Do You NEED A DIRECT BOX? Simply Explained w/ Audio Examples

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Just wanted to add 2 quick add-ons for this video: 1) A very helpful thing about direct boxes is that you won't accidentally get sent 48v phantom power from the board which can potentially fry your gear. That's rare, but it can happen, and it's good protection. 2) When I say "it takes a noisy signal and converts it into a less noisy signal", that does NOT mean that the direct box acts as a de-noiser or something like that. If you have a faulty pickup giving buzz, the direct box isn't going to change that. It just takes the "Noisy Unbalanced" signal and converts it into a "Balanced" signal which is much less noisy. Just wanted to clear that up. Thanks again for watching everyone!

[@mpasistasyalanci]

It doesn’t change anything about how noisy a source might be and there is not a noisy type of cable, the whole trick is happening in the preamp to remove the noise that gets in the cables length externally. In a balanced cable you have two polarities +/- with the same signal but opposite , if you add those as they are you would have cancelling and silence but in the preamp they get reversed and they add up meanwhile the noise that is introduced in the cable gets phase reversed and cancelled

[@imieniainazwiskaniepodam411]

So nice to hear a voice of reason in the audio quality/sound difference discussion. Great material as always!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you, I appreciate that! It’s like the joke of “how many sound guys does it take to screw in a lightbulb?” 5…. 1 to screw in the bulb and 4 to say how they would have done it differently 🤷

[@TheCrimsonGhosts]

So much EASY TO UNDERSTAND info in such a short video...Congrats!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chemdrum]

I like your approach on "if it sounds good, it is good". I enjoy how you just allow us as viewers to just listen and see if a difference occurs in your tone tests. Lol I heard no difference throughout the entire video. Also DI boxes are mainly used in live situations anyway and if there was any difference, it wouldn't matter anyway lol. Great video!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! I appreciate that. I think people who don’t like this method just want to believe that a piece of gear is better than another. It’s very strange… because yeah, even when editing this I had to go “which one was this again?” Because they all sounded the same, thank god for labeling! For live it definitely makes sense in a lot of situations 👍

[@Andrew_O]

I never looked into the comments and just listening couldn't tell any difference to speak of. This is such a real easy to look at these options without going crazy for nothing! Cheers!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I recorded these, and I had to go back to note and go “which one was this again?” Thankfully I labeled all my audio files haha

[@brewedawakening6577]

Now I know what to tell my old lady when she's being too loud or noisy that won't get me in trouble and her get offended. I'll just go "Honey, you're giving me way too much TS Signal right now Sweetie" I love the way this guy explain things. Though I know a bit about this stuff, I still want to be treated like a noob when I watch these YT lessons. Thanks.

[@Roger-il8iw]

I helped a small church fix their noise issue just by switching to all xlr higher quality cables, as short as possible. They were blown away lol

[@pbenson56fran]

Simple direct explanation of a direct box. Thank you

[@mastersteve78]

Only time I used a DI box was with my acoustic guitar. I used modelers for my electric to go straight to the board because they had a balanced out & XLR. I didn’t have anything like that for my acoustic. Great video.

[@Rahelios]

Bro yes! LOVE this kind of content. Dispel the myths! As musicians, we are all endlessly striving to improve our performance, our skill, our sound, our tone, and hopefully the positive impact that our music has on our audience. As a sax player, I feel silly now recalling all the countless hours I've spent testing out different mouthpieces, playing into the corner, recording the sound clips, and endlessly doing a-b tests over 5 to 10 different mouthpiece and reed combinations at a time. All to finally realize that the only thing that really mattered was which one physically felt the most comfortable and therefore enabled me to give the best performance? Because the quality of the performance of the MUSICIAN matters infinitely more than any subtle, most of the time imperceptible sound differences that I was struggling to even discern😂 If you can't hear any difference, or you think that maybe you can but you're struggling to figure it out and you keep going back and forth and you're not sure which one is actually better - then the truth is it really doesn't freaking matter and perhaps you're focused on the wrong thing entirely... 😊👍 Good stuff man! Thank you for all this great content!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks man! I appreciate that. And yeah, if you do hear a difference, then it’s worth it… if not, save yourself some money!

[@SlamDisques-HellForBreakfast]

this guy is good with haters! love it

[@maxgburton]

Just wanted to say, I’ve been looking at getting IEMs and a wireless system for a while (I play small venues with my band). And your videos have helped me more than any other sources I could find on the internet. Great in depth and honest reviews, really appreciate the help you’ve provided! Edit: I know this video isn’t related to that but just wanted to pass that on!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you! I really appreciate that 🤘

[@chucksaeger7500]

You always explain stuff so well! I have a couple of DIs but never used them. They’re really there for the just in case moment. Be prepared.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks Chuck!

[@theresaronningallen8520]

Thanks!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you! I appreciate that 😊😊

[@bassman5123]

Direct boxes are cool, but all they really are is a giant coil! And the question of whether or not you need one depends on your specific situation. For example, are you strictly a live bassist or do you also record in the studio? And if you are strictly the former, do you like the sound of your entire amp rig? (the resulting sound coming out of your speakers) If the answer is yes, then you might be better served (and possibly save money) by just getting a good quality microphone to mic up your cab with (Usually an egg type of kick drum mic like an AKG D112 or Shure Beta 52). Or, if you have a good quality bass amp that has a DI out on it then you might not need a direct box even if you record in the studio (and of course, that covers you live too). But that depends on few factors. For example, if your head is a tube amp it will require a speaker load (a speaker hooked up to it) at all times. So unless the studio you're recording in has an isolation booth for amps you'll probably want a separate DI box because that would make direct recording impossible. Plus, do you really want to carry all of that equipment to the studio? (Some people will as they like to simultaneously track both direct and mic'd up signals). But even if you have solid state bass amp (which doesn't require a speaker load) that's still kind of a bulky and heavy item to carry into the studio (Sure, guitarists always do it, but they are much more likely to depend on effects and generally hate the sound of direct recording) So again, do you really want to carry your amp head? And that brings us to the last type of bass player, the recording only/songwriter. If you're only doing studio work and your DAW's interface has a Hi-Z on it, then that is all you need unless it sounds noisy. However, even if that's the case what about your console or even rack preamps? Because if they have a Hi-Z on them there is a good chance that they're much better than the one built into most DAWs (especially lower cost ones). Well, I hope this helped a few of my fellow low-enders out there!

[@mihail6146]

I swear, i ve tried to find a video that can clearly explain for me And finally, i ve got this, thanks a lot

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Glad I could help!

[@juand.g.2602]

Your tone comparisons are the best. It's exactly when you watch videos of "songs played backwards with hidden messages" which in reality doesn't say anything but because you read that it says a specific "message" your brain reacts to it trying to form the message. And like the mic-line video this was also explained in a very easy way Great Video!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you! I’m glad you appreciate the way I do tone comparisons. I plan to do a full video on the topic…. And that backwards message thing is actually a really great analogy! I might use that in my video 🤘

[@juand.g.2602]

@@ScottUhlMusicAnd from the perspective of a sound tech guy and musician at the same time, there is no real difference. It's like in video from 720p to 1080p or 1080p to 1440p. If there is a difference it is a really small one. A good comparison would be between a guitar amp and a virtual plugin.

[@SoMyungJung]

when recording guitars or basses, always record a DI signal. total life saver for reamping and also editing.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Definitely helpful for re-amping!

[@lucadipaolo1997]

I use a DI box for my synthesizer to plug it into my AudioBox USB 96, which only accepts mic or instrument level signals; it's also handy to have for as you said, long cable runs, and the ground lift comes in handy since most older homes where I live don't have ground wiring. Having to buy stereo DI boxes kind of sucks though lol, but it is what it is.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yup, all good reasons to have one!

[@djrez2107]

I carry a Radial in the gear bag at all times, never know when an artist or a DJ needs to hook up to the PA. Theyre built like tanks. Never had one fail

[@DustinRadtke]

Had a keyboard in our band for 5 years always went 1/4 to my xr18 with zero issues at 30fft without noise. Soundguys always tell me that doesn't work, but we have never had a issue. I think some people like the way direct boxes can color the tone and make it less harsh. But yeah, eq is just as good.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

That’s great that 30 ft isn’t adding any noise with an unbalanced signal. If it works, it works 👍 it won’t always be the case, but understanding when to use these tools is what’s important

[@timrichard]

The Hi-Z of my RME interface is very decent, but I preferred the sound of my guitar into the Radial J48 when I compared them. Also, the audio interface is very near my computer and screens, but I can keep the DI box further away along the desk to reduce interference.

[@Sea_Jay]

I was setting up for a gig this past weekend when the sound guy just starts plugging his XLR into my gear. I'm like whoa, I'll take that into my DI box. He looked at me like I had two heads. I don't want random phantom power sent to my gear by accident and I know what I'm getting with my DI box.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Oh man, if your sound guy was confused by a DI box, that’s gonna be an interesting gig haha

[@PippPriss]

The better approach to this would be to check and know if your gear is phantom power protected. A lot of Bass amps for example have decoupling capacitors on their audio outs, and some protect your amps/gears schematic from phantom power. You still can insist on using your DI Box, but then you can live in peace if someone cables up your gear speedy without worrying.

[@pilot140467]

With my setup they would be plugging in to my DI box, period. The reason for that is that it also has a cabinet simulator circuit. 😊

[@christopherheadcase6886]

Perfect explanation professor Uhl.. I have them everywhere that a 1/4 to xlr in or out is needed. Keys bass direct kick triggers from the module. Sample pad. Etc. thank you for helping us as always

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks glad you enjoyed the video! And yeah, it’s not always required but definitely nice to have!

[@jgooch99]

As someone who mixes live sound we use both radial j48 and prod1’s as needed. Use whatever works for the person’s rig.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Agreed completely!

[@pbenson56fran]

I thought that was from Spiral Cell. Nice music. Because of my tablet I could not tell from the two examples which was Direct Box.....etc Thank you for this information.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks for watching…. And listening to Spiral Cell 🤘🤘

[@kimmossige263]

Dude.. For YEARS I never figured out what DI box was for.. You explained it in 10 seconds.. Thank god that people like you exist!!! Question though, I have the Radial PRO48.. I also have INST mode with high-z on my interface. And amazingly I notice that with the Pro48, and PAD switch active, the annoying hum is gone. But... If I use the high-z input without DI box, the annoying ringing hum is back. It's only gone when I use the DI box with-15db pad switch only... There's still noise now, but more like "white noise".

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Interesting! Always trust yours ears is my philosophy!

[@kimmossige263]

@@ScottUhlMusic In this case I don't fully trust them. With PAD active, there's a calm white noise, which is much better than the hiss and metallic hum with PAD off. But it's also -15db, so I have to turn up the gain, naturally. The whitenoise gets louder, but still way more pleasent. But what I'm fearing, is that I might lose some signal quality during this route

[@oznerol256]

What kind of hum? 50/60Hz mains hum? You might simply have a ground loop.

[@MichiMallu]

Thanks for explaining Scott, always confused if I should use a DI box or not, ever since I heard about it, going to give a try by getting one!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

It’s worth having one around either way 🤘

[@SouthShine01]

In my experience the DI box helps to have a better and strong signal to process, and most important a backup signal for recording

[@gregsmith4406]

Love your thorough approach to these evaluations! Thank you! I started using a passive DI out of my Line6 Pod GO after I was getting too much noise when I switched to my single coil PUs in my Fender Strat HSS.

[@cosmicsunbeams]

I'm plugging my Acoustic or Electric Guitar directly into PAsystem. It's not a good tone. Wondering if Direct Box will boost the signal? I also use a Bossloop and Multieffects pedals. I'm hoping to get a better guitar sound plugging Directly into the PA.❤ One Man Band.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

It won’t “boost the signal”, watch my mic/line video to find out more (mic level is quiet)

[@robnic52]

That expensive Apollo Twin has modern inputs that should adapt to suit the output from a keyboard even when the Twin's jack input socket is set to line level. A more meaningful comparison would be plugging a guitar or a bass with non-active standard pickups straight into the line level jack socket of an older mixer (with no Instrument / line level switch). Then you'd hear the vastly improved volume and clarity when you plug into a DI box and route the guitar signal into an XLR balanced cable and into the microphone socket and through the nice mic preamp on the mixer. Di boxes have loads of uses; If you want to get a quick and dirty faximile of your beautiful guitar amp tones blasting out of the hall's pa system, plug your amps speaker cable into the input socket of a DI box (with a -20db or -40db pad option), take a second speaker cable out the DI box's Thru socket into your speaker cabinet and run the usual XLR mic cable from DI box into the mic socket of the mixer. Connect the mixer output into the house PA system. Micing the amp sounds better but if you're short of mics a DI box can be a little lifesaver.

[@jimhhenry2898]

Great content !!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! Glad you liked it 👍

[@CookinBeatloaf]

Love the methodology you used here.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you!

[@benwilson-cw4su]

Played a gig recently and ran a loop of my effects/modeler with the NUX B8 then experimented with DI vs direct out from the back of the unit. Sounded very different but the output was way higher from the B8. Not sure what the internal routing is but could maybe chalk it up to volume and possibly some clipping.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I believe it’s line out direct out and mic out the DI, so that’s very likely why

[@pilot140467]

Nice video as always. I normally build my own Di Boxes. Most of them also include a cabinet simulator.. These are only for guitars of course..

[@Brink1957]

Thank you, very well presented! 🙂

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks!

[@bedobos]

The balanced signal flow is needed on stage, where light dimmers and motors could interfere with the audio signal. There should be no difference in a lucky home environment. If there is an elevator or some huge inductive/magnetic load on your home, probably you can here an interference glitch without DI. But you can not here a thing if there is no interference where the cable is. Additionally the balanced cable gives you +6dB (or unbalanced quiter -6dB) which cames from the Hot and Cold signals summed up. So if you plug a TS cable into a keyboard output which had trs output (almost all of the professional keyboards has balanced output), you need to gain +6dB (twice of the loudness), due to Hot is summed up with 0, half of the signal will reach the next equipment. I guess you also missed from the video, some times we want to record the original signal from the instrument, and most of the DI box has multiple output, one for the rig and one for the record... (one additional goal of using DI boxes) You can see some of the mix videos there are bass mic and bass di label on the two bass channels in example. (the sound dif comes here from the bass equipment pre-amp and eq section)

[@brandonbrenton1680]

what about connecting your floor pedal directly to the mixer, the sending it out to your active speakers?

[@Jimmy4Thumbs]

If you had posted this just two weeks earlier, you would have saved me $130 on my Radial DI! 💸💸

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Hahaha well, radial are still nice because they are built very solid!

[@redkurn]

heard a slight difference, but nothing big enough to justify replacing my cheap groove tubes(live wire) di box. still haven't figured out exactly how and when to use it, but this video gave me something to think about and i think in the case of my tonex (if it is line level out) or my captor x which i know is line level, going into my helix floor it might be best to use a di box, but not sure really since it didn't sound like it was clipping when i set my helix to instrument level for the tonex and line for the captor x... actually just looking and it seems i have everything set to instrument level...

[@redkurn]

nope tonex does not seem to be line out, yet rated at 100ohm (apparently)... so i'm officially confused. my mistake, just needed to add 5dB on the return and actualy turn my headphones up to a normal level. so...now for the captor x issue... i'll be damned... fixed it! thank you!

[@jfortune06]

I learned from experience not to use a cheap DI box. I remember side-by-side comparing a cheaper $30 ART box next to a Whirlwind and it was obvious. The ART was cutting back seriously on the tone, frequency response and dynamics. The Whirlwind just brought the instrument back to life. I tried 3 different ART DIs all with the same result. This was an acoustic guitar I was testing at the time. I never had Radial money :) That being said, I prefer to use preamps for all instruments that have a balanced output, or basically a built-in DI. This saves money on having to buy the separate DIs and also saves on cables and gear I have to deal with. Although a wireless system basically eliminates the need for a DI also if you're going direct to the mixer.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Hey, as long as YOU like your gear, that’s all that matters 👍

[@markdonbd]

perfectly summed up! got all my answers

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@briankelm]

Replay! The only name and brand in direct boxes that I will use is Radial. Buy once and never look back. Indeed , they are tanks and former owner Peter Janis was an amazing leader.

[@kustom7]

Two big questions Im wondering about: 1) what’s the deal with line isolators and 2) does the HX stomp need a DI for phantom power protection?Thank you for the simplified explanation!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Phantom power protection is definitely a plus for any piece of gear 👍 and I don’t know enough about line isolators tbh

[@ChaosDP]

Great info!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching

[@Mr.Altavoz]

Great 👍 Video thanks 👍 can I use it with a Zoom h8?

[@PeatyR]

Recently set up an IEM rack for my wife's band. The Bass AMP(G&K 1001-RB) has a direct out, pretty nice w/ pre and post switch and a gain knob. Set it up in the mixer and the bass was giving a fair amount of noise. Switched to a DI box hit the ground lift and no noise. Probably a ground loop issue. I was hoping to get away with no box but I'm glad I had one on hand. I mostly have Radial brand but gave one a try you didn't mention, Donner Special-Ⅰ , it works well and it's nearly as well built at the Radial. A little smaller but hefty. Pleasant surprise for the price.

[@sweetthaiwilly147]

Thanks

[@mobiletoonz]

I always use a DI, not for sound but for XLR into stagebox

[@ScottUhlMusic]

It does make things easier and keeps the signal clean too

[@udaychavan2783]

Brilliant-thanks!

[@Yagodimus]

Nice video. Thank you for explainig so much technical things on your channel. Really thinking about to use NUX B-8 for wireless setup with HX Stomp Is it worth to use DI port in B-8, or i can just use balanced out in HX Stomp? And also if i will use a DI out it will be clean signal or signal with effects from HX Stomp?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks for watching! And you would use the balanced out on the Stomp most likely. Again, a DI will help get the signal to the sound guy, but it’s not required if you are running sound yourself with shorter cables or TRS outputs.

[@psmail007]

Unless I missed something, you missed a massive benefit of DIs - galvanic isolation to protect gear, both the music gear and in certain circumstances FoH, from rogue voltage notably phantom power. Now ... usually balanced outputs are protected from phantom power , I think using capacitors across the inputs, and I have checked with manufacturers in relation to this, including A&H QSC and Yamaha. Though Mackie specifically make mention in some of their doc that lots of gear does not like phantom power. But some gear is DC coupled - i.e. there is no voltage protection. These include many audio interfaces (though I think iConnect are decoupled). So if you're using an audio interface, use balanced outputs and you're plugged into a desk and the phantom switched on and it is DC coupled ... then your audio interface outputs will be fried, for sure. So make sure the phantom power is turned off, right? Well, accidents happen. And sometimes the phantom power switch is global and applies to all channels. Sound on Sound have good articles on this but I did not link it in case it put my comment into the spam redirect.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

That is definitely a plus as well 🤘

[@boabglen]

This channel is gold. Got a question for you. I run a drum machine setup and cables are rca to jack (noisy at times) in to a loop pedal. My Helix goes in the loop too. I come out my looper mono and send both signals together. Best way to place di in this setup? Just have a di inbetween looper and desk? 1 in between drums and looper? Kinda figuring what would be best?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I always say to trust your ears. Probably between the looper and the desk though would be best 👍

[@jaketucson520]

Hi Scott, great video! We use a Seismic Audio splitter snake in our rack so we can run our own IEMs if the venue is running FOH for us. The splitter has the combo 1/4”/XLR jacks. Does the splitter do the same thing as a DI box since both splits terminate in XLR?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

No, the splitter won’t do the same thing as a di box. But good question 👍

[@chuckcostello5167]

Some splits do this sort of thing but the Seismic rack splitters don’t unfortunately.

[@terryconnell]

Bride: "Did you go into the line input instead of the Hi-Z input?" LOL You gotta make that a short or meme or something. Legit, cracked me up. Approx @8:50 ts.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

😂😂😂 hahaha glad you liked it. Watch, next wedding someone will say that to me now hahahaha

[@lennyevans4724]

Hey great video as always.. Q: if the the balanced cables are so much quieter than unbalanced, why not just use the balanced cables and of course the 1/4 cable going into the guitar/bass then a 1/4 to ulr adapter going into the mixing board ?? Or am I missing something?? .. just thinking out loud here

[@ScottUhlMusic]

They aren’t “quieter,” I would watch my mic/line/instrument video. The cables themselves aren’t quiet/loud

[@lennyevans4724]

thx scott, ahhh.. I did forget that part.. lol.. sorry buddy... @@ScottUhlMusic

[@Alesvetina]

Hey Scott, thank you very much for the amazing info, not just in thi video, but others as well. I just got a HX Stomp XL. If i understant correctly, fir gigs, the best option is to go TRS cable directly into front of house? Or two trs cables for stereo?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

You definitely can do that; although going into a direct box will also shield your stomp from accidental 48v phantom power as well which is a nice plus 👍

[@Alesvetina]

@@ScottUhlMusic so basically having a di box on your pedalboard as an output, and the stomp is plugged in it with a short trs cable?

[@NairobiOSmith]

Question. What if your snake has combo jacks? For example. If I use the 1/4 inch on the snake head which comes out at the tail as XLR what do I set the channel to? To what the snake tail is (XLR in this example) or the original 1/4 at the head?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Trust your ear on that one. If you aren’t getting a lot of noise, you should be fine. And it depends on what is going into the snake: mic/line/inst signal

[@chuckcostello5167]

If the snake simply has combo jacks then it will only transfer signal based on whatever is sent to it (unbalanced is unbalanced regardless of connector, for example). Combo jacks don’t serve as any sort of conversion. That would be done internally in the snake but most of those aren’t doing that sort of thing.

[@NampsonMusic]

I've been noticing my SM7B is getting some RF interference from my phone when using it near the mic and I read that some of these can help eliminate that - is that true?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Your sm7b is getting interference? That I don’t know…

[@georgelensgraf643]

I use my direct out on amp and straight into mixer with a unbalanced/balanced input. I then go out of main mix outputs to an audio interface at line level. Why does my guitar tone sound bad? When I use an amp sim and plug guitar in at instrument level in the interface it sounds fine. The clean channel of amp is being distorted by boss distortion pedals. Should I just mic the amp instead? Do I need a DI box?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

You should mic the amp, yes 👍

[@boabglen]

Also curious on your thoughts about using active di with passive instruments and passive di with active instruments? Any theory to that?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I’ve used active with passive instruments before, and sometimes it actually gives me trouble. I personally am just not a fan of active DIs, but I know some people like them

[@quimtorra3981]

I'm trying to use all of my inputs in my interface lately, and i have 2 mic/inst inputs with gain knob and 2 line inputs with no gain knob. I want to use both mic inputs for vocal mics, while using the 2 line inputs for mono keys and a guitar. I read that I would need a Guitar Preamp pedal to send my guitar through the line level. Is that true? or would it be better to get a more transparent/general purpose preamp? because, after this video, I guess a DIBox wouldnt help me in this scenario... Great video btw!!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

@@quimtorra3981 if you need to go in line level, you can also get a “line isolator” over a DI box 👍

[@coreythejames]

Now how about these "Line Isolator" boxes popping up? What is the real use-case for such an item?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I haven’t seen those, so I’m not sure

[@coreythejames]

@@ScottUhlMusic You should check them out when you can! I know specifically of the Walrus Audio Canvas Stereo and Canvas Mono, and the Pinstripe DISOxo. Thank you for this video, btw. Very helpful!

[@amerallic]

Loads of thanks, man! Very informative. I wonder if using a DI box can eliminate the noise of electric guitar when not touching the strings or the bridge, which I think has to do with grounding the noise into your body. Can a DI box kind of suck that noise?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! And I don’t know about that. I don’t believe so though

[@ClubmanKarvin]

Best way to eliminate noise from instruments to PA system is connecting it to a Battery powered Speaker which completely detach from Sinewave source by power outlet.

[@Deekthagnome]

Quick question on this subject - I'm looking at using an iPad with Bias as a backup amp. The output would currently be through the headphone jack. I already know the headphone out isn't as good as an interface out, but its my option at the moment. Should I run that output into a DI and then to FoH or just grab a 8th to XLR cable?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Direct box, definitely 👍

[@claytonoliveirah]

thanks for this video

[@ironblast5]

For things like a hx stomp a iso like a walrus canvas or pintripe diso+ box is better then a di so it isn't stacking impedance loads theres several videos on youtube covering this with sound comparison to a regual di box

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Interesting, I haven’t heard of those

[@georgecanady5143]

Could you review the new EverSync IEM system?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I did actually: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jomqmZ2Nlq6tZqssi=4zIwgdrYMoSkU0sZ

[@BosqueBrothers]

I also like to use them to ensure my gear is isolated from inadvertent phantom power.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

That’s also definitely a plus!

[@Margilio5150]

I have been lucky the only time I’ve brought my Hx stomp to a gig there was a good sound guy with extra DI boxes for all of us 😅

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yeah, you can run it direct if you are able to, but I always have a DI box with me just in case

[@TheAverageDrummer]

Great video. In fact I'm learning a lot from all your videos. I've just bought a passive box where I'm plugging in a iPad into the input line and then from the link to my mixer and I can hear the audio in my headphones that are plugged into my mixer. Problem lies when I run an XLR cable to 3.5mm jack into my laptop, I'm not getting any audio out both Reaper and Audacity are set up correctly (not at the same time of course) and neither are registering a signal in. Any suggestions as to why?

[@TheAverageDrummer]

I think I figured it out. After watching your other video about signals. The XLR out is sending a mic signal out ideal for a mixing board. The laptop is expecting a high signal. If I take the low signal XLR signal will that work plugged into a scarlet 2 input?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yeah mic signal will be more quiet, so going into a Scarlet will allow you to gain it back up properly

[@TheAverageDrummer]

@@ScottUhlMusic thanks. I've learnt a lot in the past 24 hours because of your videos.

[@duffybishop]

Good job Scott. Thanks!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@nicolobalestrino]

What if my audio interface has an instrument in, but i find that no matter where i set the gain on the interface the sound quality of my guitar is very "shrilly" and i feel like just about every modeller/plugin sounds bad, will a direct box help me in this situation? The guitar sounds just fine when connected via an actual tube amplifier or transistor amp. My interface is the Quantum 2626, this is true mainly for distorted tones, with cleans i don't really see this.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

You can try a direct box if you don’t like the instrument input

[@jeffs.1999]

Thanks for the post. I use my HX Stomp on my desktop. It has become the hub of my audio/recording/monitor system. I'm using a direct bass guitar in, USB for my PC, MIDI keyboard, and outputs to external powered speaker monitors. My bass is plugged into a good old green colored Radial PRO DI (passive). I added this to the bass' signal chain so I would be able to use the balanced/TRS input into the Stomp (using a 10' balanced mic cord >> 1/4 TRS adapter >> HX Stomp. I am now finding the balanced signal is significantly attenuated compared to a direct 1/4 TS (unbalanced). The input is set to "instrument". The fidelity is there, but the signal drops significantly. Is this normal? Thanks. -Jeff -BC Canada.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

If you are coming out of the hx stomp, it should go into a line input, not an instrument input. Unless you meant that the hx stomp is set to receive instrument input. I was not sure. But going out should go into a line input unless you go into a direct box, in which case it should be mic 👍

[@jeffs.1999]

​@@ScottUhlMusic Thanks Scott. I do have the D box going to the input (using the input on the back, set to Instrument). Outputs to powered monitors are set to Line using 6' TRS cables (I don't know if the the HX outs are balanced any how). So it's just an instrument-input volume reduction with this passive DI. Perhaps an active DI might change things, but I will just stick to using my DI as a remote receptical to plug-in my 1/4" to 1/4' thru. Which leads me to your initial statement. "If it sounds good... don't..."👍👍

[@GillRigged]

Lol you linked the passive Radial direct box version with the QR code. I still found the active one tho. 🥂

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Ah crap! I had so many QR codes, I guess I got that one wrong. Oh well, glad you found it! I can’t edit that from the video 😅

[@GillRigged]

@@ScottUhlMusic maybe it was just a subliminal thing 😂

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Hahaha even my subconscious isn’t a fan of an active DI 😅

[@mattfoley6082]

Can an active DI be used as passive if no power available? (The way some active basses can also be used in passive mode?)

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I honestly don’t know, I personally just use passive DIs

[@mattfoley6082]

@@ScottUhlMusic Thanks. I ask because it would be nice to be able to buy just one active DI and use it as either active or passive depending on needs. P.S. Your videos are really helpful and well done!

[@Alex_top2]

Hello if I have a DJ console (flx4) with rca output, which DIBOX should I take? Thank you

[@ScottUhlMusic]

RCA is usually meant for line level stuff

[@Alex_top2]

@@ScottUhlMusicSo the DI BOX is not suitable?

[@paanfls]

Hey scott, is it safe to connect HX Stomp balance output directly to FOH without DI box. Planning to use only 10ft 1/4 TRS to male XLR cable directly to FOH XLR cable.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yes, the only thing to be cautious of is that a direct box will also protect you from accidental 48v phantom power. But yes you can do TRS cables directly to FOH 👍

[@paanfls]

@@ScottUhlMusic thanks for the reply! Helps me a lot.

[@brownpunk1794]

Short answer no right if i have scarlett solo interface?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Always use your ears 👍

[@jxsh1192]

Can you plug a keyboard into a snake and plug the snake into line input in mixer without a DI box ?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Always trust your ears. Longer cable runs with TS cables can pick up noise. It just depends

[@brownpunk1794]

Born 2 teach❤❤ Do u take lesson requests

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! I do offer consulting which can be booked on my website 🤘 Link in the description

[@burhanuddin127]

Hello, a long time follower of yours and i think only you can answer my question since you have reviewed and have experience for many shure wireless mics. I need a pair of wireless mics, but the venue is large. It's big hall, but in a small town, my first choice was the slxD dual because it avoids the expense of the antenna distribution, and if i want to step up, I'll have to go with ulx since qlx doesn't have dual receiver, my question is that in my situation, do i have any significant advantages over spending more on qlx or is it not as much difference if i go with the slx? Would be waiting an answer, thank you.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I highly suggest watching my wireless buying guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpqVe5aDpNKdh5Isi=DDEFsDtTEwI9PTgi If you are only using 2 wireless, you don’t have to worry too much tbh, and the slxd will be great (that’s my “main” wireless and I love it for the dual setup as well). If you are already using a lot of wireless at once, that’s when you want to start getting into the higher models. But using only 2, you could even get away with the BLXR system or PGXD systems…. But SLXD is when I personally consider that you are getting into pro level wireless 👍

[@burhanuddin127]

@@ScottUhlMusic thank you.

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

I have the Apollo Twin X but the Hi Z input is too hot and clips, even with lower output guitars. I’m struggling to work out which DI box is best to go in the back of the interface

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Really? Mine works great, but DI box is always an option

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

@@ScottUhlMusic The Hi Z input is not 0db but boosted to 10db as a minimum. Can you suggest a decent DI box that’s not too expensive? Cheers

[@blacksaona]

The only thing you missed is that how much DI box helps to reduces EMI. Im having a hell of a time trying to reduce the noise produced from my PC. I have to sit 2 meters away if i want a signal completely clean. Also yo missed to show distorted signals, because it pushes the noise level at front so its has a more noticeable difference.

[@aleksandernykiel1783]

If I want to use my guitar with w Maschine MK3 station, shall I use di box? Will this reduce the noises it normally makes and plau cleaner?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I haven’t done that setup, but follow the guidelines in this video. Couldn’t hurt to try

[@austinpriebe6068]

I have a Seymour Duncan pick up that makes a static sound that’s really annoying, will this eliminate that?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

No, a direct box doesn’t just clear up noise if the signal is already noisy

[@MichaelDaniels]

If we have a behringer ultra di pro 8 channel rack. should we just send all instruments through this? Our guitarist wants to use his di box, but I don't think we need it. Your thoughts?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

That is a DI box, so it shouldn’t be necessary to use another DI box

[@robb0178]

He used to be a drummer didn’t he, that would explain why is a bit dense🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Demoner]

Hey Scott I'm curious, what drew you to the Apollo Twin? I/O-wise it seems just okay, are the preamps that much better? Thanks, you channel has helped me tremendously!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! And I love how nice it is because it’s got the hi z input along with the 2 “regular” inputs. But also because of all the software that works with it without using up DSP from my computer

[@chrisp5861]

@8:45, the only time the bride and groom would ask that question would be if both of them are sound engineers 😂😂

[@ScottUhlMusic]

😂😂

[@-303-]

The cumulative effects of noise are probably more of a concern than noise from a single instrument. All that combined noise can really take away headroom and impact gates, compressors, etc., on top of the audible noise itself.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

That’s definitely true 👍

[@achutomo]

Guitar - Head Amp - Cabinet - Mic - Audio interface - Computer but it is too loud so how you use DI BOX between Amp and Cab ? Sorry I'm new to this matter, and sorry my bad Eng.. thank you PS : I'm using PRS MT100

[@ScottUhlMusic]

You shouldn’t need a DI after the mic, it sounds like the gain is set too high

[@jasper_north]

Is a DI much different then a preamp?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

They are definitely different things 👍

[@videogamecoverss]

Couldn't hear differences except on guitar I couldn't tell the difference between radial vs cheap, but I could tell the hi-z didn't sound as good to me.

[@riffism]

This is the same as the conversation about WAV vs MP3…people can rarely tell the difference

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Agreed completely!

[@sentforth5]

I have that ART DI and a Morley battery powered one for some reason, and in 30 years of playing I don't think I've ever used either one....I must be missing something, or the drugs have taken their toll 👻

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Man, if it sounds good and isn’t giving you noise, keep doing it 👍

[@darrylday30]

algorithm gods

[@ScottUhlMusic]

😂 haha thank you!

[@Endever42]

"Takes a noisy signal and converts it into a much less noisy signal" sounds like the DI box is de-noising the signal, which it is not. Any noise on the signal before going into the DI box will still be there, just the additional noise "on the way" between DI box and FOH which would be present in unbalanced cables, is removed...

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Correct, it’s not going to take noise out of a signal if there is already a lot of noise in it coming from something else

[@guitarguyny]

Dude you ruined my wedding when you played through the wrong input and it rolled off some high end. Now I need a DI box and a divorce lawyer

[@ScottUhlMusic]

😂😂😂

[@Gaba.Groove]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼