That's Right: Another Basic DI Question

[Obese Chess]

Hi folks,

I think I know the answer to this, but I want to make sure.

I really like the tone I get from my ancient Peavey head, but being as ancient as it is, it does not have a balanced out, only a 1/4" "line out."

If we are running direct live, the sound guy will usually run a 1/4" cable from this output to a (usually passive) DI box, then run that into front of house, which sounds just fine to my ears.

I am assuming that for recording purposes, I should be doing the same, is this correct? My computer has finally bitten the dust, so I can't just try plugging it in from "line out" to the interface and seeing how it sounds, but I'm recording with my bandmates next week and would like to be prepared just in case.

If it's helpful, here's what the manual says about that specific "line out" output. It says it is supposed to "eliminat[e] the need for direct boxes" but I'm kind of under the assumption that a balanced signal is always going to be better than an unbalanced one, especially when recording in electronically-noisy apartments and rehearsal spaces:

Thanks!

 

[And I]

you should be all set, assuming your audio interface has a line input that allows you to select between instrument level and regular line level. you want regular line level, not instrument level.

 

[SoCal80s]

A balanced signal is better than non-balanced, but if it's a short cable run then the difference is not very big. If you keep your cables short (under 15' or so) you should be fine going straight into the interface. But if you have to run a cable from the recording booth to a mixer in another room, then you might be better off going with a balanced signal.

 

[bikeplate]

Mic it up!!!

 

[Obese Chess]

you should be all set, assuming your audio interface has a line input that allows you to select between instrument level and regular line level. you want regular line level, not instrument level.

I think it does. Thanks!

 

[Obese Chess]

Mic it up!!!

How loud do you think a Peavey from 1978 is?

Wrong. It is louder than that.

 

[Obese Chess]

Follow-up question: is there any benefit to running something like the Two Notes Torpedo Cab before the interface vs. using some sort of VST cab simulator after recording?

 

[amper]

I'm kind of under the assumption that a balanced signal is always going to be better than an unbalanced one, especially when recording in electronically-noisy apartments and rehearsal spaces

Not necessarily. Lots of professional audio equipment uses unbalanced connections. Most particularly, almost every recording console in existence has unbalanced inserts. It's actually pretty rare to find consoles with balanced inserts.

Over short distances, unbalanced connections should not pick up excessive amounts of noise. Is balanced generally better? Yes, but it's not always strictly necessary.

 

[amper]

1.5 V RMS line out? That's pretty hot. That's equal to +5.74 dBu, substantially higher than the +4 dBu standard for professional audio line level.