DI Boxes Part 5: Active vs. Passive revisited

[@CrisValk]

Great work as always,Bruno!I love this kind of vids,especially yours ^^ So to summarize,better use an active DI with an acoustic guitar which its output is near to mic level.and a passive one with an acoustic that is near to line level! But I have a question:Why is it a bad thing not to use any gain from the mixer's preamp when the output level of the guitar is healthy and not clipping on its own? Talking of DI boxes but in the studio application,I recently purchased a ReAmp box by Radial (ProRmp)...that I think it's basically a DI box but inverted...I already used it and gave me some different but interesting results based on the microphone techniques,and I chose a passive ReAmp because they say passives are a little less noisy than active ones...do you agree? is there some things that I should considered back then,or simply overlooked?

[@GLBProductions]

Hello Cris, I was definitely thinking of you when making this video ;) To answer your first very good question - I have learned from experience and more experienced live sound engineers that it is a good idea to leave some downward adjustment available on the gain control. Let's say that your gain control is all the way down and the signal is just right at around unity gain. What happens if during the show the guitarist plays much harder or kicks in a boost pedal that you didn't know about (it happens) and the signal starts to clip? At this point you have no way to attenuate the signal and have a real problem if this is an important input such as lead vocals. Hence it is better to use a pad in advance and then use some channel gain rather than having channel gain at zero and running the risk described above. Ok now I'll be honest with you - I have never actually needed to use a reamp box ;) I've seen them in studios but never had cause to use one live. But yes the principle is the reverse of a DI box - convert a balanced, low impedance signal to an unbalanced, high impedance signal suitable for feeding to the input of a guitar amp. And I would agree with you that passive ones are best because by definition they cannot add additional noise to the signal, and with these devices you are typically going from line level down to instrument level, so there is no need for an active circuit. Of course it's also important to ensure that you have a high quality transformer in the unit. Always great to hear from you my brother, have a great weekend!

[@CrisValk]

GLB Productions For the gain I was thinking the same thing but was not sure...let's say I always listen to the experienced people first : ) Regarding the reamp,I imagined that you never used one,as you're primarily a Live Sound Engineer...but so another question arises...since there are Active Reamp boxes too...to what they are for? Thanks Bruno,have a great weekend too! :)

[@GLBProductions]

Indeed! Best to learn from other people's mistakes rather than our own if possible ;) There are several advantages to active re-ampers, if done correctly - it allows the output level of the device to be adjusted without affecting the tone, it allows more than one amp to be drives without losing signal and it offers slightly more high end response. More info from the good folks at Radial here: radialeng.com/xamp-development.php

[@infantreetube]

Cris Valk ppppp

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

I use www.radialeng.com/xamp.php active but it is very good. I do want to try the passive too though :) Since I am using mostly for sending line level to hi-z effects for electronic production aux/effects sends loops, I didn't want to lose any high end by using passive. I power this and my Rolls MP222 mic preamp (and guitar effects) with Cioks Ciokolate so the power is very clean too.

[@bradrevland5451]

All of these DI series videos were great and extremely helpful! They answered all the questions I had in setting them up for my use. Thank you for taking the time for doing these. Greatly appreciated.

[@GLBProductions]

That's great news, very glad the videos have been helpful. Let me know if you have any questions in the future.

[@turinreza]

@@GLBProductions i have passive acoustic pickup that goes through a passive DI box. is there a cheap pedal that i could put before the DI box that satisfy the rule for active to passive DI? i have a noise killer pedal and an octave pedal. can i put those in front of DI?

[@GLBProductions]

@@turinreza Sure those will work fine - passive source into a battery powered pedal becomes an active source.

[@ColoradoDreamin]

Really great job anticipating questions and answering them. Thank you! Everything I was looking for you demo'd and answered. :)

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks Sean, glad the video was helpful!

[@alanthorne3921]

This has been the most informative vid on DI’s I have watched.I play acoustic solo/duo gigs with up to 3 electro acoustics as well as bass.Really great vid.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching Alan, all the best with your music.

[@mladenjov]

This issue is known to me more or less even though so I enjoyed listening to your explanations Bruno. I am glad that there are people who so selflessly want to convey to people the knowledge and experience.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks Mladen, I enjoy helping people :)

[@BibleBeltBlues]

Without a doubt this is the best video on this topic. The topic is fully explored and explained by the presenter using real equipment and shows how the DI's interact with the guitars and the mixers. This is a MUST SEE video for anyone who needs to know which DI to purchase...active or passive....and how to use it with their mixer. Thank you sir for providing this valuable information. I can now proceed to purchase a passive DI to add to my gear knowing that it will do the job for me. Many thanks.

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome - all the best with your music!

[@BibleBeltBlues]

@@GLBProductions update!! As it turned out I needed an ACTiVE DI to do the job needed with an Ovation electric acoustic Guitar i have had for 25 years that needed help to get to unity gain without maxing out the gain on my mixer/recorder. Your recommendation is correct. Thank you.

[@GLBProductions]

Those old Ovations still sound great today!

[@MrMikeX]

Thank you so much for creating exactly what I needed in this video! Incredibly helpful and really well done!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Mike, thanks for watching :)

[@godspeedshredderjei7685]

You're a life saver dude, now i have the solution for my ground noise problem... i'll go for the active one. Thanks so much!!

[@aussieb1416]

All round very informative on how everything effects everything with differing equipment used. Cheers

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching :)

[@ABuskerUnheard]

Another great video on DI boxes, you explain it very well to people like myself, who can get confused with a lot of tecky talk. All the best.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@cthncthn7405]

Bravo Bruno, that was excellent and came at the perfect time. I've been researching DI's for a while now and have heard the usual story about using active sources with passive Di's and visa versa. Seeing the levels for both guitars on active vs passive and with/without pad... awesome. I totally get it now. Thank you sir

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome, glad the video was helpful!

[@faautobahna9416]

Thank you for clarifying it further on the differences.

[@backspin6698]

Thanks Bruno. Just what I needed. So active DI is the thing for me.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome :)

[@Gele_Rodrigo]

good video! In the case of going with a takamine preamp on the guitar and several effects pedals, which DI would be better?

[@GLBProductions]

A passive DI would be a better level match but either can be used.

[@telefan2]

Thanks for your time effort and expertise here. You always answer the question people need to know.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@brettlunden8268]

Very useful information. Well organized and presented as well. Thanks.

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome!

[@cristianoandreoli1638]

can we solve that kind of problem with a (linear/clean) booster pedal before the passive D.I.?

[@GLBProductions]

Yes, passive guitar into any sort of battery or mains powered device = active signal.

[@kre8a361]

Overall, excellent videos Bruno. I'm gaining knowledge here.

[@GLBProductions]

Very glad to hear that!

[@mpkresearch]

Great video Brother Bruno, as always!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for your continued support Philip :)

[@zazoomatt]

Love watching you thu the years Helped SO much to this fellow. Well done !

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks Matt, really appreciate your support!

[@morgan17121712]

Thanks Bruno, I thoroughly enjoy your content. It's what got me interested in sound. I plan to study sound at university next year. We use 6x Radial J48 DI's at school every week and have not had any issues with a large range of pianos, guitars and bases. Very informative video. Thank You!

[@GLBProductions]

That's great news, no doubt I'll be learning from you soon! Your school is very wise to invest in Radial gear, it lasts forever, sounds great and gives students a real taste of what the pros use on a daily basis.

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

If you are going to record a lot of things through a DI.. you don't want it to make it sound bad xD same argument to get nice mic pre's too - if everything goes through it, it better not make things 'worse'!

[@mgrisham71]

A little to the comments here but this is a fantastic video. Great clarification to the confusion of active/passive DI’s. Thanks so much.

[@GLBProductions]

Glad it was helpful Matthew, thanks for watching :)

[@YoYo-oi8bx]

Please help me sir,.If i use Passive Electric guitar,and i use multi efect/Stomp efect,.is my guitar classified to be active instrument and should use passive DI Box?

[@GLBProductions]

Correct 😊

[@YoYo-oi8bx]

@@GLBProductions One more sir,.if the soundman guy using 10 meter cable,or more,.should i worry about tone loss if i using a Passive DI Box?

[@GLBProductions]

The cables between your guitar, multi-effects and DI box should be as short as possible - no more than 5m/15ft. The XLR cables can be as long as needed.

[@YoYo-oi8bx]

@@GLBProductions Thanks alot sir,. this help me so much,.I try JDI and price don't lie,.👍🏻

[@Kurt1969]

This series has been a huge help. Sub'd. Many thanks!!!

[@GLBProductions]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for supporting the channel.

[@alyjgameplays888]

thank you so much for this wonderful video! i was confused with the active and passive thing, good job for making it clear and easy

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, glad the video was helpful :)

[@e.thorsen1937]

Great D.I. videos. I have just ordered a passive, I think it is called ProAV1. If my Hi-Z input is too week, can I add a boost pedal to compensate maybe?

[@henrytuton9403]

REALLY ENJOYED THIS VIDEO OF THE DIFFERENCES OF THE TWO DI BOXES. GAVE ME MORE UNDERSTANDING OF HOW TO USE THEM. THE AC3R IS A ROSEWOOD AND I HAVE A BREEDLOVE ROSEWOOD SO NOW I KNOW WHICH ONE TO USE. THANKS AND GOD BLESS.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Henry, all the best with your music!

[@ericleckey]

Thank you for that. Very helpful and interesting. Really appreciate the thought put into it and it helped me in my situation.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@popopopo]

Hello. I'm using a passive electric guitar (like a standard fender strat), and run a lot of effects pedals in front then plugged it into an audio interface, do you recommend a DI box? active or passive?

[@GLBProductions]

Just connect directly to your interface, no DI box needed.

[@popopopo]

@@GLBProductions okay, thanks for the reply! saved me a lot of money :D

[@casebass2316]

This is a great explanation/advice for DI’s. I use the Radial JDI (passive DI), and it’s great for my active basses. If I happen to bring a passive bass, I have a MXR Micro Amp to balance volume between basses. Seems to work well for me.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks Case!

[@diego404]

This was the info that I was looking for!! Thanks a lot!!

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome.

[@yuyu_skaholic]

How about the midi keyboard? Im using arturia mk3 midi tru ipad pro 3.5 mm, my setup is a passive setup?

[@GLBProductions]

If the audio output is from your iPad it's active.

[@yuyu_skaholic]

@@GLBProductions yes my audio outpost from my iPad,., source audio outpost from iPad (midi keyboard no source data only comtroller, my iPad is the key)

[@yuyu_skaholic]

@@GLBProductions thank you so much

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome 😄

[@yuyu_skaholic]

@@GLBProductions if im using roland juno-ds61 output, i need a passive di box?

[@yigit_okyay]

Hi, I hava a question. Please help me. I have 2 guitars, 1 guitar have active pickups 1 guitar have passive pickups. I have a pedal board ( metal master, mxr 5150 vs.). At last i have a focusrite scarlet 2i2 sound card. When i want to direct record to my guitars with the metal and rock pedals, the sound like a sizzle. I am a little bit confused. I have both pickups but also i have pedals. Regardless of pickups, are these pedals tones active? Should i buy active or passive Di box? or both? My setup is like this; Passive-Active pickup Guitars > My Pedal Board (Metal tones or the other tones) > Preamp pedal > Focusrite Scarlet 2i2. Thank you.

[@GLBProductions]

Hi Yigit you are correct: active or passive guitar into active pedals = active source. In this case you don't need any DI box - just connect directly to the 2i2 input.

[@ShinKuro99]

i love the j48 sounds for both active or passive guitar

[@GLBProductions]

The J48 is an active DI and does not use a transformer, but yes it does sound awesome 😄

[@dennissimmons1050]

Awesome teacher , awesome videos . Keep the information coming pls. I’d like to see your teachings on running two amps in stereo with effects in front and through the effects loops. Typically we only get a wet / dry sound though stereo pedals I’m seeing. Tks for any input.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching Dennis. Are you referring to electric guitar amps?

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

I think you mean you want to keep your amp's effects loop, but also include another amp? I think best to get a loop feedbacker, to do an effects loop. For splitting to two amps you need a splitter. If you have stereo effects they should have two outputs, so you could split the signal to two amps that way also (run mono effects first then stereo at the end - running more than one stereo effect in a row means that you need stereo inputs for any further stereo effects in the chain (since they almost all want mono/guitar input, unless you opt for line level effects - which will require a preamp or load balancer to convert from guitar/hi-z to line level to use properly. I suggest using a loop feedbacker to avoid using your amp's effects loop, then an A/B or AB/Y splitter at the end (or after the feedback looper) with one going to each amp. Might need to invert phase on one of the amps to avoid issues though. I'm sure there is a DI that would have a splitter in it if you searched - Radial have a splitter section on the website you can use to get started anyway. I would suggest checking out Deftones - they have stereo guitar amp setups. I think they use either two strips/channels of effects or a stereo effect unit to achieve it though.

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

How do I connect my second effect pedal when I have my Active DI box and can I run them by phamton power both or individually power

[@GLBProductions]

Effects pedals should be placed before the DI box in the signal chain.

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

Question here on general rule. because as you mention the signal when using a passive DI box is very low on a guitar , can I take off my 9 volt battery out of my guitar and then use an Active DI box with phantom power or can I keep the 9 volt battery on my guitar and use Active DI box power by phantom or battery as well and does that affect anything on the mixer

[@GLBProductions]

No, the active DI box will not power your guitar's electronics.

[@timothymaravillon8754]

Goodmorning sir bruno! Thank you so much for sharing your talent to me i am ricardo maravillon here in cebu city phillipines you are one Of my best mentor of audio system specialy in audio proccesor and mic mixer connections thats why im always like and subscribe your channel sir, God bless you sir!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching Timothy, very glad the videos have been helpful 😄

[@RajivSamaroo]

hi there, can you do a comparison to show the difference between using the DI box and plugging the guitar straight into the mixer without the DI?

[@GLBProductions]

Hmm, what would be the purpose of such a comparison?

[@vincentklein4886]

That was amazing, man ! Please continue to do great videos like this 😉

[@v4uevents]

what happen when we give phantom power to direct di box ? phantom power damage the direct di box ?

[@GLBProductions]

No, all modern DI boxes are unaffected by phantom power.

[@coolvibesradio3267]

if I want to go from a pedalboard to the mixer do I need active or passive?

[@GLBProductions]

Passive is fine for that application.

[@djgalawak]

hello, how many db JDI lost from original signal ? jensen sound fat, warm glue. i need box for drum machine. wich transfo jensen, carnhill, cinemag,.. you recommand for house techno sub, punch, dynamic.. best vibes ;)

[@GLBProductions]

DI boxes are designed to be transparent, so they are not really tone-shaping devices. If you want a DI that colours your sound it may be better to use some kind of tube preamp in your setup.

[@djgalawak]

transformer affect impendance, sound, glue.. depend wich one, circuit, how to push. jdi (transformer jensen) look warmer then j48. neve, harrison, api pro gear use it. cool your video radial versus. best vibes

[@380stroker]

Would someone use an sm57 mic with an active di box into the line in of the mixer?

[@GLBProductions]

No, there is no reason to do that - if you want to connect the mic to the line input of a mixer you need an external mic preamp, not a DI box.

[@fvcostellation]

Thanks for your video. Do all the Active DIs have a preamp inside? I recently purchased a BSS AR-133 Active DI Box, is there a preamp inside?

[@GLBProductions]

Hi Francesco, all active DIs are preamps in the sense that they have powered electronics inside that are designed to amplify the level of the input signal. However the actual output level of the DI will vary from model to model.

[@fvcostellation]

@@GLBProductions thanks for your expert reply, so if you are stating the all active DIs are preamp, what's the difference between a preamp and an active DI?

[@GLBProductions]

That's a good question: a preamp is generally considered to be a device used to amplify and/or modify the signal from an instrument or microphone. Some preamps also have XLR outputs, which make them active DIs in addition. DIs however, almost never have EQ controls on them. So the answer is that the two categories overlap 😊

[@brackinsteve]

So if I’m running my Strat into a pedal board I need a passive correct?

[@GLBProductions]

Correct :)

[@AdamMundok]

Excellent and informative video. Thank you for making.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Adam, thanks for watching.

[@tspoh7578]

you are a great teacher !!!! thank you very much, I learn a lot from you !!!

[@GLBProductions]

Thank you, very glad to hear that :)

[@brishonte]

If i use a boss pedal i need a pasive box, right?

[@GLBProductions]

Correct.

[@chessgame4169]

Can i use passive di box to passive instrument? Will it work?

[@GLBProductions]

It depends - you may experience an output level that is too low to be usable and/or high frequency loss in the output signal. It's worth a try though.

[@Mr_A_Mia]

Bruno, thank you for the video...always helpful! Can you please explain what the “speaker” button on the JDI does? I cant seem to find a straight simple answer. Thanks again!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Alberto. The 'speaker' switch on the JDI is used in conjunction with the pad switch to allow the JDI to be connected to the speaker-level output of a guitar amplifier in parallel with a speaker cabinet or load box. This process is actually explained very well on pages 9 and 10 of the user manual: www.radialeng.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/JDI-mk3-Manual-web.pdf

[@Mr_A_Mia]

@@GLBProductions Don't have one yet and didn't think to check there. Go figure. thank you.

[@Mrnangpu]

Did the passive sounded bigger, it did to my ears ☺

[@GLBProductions]

Define "bigger" 😄

[@HungNguyen-mz1ti]

If I used the snake cable for connecting several devices to the mixer, I recognized that the phantom power could not be used to power the active DI box. In this case, what is your suggestion? Should I have to connect the active DI box directly to the mixer for using the phantom power or Do I have to use 9V battery for the DI box?

[@GLBProductions]

You can send phantom power through a snake no problem, as long as the XLR connectors in the snake are wired correctly: pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2 and so on.

[@KutayYavuzMusic]

Informative video! Thank you and subscribed!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Kutay, welcome to the channel!

[@KutayYavuzMusic]

@@GLBProductions Today I have bought J48 DI box! Thank you :)

[@GLBProductions]

A great investment!

[@sammishael7329]

Hi Brother nice teaching thank you very much MAY God bless you more and more.... brother now I have a keyboard out put is left and right how can I use Di Box pls help me thank in advance

[@GLBProductions]

You would use either two mono DI boxes or a stereo DI box such as these: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3XXhIaImst8l80

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

I got Radial JDI duplex, two Radial JDI in one. It's passive so good for active output like a keyboard.

[@terryfennell3331]

what is the difference between lifted ground and not

[@GLBProductions]

This video will explain, under the ground loop section: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aISleIZ6gMx-ftE

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

Cuts ground out from before and after DI box - helps reduce potential for grounding issues between mixing/PA desk and your amp/guitar effects etc

[@shamansking6407]

You can answer me to a question please. A dj controller DDJ-400 is a active source or a pasive?

[@GLBProductions]

Active for sure.

[@iamcxll9458]

If I use a (passive electric guitar) with (effects processor boss gt1), 1.- is this still a passive istrument? and should i use a active DIBox? 2.- or because of the gt1 the instrument changes to be an active and shoul I use a passive DIBox? Thanks a lot

[@GLBProductions]

Passive instrument into any active pedal or processor becomes an active source, so you can use a passive DI 😊

[@josephwilfredjeyaseeland7835]

I'm using a Cort action DLX 5string active bass. You insisted on buying an active DI box for acoustic guitar but which is better in my context. Thank you for your video very informative!

[@GLBProductions]

With an active bass you can use either an active or passive DI - try both and see which one you prefer.

[@jayantp737]

My fav. GLB

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks Jayan!

[@bishnurudranandadash3323]

What is comfortable for keyboard playing? Sir please replay me..

[@GLBProductions]

Passive 😊

[@bishnurudranandadash3323]

Thank you sir for replaying..

[@mark-ze4en]

I assume that an electronic keyboard falls into the 'active' input device? I want to use my cheapo Yamaha DGX 505 portable grand and use an equalizer to balance out the discrepancies is keyboard range volumes. The low end is strong and clear thru phones or speakers built into the DGX box is nasty through a PAS or into my Mackie usb pro FX 8. Unfortunately the DGX only has a stereo Headphone jack output so I am thinking of using a DI to go from the DGX to an EQ (with TRS Plugs) to connect to my mackie. Any suggestions? Feel free to be brutally honest! Great videos! Thanx buddy!

[@GLBProductions]

Correct, a source like that is considered active. However you will need a stereo DI to handle the headphone output because there are two signals, left and right. This video will show you how to do it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZaXeqyknZmlmcU

[@mark-ze4en]

Thank you ! Your videos are very helpful and clearly explained. Thanks for the link!

[@mark-ze4en]

Sorry to be a hound like this but,, if I had a spare USB interface with multiple inputs could I use that as DI box? It takes regular line in and outputs balanced XLR sends to speakers( or in my case ,to an EQ first the to my main USB interface?

[@GLBProductions]

Sure you can do that :) Most USB interfaces are in fact small mixers - they don't have any EQ but generally have multiple inputs that can be mixed down to a balanced stereo output, so they will work fine.

[@vojtech_valda]

Hello, I have an electric guitar with passive pickups with pedal effects(delays, boost, distortions, reverb etc.) and with Helix Stomp Guitar Processor and I have boss RC 30 looper at the end of the chain. If I want to go direct to the FOH should I use active or passive DI box? thank you

[@GLBProductions]

Since the RC30 is the last device in your signal chain I would use a passive DI box, preferably stereo.

[@vojtech_valda]

@@GLBProductions Thank you very much! Why preferably stereo?

[@GLBProductions]

The output of the RC30 is stereo, yes? So might as well take full advantage of that.

[@al1843]

Is there any reason not to use an active DI all the time, and just lower the gain level on the preamp as needed if recording a hotter signal, like from an active guitar or keyboard?

[@GLBProductions]

Yes you can definitely do that - engage the pad switch as needed for active sources and leave it off for passive sources.

[@al1843]

GLB Productions I was looking at the neve 2-channel active DI. Kind of surprising, but it doesn’t have a pad. I know someone who loves it though. Neve says there is a ton of headroom so it works fine with active sources. I kind of still wish it had a pad, though.

[@GLBProductions]

Ah yes the RNDI-S - no doubt they left the pad out to reduce the number of components in the signal path... They are correct in a sense: that DI has a maximum input level of +20.5dBu which gives you 16.5dB of headroom over standard line level. In this case however the issue will be at the other end - the DI has a max OUTPUT level of +11.5dBu which will overload just about any mic input. This is the problem that I alluded to in my first active vs. passive DIs video. So you'd need to use the pad on the mixer (if available) or carry an XLR(F) to TRS adapter to route the signal directly into the line level input. Radial avoids this problem by having their active DIs output at MIC level - much better when dealing with snake systems and mixer inputs that may not be accessible.

[@al1843]

GLB Productions ah. Thanks for the clarification. I have plenty of inputs with pads on them. Either that, or I’ll convert to TRS and use the line in. Thanks!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome!

[@alonsoaguirre3771]

Very helpful 👍 I think I will go with the passive for my acoustic Cordoba Guitar

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching Alonso.

[@armansrsa]

I run my jazz bass into a passive DI box into a mic preamp.... is this an exception to the "general rule"?

[@GLBProductions]

Interesting question 😄 Is your jazz bass active or passive?

[@armansrsa]

@@GLBProductions both! It is a GL bass and I prefer to use it in passive mode.

[@GLBProductions]

Ah, so in that case you effectively have two different instruments in one and will need to set things up differently for passive and active mode. Passive instrument into a passive DI is technically an exception to the rule but what matters most is whether you're satisfied with the way it sounds.

[@randalfields1991]

Great Explanation! Great Work! really Cool.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching Randal!

[@martysradioshow5979]

thanks Bruno for this episode

[@cwsgershwin]

Great video. I have a maton guitar with the AP5 Pro system. High output. I understand the flexibility of using the J48 with the pad in this case, but don't he Jensen transformers make a big difference? Thanks for the information

[@GLBProductions]

For a guitar like yours either DI will sound great, it just depends on whether you prefer a warmer or a brighter sound.

[@fiascoseven2796]

Great demonstration. Thank you very much. In my experience the new range of Radial Direct Boxes has the tendency to sound very tinny. I prefer the Stage Bugs for their smoother response.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@oldschoolrock4evr]

Hi Im running a recording rig with the following chain: Fender strat = scarlete 2i2 = laptop ...So i m recording directly into the sound cards input BUT I HAVE MAJOR HUM BECAUSE OF A STRATOCASTER! Would i benefit from the DI box at all to get rid of the HUM BUZZ....?

[@GLBProductions]

If the hum/buzz is coming from the pickups in your guitar a DI box will not help - you need to track down the source of the noise first. See if it is coming from things like electric light ballasts, neon signs, computer monitors etc.

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

Try without any effects/stomp boxes, try a better cable for guitar, try something like an ISP Decimator II noise suppressor/Boss NS-2 if naturally noisy pickups. Worst worst case, replace pickups with something cleaner. Single coils are always noisier.. there's also a transformer isolator, like ART cleanbox II which may help if it's a ground loop issue. If you are using effects, try without them / one cable from guitar to amp and see if better ( could be effects chain or cables). Try different cables also - saw video where generic cable compared to Mogami gold on single coil, Mogami had a lot less noise/hiss. Try other amp as it might be your amp maybe.. or just doesn't pair well with your guitar. I think most likely just regular single coil noise though. If you want quiet try humbuckers, but I like the noise of single coil.. it's harder to do good feedback or experimental noise with humbucker xD

[@tonyalfano2479]

Fantastic video. Thanks so much.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@xtakerux]

Amazing video , very enlightening 🙏 and That's exactly what i did , iwent with J48

[@GLBProductions]

Glad the video was helpful, all the best with your music 😊

[@MrMikeX]

The links provided to your Amazon store do not work.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for letting me know, try here: www.glbproductions.com/amazon-links-direct-boxes/

[@nunocastro1810]

Great video Bruno! I would like to ask you 2 questions that will help me. I have a Takamine TAN45C (w/cpt2 cooltube) that I run into some pedals first (pedalboard), then go to the Radial JDI (the same as on video), then UR22 Audio Interface and to the Yamaha HS7 Monitors. Normaly on JDI, I switch ON only the Ground and the 15db PAD, the Speaker, Rev180º and Merge I let them OFF. What do you think, is right this setting? And should I use the JDI after or before the pedalboard? Thank you very much.

[@GLBProductions]

Hi Nuno, in your case there is actually no need to the use the JDI at all - just run the output of your pedalboard directly into the 1/4" input on the UR22. The JDI would only be needed if you had noise issues or if the distance between your pedalboard and interface was more than 5 meters/15 feet.

[@nunocastro1810]

​@@GLBProductions Thank you for your quick answer Bruno! I have some subtle strange noises but continuous that I presume it came from to the CPT2 (I think so, I already thought about buying a new CPT3 because of that, but I'm afraid to spend that money and the problem may not be from the preamp) and when I start playing we can not ear the noises, and without touching the strings we can ear it (its very annoying). And in a large distance from the PA the settings that I use on switches are ok? and in your opinion I should use the DI after or before the pedalboard? Thank you a lot for helping me in this situation Bruno.

[@GLBProductions]

Yes those noises can be very difficult to track down - on the JDI to begin with I wouldn't press any of the switches at all. Press the ground lift switch only if you hear noise. The PAD switch only needs to be used if you need to drop the signal to prevent overloading the mic preamp on the other end. I would use the JDI after the pedalboard. All the best with your music 😊

[@nunocastro1810]

@@GLBProductions Thank you one more time for your answers that are very very useful for me, and for your kind attention Bruno. "Yes those noises can be very difficult to track down"... so, do you have the same noises in your Takamine?

[@GLBProductions]

Not really but I don't play in many different venues. I get more noises on my fender basses!

[@steve-o4207]

Describes things so well

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks Steve!

[@rhmm96]

Thank you so much for the knowledge!

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome!

[@stevefrik]

Great video mini-series!!! Question: Apparently Radial avoid batteries in their active boxes to improve quality and therefore rely on phantom power. You don’t seem to mention this...and(!) the phantom power doesn’t seem to be activated on your mixer?? Do active boxes need to be on a phantom power channel and does it actually need to be activated?

[@GLBProductions]

Yes, active DI boxes most definitely need phantom power to operate, and phantom power must be activated on the channel they are plugged into. The exception to this is active DI boxes that have an internal battery, but even then I always remove it and run the box on phantom power.

[@stevefrik]

Thank you for the quick reply. I know you have answered this below, but to reinforce the question: 1./ if I use a powered effects pedal on my accoustic guitar (eg: boss ch1) can I or should I use a passive box? 2./ if I use the same powered pedal(s) on my elec guitar then surely I could use a passive box there?

[@GLBProductions]

Yes to both: passive source into battery powered pedal becomes an active source.

[@gabrieladrianpoggi9292]

Thank you very much for this video, is really useful. Greetings from Argentina.

[@mishm299]

You might've already basically answered this, but would it be perfectly OK sound-wise to bypass the need to buy an active DI by putting a passive guitar/bass signal through a clean boost pedal like a Keeley Katana before it goes into the passive DI?

[@GLBProductions]

Yes, or indeed any effects pedal.

[@9uweeoncbmd890]

Thank you for the video. It was very instructing.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@claudiostano]

Hi Bruno, great explaination. I have a side question: Why only the right side of master bus meters-columns is on? . I would expect that when playing the guitar, both master bus meters-columns were lighted ( since the PANNING on the ch. 2 is in the center ) thank you :)

[@claudiostano]

uhm, is the PRE FADER / SOLO switch that behaves like that?

[@RonoTron01]

Will the active DI box work with electric guitars such as Fender Stratocaster? or can I plug straight into the mixer?

[@GLBProductions]

Electric guitars are rarely DI'ed directly unless you are in a re-amping situation.

[@Rottingcorpseful]

hey man im using schecter guitar 8 string active pickups and focusrit 2i4 interface and recoding with bias fx ....i need di box ...active or passive ?

[@GLBProductions]

With this setup you don't need an DI box - just plug directly into the Focusrite with the input set to the INST position.

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

If you didn't have the sound card, you'd use a passive for the active pickups

[@christopherdunn317]

Hi i was wondering about my bass guitar it says its passive but has a battery powered eq with a 9 volt so i take it that would be active ? since its the last in the chain of the output right ? Neck PU ESP Designed SB-4N Bridge PU ESP Designed SB-4B Electronics Passive P.U. w/ Active EQ Electronics Layout Vol/Bal/ABQ-3 3-Band EQ

[@GLBProductions]

That's right - passive pickups just mean that the pickups themselves do not need power to function. Almost all magnetic pickups are passive with the exception of some models from EMG. But your bass has an active preamp so is considered an active source.

[@christopherdunn317]

Thanks !

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

active = paying extra for batteries - if that's you you have active xD

[@roblai8564]

Great references never go out of style!

[@GLBProductions]

Glad you think so! 😊

[@julioguitarrista]

Awesome video!!! Greetings from Brazil. Bruno, I own two acoustic guitars: one 6 string with active pickup and one 12 string with passive pickup. I noticed on your video that the gain on the mixer was pretty much the same (around 11 o´clock) between the passive guitar with the active DI and the active guitar with the active DI + PAD. Am I right??? Thanks!!!

[@GLBProductions]

Greeting Julio. This video does not actually feature a passive guitar - both the guitars were active, just with significantly different output levels.

[@SevanGuitars]

I use the J48 for my active 6-string bass, my Taylor guitar, and even electric guitar with amp sims. The J48 will handle anything, especially with the -15 pad.

[@GLBProductions]

I agree - it's very close to being a universal DI box.

[@michelmailhiot4848]

Merci Bruno

[@MrBoogaloo86]

Very Good Information. I need both.

[@GLBProductions]

Yes it's good to have both types available.

[@razzerraw1108]

I Have a Huge question! If I want to record all my Guitar Pedal effects coming back into my DAW in stereo, Do I need a Reamp/ or DI with 1 Channel, or do I need a 2 channel version? I'm very stumped with this question !

[@GLBProductions]

It depends on what audio interface you are using - ideally you would return into a pair of line level inputs. In that case no DI or reamper would be needed.

[@razzerraw1108]

@@GLBProductions I'm planning on using Guitar Pedals as FX for inside my Daw. I need to send the information out of my Daw, into the pedals, and back into my interface. I want my FX to come back into my DAW as a stereo fx source. Not Mono. There are Reamps and DI Boxes as 1 Channel versions and 2 channel versions. I'm mainly trying to find out, do I need to send 2 quarter inch jacks out of my interface, to a 2 channel Reamper, and then back into a 2 Channel DI, recorded back into my interface with 2 XLR's? I want to record my FX pedals recorded in stereo, not a mono source

[@GLBProductions]

I'm not a recording engineer, but your signal chain above looks correct. In terms of stereo/mono you will need the last pedal in your chain to have a stereo output in order to ensure a stereo return to your interface and DAW.

[@titojimgwapings1736]

Quick question, If i have a passive bass guitar that runs through pedals with buffer and/or pre-amp, should i still use active DI box?

[@GLBProductions]

In that case you can use either - remember that the rule in the video is just a general guideline.

[@tylerwmbass]

I used to run active buffered signals through passive DIs but after discovering the RNDI from Rupert Neve Designs I’m only using my passive DIs for keys. Some active DIs are great for either, like the Retrospec Juicebox

[@eliseolozano8236]

The j48 will work with a keyboard as well as guitar!!? Thanks for this video!

[@GLBProductions]

Yes it will work, but you may need to engage the input pad.

[@eliseolozano8236]

@@GLBProductions thanks!!

[@ezraestrada4992]

My acoustic guitar has LR Bagg Lyric pick up, whats the recommended DI box?

[@GLBProductions]

I prefer an active DI for the lyric because its output is quite low.

[@ezraestrada4992]

Thanks a lot for your help.

[@deniscrispin6865]

I also have a LR Baggs in my Gibson J 45 but also a Telecaster fender thin line what would I need passive or direct and I use a fishman SA 220 accoustic amp thank you

[@pideuhweuh8459]

Hi ! My question is about the use of DI's with bass. I play an active bass and I like to have a bright heavy tone (metal player, you know...). Knowing this do you think I'd better get the JDI or the J48 with the pad always on ? Thanks !

[@valentino99r]

pideuh weuh If you just want a DI get the JDI, it will work best for you. For me a Active DI is always a compromise. For that Metal Sound you want, try a Preamp like the Darkglass Microtubes with build in DI. best regards from Germany;)

[@pideuhweuh8459]

valentino99r actually the plan is toi use a dry/wet configuration. Basse straight tout DI on one side and a mic on m'y dirty amp on the other side, that's why i'm looking for a simple DI and not a preamp. Thanks for answering !

[@mark-ze4en]

Hey Bruno. I recall one of your videos about noise reduction. I need to eliminate 60Hz hum from guitar and longer mic cords for drums. I an using xlr to trs 1/4" plugs to extend xlr mic cords from one room to another and I am getting lots of hum. can you give me any suggestions how to deal with this and perhaps a good (but hopefully not too expensive) hum eliminator box. Also, is it preferable to run a sub mix from the recording 'booth' to second mixer in drum mic room and back to eliminate hum and communicate with players? Thanx,, as always your professional opinion is solid gold!

[@GLBProductions]

Hi Mark, the answer to this could benefit a lot of people on the channel - I'm going to do a video in response to your question, stay tuned!

[@mark-ze4en]

Thanx Bruno,, yer the best!

[@EversonBernardes]

Active DI seems to have a bit more clarity and sparkle in the high end, in the comparison.

[@GLBProductions]

I would agree with that.

[@samuelsamuelsam9761]

Reyale wonderful explain thank brother.

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome Samuel.

[@alantroppy7585]

Thanks for this series. Helped me better understand what it is going on with DI's. Couple of questions if you could help me. Would a Roland SPD-SX be considered an active source since its powered (9 volt wall plug)? Im thinking an active di (with the -20/-40db switches) for the SPD-SX because most front of house I've worded with complain they aren't getting enough signal from our SPD-SX. Kinda similiar situation to the the guitars in your video. I have to buy 2 DI boxes so I might take your advice and just go active

[@GLBProductions]

Hello Alan, glad the videos were helpful. Yes the Roland SPD is definitely an active source. A couple of things you can do: if using a passive DI, make sure that the volume on the SPD is set to maximum. If this causes distortion try backing it off to about 75%. Any sound guy who says he is not getting enough level typically does not understand how to use the gain control on his console ;) You don't need 2 DIs - just buy a stereo DI like the Radial ProD2.

[@alantroppy7585]

@@GLBProductions There seems to be alot of people working soundboards who dont really know what they are doing lol. The only reason I want to invest in 2 DI box's is to take advantage of the separate Master and Sub Outputs on the SPD SX. This allows me to send some backing tracks to its own front of house channel as well as send a separate signal with the kick trigger/other pad sounds to its own channel. Im not particularly taking advantage of the stereo outs(for now); rather im just runing mono from both the master and sub outputs.

[@GLBProductions]

I get it. Bear in mind that you can use a stereo DI as two mono DIs in one housing - the left and right sides are completely independent. All the best with your music!

[@alantroppy7585]

@@GLBProductions awesome! I didnt know that about stereo DI's! Thanks for all the help!

[@nu5193]

I thank you so much Sir !

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome!