XLR or 1/4" and preamp/pedal choices

[tboneflang66]

Hello all -- once again, as I write, I am finding that one small question has grown into nearly a dozen. Any or all answers and opinions are appreciated here.

I am considering purchasing the 3-channel Sansamp BDDI and a Crown XLS1000 to drive my Avatar B210 8 Ohm 500W Neo. The two options for making the DI-to-power amp connection are 1/4" cable (guitar, not speaker cable I presume) and an XLR cable to run phantom power. A few questions on this:

- Is there a specific type of XLR cable to make the connection from DI box to power amp input, or will my mic cable suffice? I know XLR connectors are 3-pronged, and that mics run off phantom power, but is there some type of configuration that I need to know about for this application to run phantom power? I presume a mic cable (XLR female on both ends) would do the same job for the DI-to-pre connection -- or, no???

- With a 1/4" cable, I'd have to use a 9V power supply to power the DI. Does this 'added' power create a hum or other problems?

- ...and for that matter, does phantom power eliminate hum, create a 'cleaner' signal? Is there no difference in fidelity?

- Is there a specific 1/4" or XLR cable gauge that is preferred for this connection -- i.e., the heavier the gauge, the better? I know 1/4" cables have heavier & lighter gauges, but a cursory online look at my favorite music e-tailer is not showing options for different XLR cable gauges (or maybe I'm not looking in the right place?)

- I'm now seeing reviews on said online e-tailer that are pretty much equally enthusiastic about the Sansamp, MXR, Eden WTI, Radial Tonebone, even Aguilar Tone Hammer boxes. Any input on these DI boxes would be appreciated as well. I'm now thinking that since my DI will be my primary tone-shaping, it might be better to go with the Radial since it has an effects loop (I run Big Muff Pi, T-Rex Chorus and delay effects pedals, others to come) and the loop would provide a cleaner signal with the added pedals. Does a loop help clean up the signal, or do I just need to make sure I have quality connections between the pedals?

Thanks to all for answering prior questions about the DI-to-preamp question. I think I'm going to like this flexibility and the option of adding a cabinet later.

 

[projectMalamute]

I don't understand where you are getting phantom power from in that rig.

 

[punkjazzben]

I don't understand where you are getting phantom power from in that rig.

The Sansamp runs on phantom power. Or maybe I misunderstood that sentence.

 

[Zooberwerx]

The XLR is intended for running a balanced signal to the mixer, not your rig's power amp. The mixer will provide phantom power, your amp will not. Use a 1/4" instrument cable betweenst the DI and power amp (or pre amp as the case may be).

Riis

 

[bongomania]

The XLR is intended for running a balanced signal to the mixer, not your rig's power amp.

Well, if the XLR output is capable of the same line levels as the 1/4" output, then it can go either way.

The mixer will provide phantom power, your amp will not.

Correct, important distinction!

 

[bongomania]

Is there a specific type of XLR cable to make the connection from DI box to power amp input, or will my mic cable suffice?

Mic cable is perfectly fine. The only consideration is it can be more convenient to get a shorter one (like 2' or 3') just to keep the rack light and tidy.

I presume a mic cable (XLR female on both ends) would do the same job for the DI-to-pre connection

Aside for the phantom power that just isn't there , there are very, very few situations where you'd use a cable with both ends female or both ends male.

With a 1/4" cable, I'd have to use a 9V power supply to power the DI. Does this 'added' power create a hum or other problems?

Nope. In fact using an isolated supply like a wall wart is often the cure for power-related hum/noise problems.

does phantom power eliminate hum, create a 'cleaner' signal? Is there no difference in fidelity?

No and no.

Is there a specific 1/4" or XLR cable gauge that is preferred for this connection -- i.e., the heavier the gauge, the better?

Not in this application, no.

I'm now seeing reviews on said online e-tailer that are pretty much equally enthusiastic about the Sansamp, MXR, Eden WTI, Radial Tonebone, even Aguilar Tone Hammer boxes. Any input on these DI boxes would be appreciated as well.

There are dozens and dozens of threads about all of these, so please check those out.

Does a loop help clean up the signal

No, but it can help with things like blending (if it is a parallel/blendable loop) or better quality of bypass switching (if it is a bypass loop).

 

[Zooberwerx]

Well, if the XLR output is capable of the same line levels as the 1/4" output, then it can go either way.

True but I like to leave my XLR's open and available for other applications. Also, add the fact that I always have plenty of instrument cables but can never find enough mic cables!

Riis

 

[tboneflang66]

The XLR is intended for running a balanced signal to the mixer, not your rig's power amp. The mixer will provide phantom power, your amp will not. Use a 1/4" instrument cable betweenst the DI and power amp (or pre amp as the case may be).

Riis

Okay, I did not know that the box was not supplied phantom power from the amp -- THAT is what I needed to know. So, 1/4" from box to amp and XLR used only to run to board/FOH -- THANK you!!!

 

[Zooberwerx]

Okay, I did not know that the box was not supplied phantom power from the amp -- THAT is what I needed to know. So, 1/4" from box to amp and XLR used only to run to board/FOH -- THANK you!!!

That's how I run my BDDI...but with a twist. I use the XLR DI on the rackmount Yamaha PB-1 to feed signal to the board when using my PA. When gigging with a provided sound company & system and the guy walks up with an XLR cable, I just point to the BDDI on my pedal board and say "...there ya go". It's quick, accessible, and looks like a conventional DI box so everybody's happy.

BTW, let us know what you snag for a pre. Lots of great choices!

Riis