• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Which cable for DI connection?

Bullitt5135

Bullitt5135

Nov 16, 2010
2,057
4,160
SE Michigan
#1
Im working on a little country/folk/blues project with guitar, bass, cajon and vocals...low volume stuff at farmers markets, wineries, etc. To keep everything as simple as possible, I'm just going passive bass > MXR M80 preamp pedal > Mackie ProFX mixer. Because the mixer has a bum XLR insert, I'm plugging into the the 1/4" mono input on channel 9. What type of cable should I use between the preamp pedal and mixer to avoid noise problems? Guitar cable vs speaker cable? Balanced or unbalanced? Anything else to be concerned about?

I've just been using a guitar cable at rehearsal, and I haven't noticed any issues. However, we are playing at very low volume. I don't want to be surprised when we turn up at a gig.
 
#2
Rane has excellent technical bulletins. Here is a link to a publication that will give you more information that you have requested, but well worth reading.

This article will answer all the questions you ask, and also answer the questions you should be asking.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#3
If you are using the M80's "parallel output" to the mixer.. then standard (TS, mono) guitar cable.. I doubt it is balanced (TRs, stereo).
In that case.. cable length between the two might be an issue and inject noise into the signal.
Or.. XLR to TRS cable out to mixer (if line in supports balanced line inputs)
Remember that your channels "Line IN" jack impedance is set up for Hi-Z (line level) signals, not Lo-Z that is [probably] being sent from your DI. You might have to up the gain, and THAT might also raise the noise floor.
The preferred solution would be XLR from DI to XLR on ProFx.. if you can find an open channel or swap with some (like keys?) who is using an XLR but can get by with a LINE level input.
 
#4
I believe only channel 1 of the Mackie has a high-Z input for instrument-level. The others are line level. If the M-80 1/4” out is an instrument-level rather than a line-level output, you’ll have an impedance mismatch. It’ll work, just not the best. For that, a simple guitar cable fits the bill. But I suggest a better option is to use an XLR to TRS cable or adapter and use the M-80 XLR out. This balanced cable run will also be less likely to pick up noise.
 
#5
Correction: I have the MXR M81 Preamp Pedal
Input Impedance 2.2 MΩ
1/4” Output Impedance 300 Ω, 40 Hz
Balanced Output Impedance 120 Ω, 40 Hz
Maximum 1/4” Output Level +13 dBV
Maximum Balanced Output Level -2 dBV​

On the Mackie ProFx12, it looks like the Channel (9) I'm using is a line-level input.
These 1/4" jacks may be driven by stereo or mono, balanced or unbalanced sources. They may be usedwith just about any professional or semi-pro instrument, effect or tape player.
To connect balanced lines to these inputs, use a 1⁄4" Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) plug.
To connect unbalanced lines to these inputs, use a 1⁄4" mono (TS) phone plug or instrument cable.
If using just a mono source, plug it into the left input (labeled mono) and the signal will appear (as if by magic) equally on the left and right of the main mix.
​
I just realized I have an XLR Jack-to-1/4-Inch Plug Adapter/Transformer. I think I'll try Pedal DI (XLR) > XLR Cable > Adapter > Line-Level Input on Mixer.

Does that sound correct?
​
 
#8
Bullitt5135 said:
What type of cable should I use between the preamp pedal and mixer to avoid noise problems? Guitar cable vs speaker cable? Balanced or unbalanced?
Click to expand...
speaker cables are only for between an actual amp and a speaker cab, nothing else.

a regular 1/4" guitar cable from the preamp pedal will work just fine, it's got plenty of level for a prosumer mixer's 1/4" channel in.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back