:
But if I already have a preamp (Ampeg combo) why should I use an another preamp(vst)? (Sorry if it’s a stupid question)
And if I buy a compressor pedal isn’t it a better choise for the sound quality? (Bass->compressor->combo…etc)
Click to expand...

It is not uncommon to record a "dry" track from a DI with no processing on the signal, then make copies of the recorded track to process with VST effects, and even re-amp through outboard hardware amps/effects. If you are just scratching out ideas and demos, you're probably fine recoding everything through your combo/interface. If you want to do more detailed sound design and mixing, then you might appreciate what other VSTs have to offer.
 
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#13
Thank you guys!
I have an old Line 6 GX that I used with Pod Farm and honestly loved it very much! But after I had to buy a new laptop and there were no drivers for the GX, my laptop didn't handle the GX well and got a blue screen of death for it. So, I bought my first bass combo and I love the sound of it, but this is the first time I've heard of this "balanced DI out", so I asked you my question here! I wouldn't have a problem if I didn't have to use VST because I really like the sound of my amp, but for now for POD Farm, Amplitube level VSTs, I still have a lot of money to save!
Once again, thank you very much for your answers!
 
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#15
fretno said:
Sometimes, more often than not.. you can’t disengage the speaker in a combo and the master volume controls the DI output so silent recording is not possible.
Click to expand...

In those cases, if the amp has a headphone output... plug some headphones in. Or even just an adapter, if all it needs is a certain circuit to be closed. If it lacks headphone in AND doesn't feature a way to bypass the speaker when using the DI, then unless it's some amazing-sounding piece of gear, it's on the auction block (for me).
 

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