Silly Question But- Using Amp's DI Would Be No Different Than A DI Box, Right?

[Bryan R. Tyler]

I always figured the XLR Direct Out on my amp would be the same thing as using a DI box. Or is there anything I'm missing?

 

[TL5]

More or less, yeah it's the same thing as far as the soundguy/FOH is concerned.

The typical difference is: Using a DI, you plug the instrument into the DI which splits the signal, providing instrument level for your amp and a balanced signal for FOH - straight from the guitar.

When you use the line out from your amp, FOH also gets the preamp section of your amplifier for tonal coloration. Normally, but different amps may place the line out at a different stage or even give you the option.

 

[MikeBass]

I always figured the XLR Direct Out on my amp would be the same thing as using a DI box. Or is there anything I'm missing?

Just the option of choosing pre or post EQ. And then, some higher end DI's will accept speaker line level. So that issue is taken care of as well.

Some lower end amps have crappy DI's and an external one makes a bit more sence.

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Okay, thanks guys. My Epifani does have a pre/post switch (no line/instrument level cut/boost switch though) and I wasn't sure if I was missing something with a DI box that I didn't know about.

 

[msquared]

The sound guy probably didn't want to deal with the EQ from the Sansamp.

 

[ihateusernames]

There's a good bit of discussion on this topic at HC's live sound forum...good reading from people who engineer and build these pieces of equipment and professional sound engineers.

 

[ebladeboi123]

That happens with all sound men. I allways bring my Radial JDI DI along, because I know the DI on my 800RB II is crap. They rarely let me use it. Instead 90% of them insist on useing their AMAZING Whilrwind DI boxes. (sarcasm). I stopped fighting soundmen after the first or second time, because after all they are who make you sound good.

Dan

 

[msquared]

There's nothing wrong with a Whirlwind DI. There is plenty wrong with sending your post-EQ amp signal to the soundboard.

Run sound sometime. It's pretty eye opening.

 

[SteveC]

I use a Radial JDI. I run everything I want to get to the PA (effects, etc.) BEFORE the DI. That way all the "stuff" gets to the PA and I can EQ my rig however I need to on stage.

The FOH person needs a "flat" signal. I don't know how many times we have to say it, but FOH sound is diffferent than stage sound.

 

[DeeDee]

so if i were to use my sadowsky or sansamp BDDI as a preamp as well as a direct box, it's no use if the sound guy's determined to change my sound to something he likes rather than something i like?

 

[JackANSI]

If a sound guy mixes every band so they sound like crap, he'll eventually lose his job (I'd hope). Its his reputation on the line in a way. He'll make you sound good, he knows the house system, its his job.

 

[seanm]

One more difference is that some amp DIs, even in some high end amps, cannot handle phantom power. So if the sound guy hits the phantom power by mistake or leaves it on by mistake, you get to buy a new amp!

To be safe, you should always check that the DI can handle phantom power before you plug in.