Using DI out from amp to record bass

[Sathya]

Hi (just joined this group)
I posted a similar one but I thought I could explain more clearly with a picture. As you can see I have a Laney RB2 that has a provision for DI OUT. I purchased an interface cable (Alesis MicLink AudioLink Series XLR-to-USB Cable) that connects on one end to this DI OUT and has a USB on the other end.

Question: Has anyone/is it possible to connect DI OUT directly to a computer i.e., for example to MAC/garageband and record bass?

 

[AceOfBassFace]

Ok - so that Alesis interface should work in theory. So if you're not getting any signal into the mac, the problem could be anywhere in your signal path. You need to test each part one by one with other equipment to see what's not working.

Bass: are you getting output to the amp? Does the cable work?
XLR out on the amp: can you try to connect this to a mixer or something to see if it's working properly?
Alesis cable/interface: can you try connecting to another computer? I'd guess that this is the problem since your other interface works.
Mac: not sure if the interface needs a driver or not - you could contact them with your issue to find out. Most mac stuff I've used just installs the correct drivers automatically.
Software: are your inputs set correctly in the software? Also check your settings in system preferences -> sound -> input. This should show your Alesis as the input.

 

[Sathya]

Ok - so that Alesis interface should work in theory. So if you're not getting any signal into the mac, the problem could be anywhere in your signal path. You need to test each part one by one with other equipment to see what's not working.

Bass: are you getting output to the amp? Does the cable work? YES, my Laney amp output is perfect

XLR out on the amp: can you try to connect this to a mixer or something to see if it's working properly?

Alesis cable/interface: can you try connecting to another computer? I'd guess that this is the problem since your other interface works. I tried with a Windows laptop running Audacity; it did not work though the interface was recognised by windows.

Mac: not sure if the interface needs a driver or not - you could contact them with your issue to find out. Most mac stuff I've used just installs the correct drivers automatically. Let me check again

Software: are your inputs set correctly in the software? Also check your settings in system preferences -> sound -> input. This should show your Alesis as the input. Let my try again and see.

View attachment 3994866

 

[Tosh]

the Alesis MicLink does not require drivers for Mac. It should show up as a "CMedia" audio device in Audio MIDI Setup (it's a CMedia chipset). If it's not there, then it won't work.

Your connection should be OK, in theory. I have a SONUUS i2M that I use with both Mac/Logic and iPad/Garageband. I plug the bass directly into the 12M. In your case, plugging in from the DI of your Laney amp is correct because the Alesis adapter is made for a low-impedance input (your bass is most likely high-impedance).

You stated that it did not work using Audacity, though the interface was recognized by Windows. This is probably at the root of the problem. However, if it's Mac that you are working with, then let's focus on what happens with the Mac.

 

[Sathya]

the Alesis MicLink does not require drivers for Mac. It should show up as a "CMedia" audio device in Audio MIDI Setup (it's a CMedia chipset). If it's not there, then it won't work.

Your connection should be OK, in theory. I have a SONUUS i2M that I use with both Mac/Logic and iPad/Garageband. I plug the bass directly into the 12M. In your case, plugging in from the DI of your Laney amp is correct because the Alesis adapter is made for a low-impedance input (your bass is most likely high-impedance).

You stated that it did not work using Audacity, though the interface was recognized by Windows. This is probably at the root of the problem. However, if it's Mac that you are working with, then let's focus on what happens with the Mac.

Let me try again this week-end - thanks though!