DI Boxes Part 6: Stereo vs. Mono

In response to a viewer's question about finding the "most universal DI box possible" we address the issue of stereo vs. mono DI boxes. What is the actual difference, how are they used and why do you need both?
In conjunction with the active vs. passive option this gives four possible DI box types:
Active Mono
Active Stereo
Passive Mono
Passive Stereo
If you've ever been confused and/or overwhelmed by these options, hopefully this video will be of some help in untangling this web of live sound intrigue!
Support GLB Productions: / glbproductions
My Amazon Links: glbproductions....
Buy these DI boxes on Amazon (supports the channel):
Radial J48: amzn.to/2Xdbtmw
Radial J48 stereo: amzn.to/2RCLHBP
Radial JDI: amzn.to/2XFqlti
Radial JDI Stereo: amzn.to/2FAfdU5
Radial ProAV1: amzn.to/2Yht4WS
Radial ProAV2: amzn.to/2RBbKJM
Radial Duplex: amzn.to/2LoagRQ
Whirlwind IMP2: amzn.to/2RwY8z2
Ways to get in touch - I love hearing from my viewers!
Website: glbproductions....
Facebook: / glbproductions

[@kre8a361]

It's great how you review back to other parts of videos at times. I need a recap from time to time. Thanks again Bruno, for sharing your knowledge.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome 😄

[@aussieb1416]

Great explanation and easily understood. I like how you dont just talk about yourself and just get to it explaing what we are looking at and need/want KZbin needs more of you. Cheers

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome 😊

[@michelmailhiot4848]

This video complete pretty well this video series on DI. Thanks Bruno

[@steelhead197]

Just wanted to say thank you Bruno! You have helped me immensely during my learning guitar and audio endeavours…cheers mate! 🇨🇦👍🏻

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Fred!

[@gochurra5702]

You sharpened my understanding of mono and stereo, your explanation is so crystal clear, straight to the point and so well articulated, thank you so much for what you do !!!!🙏😃

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome, glad the videos have been helpful!

[@williamklimek9676]

Bruno, I have always loved your videos because you are so precise and articulate in dealing with technical material. Very informative and good command of your topics, not straying or deviating from them. I'm not sure if I ever took the time to acknowledge you before, but please know you and your service are greatly appreciated by me. I highly recommend your videos to whomever might need them. Thank you ever so much.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks very much William - very happy to know that the videos have been helpful! Do feel free to get in touch any time with specific questions on any of the topics I have covered :)

[@MrComicstudios]

I want to have My Rodecaster Pro II main outputs which are 2 TRS Balanced cables each to a Behringer X32 Input, and want to covert this 2 TRS Balanced Outputs into 2 XLR cables, should I do it with a DI Box to convert them or should I just get a TRS to XLR Cable? Im facing the problem where all DI Boxes say, that inputs need to be unbalanced, In another scenario I would be interested in merging the two Balanced TRS cables into a single Mono XLR cable, is this possible? I noticed most of the DI Boxes specs say that the inputs are no balanced, and the rode has balanced outputs, please help

[@GLBProductions]

In this case there is no need for a DI box as the outputs are already balanced: use two TRS to XLR adapters and you are good. When it comes to merging the outputs I suggest you ask Rode for advice - there may be a way to set the outputs to be dual mono using the internal menus. Otherwise they can advise you on the best method to do this.

[@pmlaaudio468]

You may have covered this already I’ve watched the videos in the past but would you say there’s a sonic difference between DI boxes? Radial vs imp 2 like at that point could you really hear a difference ?

[@GLBProductions]

Yes there is definitely a difference due to the differences in components used. Whether or not this difference can be heard depends on the context in which the DI is used. Recording is typically more demanding than live sound in this respect, which is why companies like Radial sell a range of DI boxes targeted at different market segments.

[@toneranger]

Hey Bruno, haven't seen a video from you in over 1 year and just checking you're ok and doing well, always find your videos very helpful and useful. Thanks from Italy 👍🏻👍🏻

[@GLBProductions]

Yes, in fact I have not produced any sound-related content for over 2 years because of the pandemic. But I'm still here and hoping to resume soon! Thanks for your concern and for supporting the channel 🥰

[@toneranger]

@@GLBProductions I and thousands of others look forward to the new content, keep up the great work my friend 👍🏻🥂

[@skrawn1342]

Not sure where you get "dry" from..... It's the only video I could find that has covered every single option you could possibly ask for. Thank you!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome! Where did I mention dry in the video?

[@CrisValk]

Welcome back Bruno!when the bell notified me the upload of your video I watched it right away! :) Yeah I totally agree with you,but when it comes to a universal DI box not for mono/stereo but impedance...I think that the queen there is the Cloudlifter CL-Zi.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks Cris! Ah yes the Cloudlifter CL-Zi... that is a very interesting unit - I would consider it to be a complete preamp, more than a DI box.

[@CrisValk]

@@GLBProductions since it provides gain it is indeed a preamp, but I think it can be useful used also as a DI simply bypassing the preamp section not increasing the gain and changing only the impedance... Isn't it? :)

[@GLBProductions]

Yes you could do that for sure. The variable impedance part sure is fascinating - in the early days this was something that only engineers messed with, this device has made it accessible to the end user :)

[@barnabastheodore3912]

Hi Sir! You explained a lot .. and my doubt is that I'm planning to get a di box for keyboard to use in the church (around 100) and I'm planning to get prod2 radial box but what about getting jdi Mono box , it has merge to mono feature which will be converting stereo , which di box should I go for , radial prod2 or radial jdi ?? I'm not having the budget for buying jdi stereo box.

[@GLBProductions]

For live use the ProDIs are good enough - the J-series are meant for recording or those who need the extra features.

[@barnabastheodore3912]

@@GLBProductions Thanks! sir! Is prodi (mono) better than prod2 will it sound good like (stereo) for keyboards in live??

[@jezusowy6716]

I really like your channel. It's very helpful. Long time I'm struggling in my church with 50 Hz. I have some questions. Do I need a DI box for each instrument? Will the audio interface do the same job as the DI box? What is the difference between an audio interface and audio mixer? Do I still need audio interfaces with an Audio mixer? .If so, what is it for?. Is it true that the audio interface in combination with the computer helps and relieves the music card? .Where would you put audio interfaces in the list: instruments, microphones, stage switch box, computer, mixer?. Could you do an episode on this topic. God bless you

[@GLBProductions]

These are definitely good questions, I'll try to do a video answering them.

[@MalalMinecraft]

Hello Bruno, thank you very mutch ! One question : what happens if i have a mono source, and i plug it to the left input of a Radical stereo Di (the green one) ? Do i get a mono audio on the left output as if it were a mono DI ?

[@GLBProductions]

The DI in the video? (Radial (not Radical) JDI stereo) Yes, this DI is exactly like two mono DIs joined together - if you plug into the left input the signal will appear at the left output only.

[@JeOrillaza]

Thank you for your tutorial. Learning alot! Question, for Keyboards, do i understand correctly that Passive DI would be good?

[@GLBProductions]

Yes, a passive DI would be a good match for keyboards.

[@executivelawyer8891]

Wow! Another informative Technical session from an ever supportive and a good man Sir Bruno Goh Luse.. Thank you sir Bruno. Am always excited watching every vids from you. Best regards, Steven Murray

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for your support Steven!

[@executivelawyer8891]

@@GLBProductions my pleasure sir Bruno. You are my mentor remember? 😊. God Bless you always!!!

[@RCP7604tv]

Thank you for the info and the tests. Doing all these tests take lots of time. Based on my own test. Some of the DI boxes are 15db, 20db and 40db. The 15db active box it’s noisy because it adds less volume to my electric acustic guitar. I tried a passive 20db DI box worked perfect. I can image the 40db DI. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome. What do you mean by the the DI boxes are 15dB, 20dB etc? Are you referring to the position of a pad switch?

[@GuitarNTabs]

Thank you for making these videos, they are excellent value! You helped me out, years ago, when I started getting into Multi Effect Processors, having to use a DI box, etc. I'm greatful for that - thank you. Your information about where to set the Left and Right knobs, on the mixer, for the different sound sources connected, is great information. I have never really thought of it that way... I can see the benefit of it, to leave room for the different sources in the mix - that's great! Mainly our band just set all mono connections, such as singers, bass, etc. in the Center and then pan Guitars, Keys, etc. hard left and right. You mentioned to be careful, with panning channels hard left and/or hard right, but stereo signals, such as guitars, keys, etc. shouldn't they be panned hard left and hard right, on their channels, in order to be set up properly? Thanks again, for your knowledge. Hope you're doing well. All the best.

[@GLBProductions]

I had to read your comment a couple of times to find the question 😄 When it comes to panning, context is vital: with live sound and a stereo PA system, bear in mind that very few people will be able to hear both speakers equally, so try different settings and walk the entire audience area to see what sounds best. With recording stereo sources, panning the channels hard left and right makes much more sense. So no hard and fast rules here - trial and error and careful listening produce the best result!

[@GuitarNTabs]

@@GLBProductions - Thank you for your reply and explanation! I'm sorry if the comment didn't make sense... hehe. That's true, and I fully get that. I will dive in, and experiment, thank you. Keep up the good work. All the best.

[@trafalgar1938]

Great video Bruno I'm learning all the time, I have to say I do hope you are feeling well.

[@GLBProductions]

Yes - things in Singapore are minimally disrupted, the government is going at this thing with hammer and tongs 😄

[@guille_toledo76]

Hi, im looking for an option to connect my line 6 Helix pedalboard to a mixer. I want to use my stereo unbalanced line signal through 1/4 jacks and covert them into balanced line signals through XLR to the mixing console. I've read that there exists DI passive boxes and Line Isolation boxes. What's is the difference between them and what would be the best choice for me? Thnx

[@GLBProductions]

The line 6 Helix already has balanced XLR outputs so no DI box is needed. Line isolation boxes such as the Radial Twin Iso are typically balanced to balanced (XLR inputs and outputs) and are designed for line level signals such as those coming out of a mixing console as opposed to the instrument level signal coming out of your pedalboard.

[@guille_toledo76]

@@GLBProductions That's correct. My Helix has XLR line level balanced outputs, but there's is a problem with Mixers Phantom Power than cannot be disabled, it drops the signal level or also connect an XLR cable direct to the FOH could be complicated due to the distance. So, I read that Line Isolators receive Line Level signals instead of Hi Z signals of DI boxes.My question is if it's better option a Line Isolator, because it won't drop the signal like a DI box would do?

[@GLBProductions]

You're concerned that the phantom power may damage your Helix?

[@guille_toledo76]

@@GLBProductions No...I guess it won't damage it...but I wouldn't like to lose signal quality or intensity.....

[@GLBProductions]

A direct wired connection is usually best when it comes to signal integrity - adding transformers or electronics in between almost always makes things worse, and should be done only to solve problems. If you are really concerned about the phantom power use some XLR to TRS adapters and connect to the mixer's line level inputs.

[@MrJUNNY7777]

excellent!! Bruno.... how I can connect a keyboard thru the snake and get stereo to the mixer? or how I connect a keyboard with a headphone output correctly?

[@GLBProductions]

Hi David, this video should answer your questions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZaXeqyknZmlmcU

[@piratedprivacy9052]

try avoiding TS-unbalanced over long snake. Then headphone out is going to give you headache if you're intending to drive any mic pre-amp and/or long distance Line Input due to mismatch of their impedances.

[@piratedprivacy9052]

over long snake, a DI is the answer.

[@giovannimercuri5168]

Hello Bruno. One question that has been on my mind lately is the difference between comparable units in Radial's DI lineup between their Pro XX and their JXX (e.g. Pro DI vs. JDI) DIs. I believe the main difference is in the transformers with the Pro series containing Eclipse transformers and the J series including the Jensen transformers. First, would you say that is accurate? Second, are there really any other meaningful differences? and third, what really is the difference in those two transformers? I am not sure if this is something you could cover in a comment response or in another video; but, I really value your experience and opinion on these topics!! Thanks for all the great content on your channel.

[@GLBProductions]

Hello Giovanni, thanks for getting in touch. The first thing to understand is that there is a difference between the active and passive DIs in Radial's lineup: for example, the J48 and Pro48 have *exactly* the same circuit and sound identical - the differences between them are in the feature set and also more mundane things like the size of the case and the number of colours in the graphic package. In the case of the passive DIs, you rightly point out that the difference is in the quality of the transformers used. Radial give details about the differences on their FAQ pages eg here: www.radialeng.com/product/jdi-duplex/faq and here: www.radialeng.com/product/prod2/faq Basically, the Jensen transformers are the 'ultimate' choice for studio use, whereas the Eclipse works fine for live use. I have found this to be true - in live sound, the frequency response of your loudspeakers is the limiting factor rather than the transformers in your DIs.

[@vertusmatjaz]

I have a question. It's about splitter. Do you have any video about that? I had a live video stream from church and I've got sound from a guy that streams for radio. And he used a splitter. Two of them. One for a mic on the altar and one from ambon. I want to buy something. He used discontinued s-split 3 way microphone splitter from Samson. Any recommendation?

[@GLBProductions]

Hi Matjaz! I actually have a couple of those Samson splitters - they were good value for money! Today I would recommend something like the Radial ProMS2 or the Whirlwind SP1x3.

[@vertusmatjaz]

@@GLBProductions Thank you very much for recommendation!

[@vertusmatjaz]

But they are expensive. I'll try - IMG Stageline MPS-1. I need at least two. In the church, there is an altar, pulpit and sometimes they use a wireless mic.

[@vertusmatjaz]

do you plan to do an episode on splitters? :)

[@GLBProductions]

No plans at this time - all the best with your livestream!

[@aa3nk]

Bruno, what happened to your left eye? It looks like you got cold-cocked and got a black eye! You have a great voice for this sort of presentation and a working command of the information, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@GLBProductions]

Haha actually both my eyes look like that - from lack of sleep 🤣 Thanks for supporting the channel!

[@dannysitumorang6196]

Hi Bruno, What type of cable should I use to connect from the DI box to PA system? Is it the microphone cable? If using mogami cables, which serial do you recommend?

[@GLBProductions]

Yes use microphone cables aka XLR cables. Mogami cables are overpriced in my opinion - I use either Klotz or Canare.

[@dannysitumorang6196]

@@GLBProductions our church is running broadcast now. We're trying to remove the noises. And many suggest mogami and will be cheaper if we buy 100m roll. Which is better in terms of the noise between klotz and canare?

[@dannysitumorang6196]

@@GLBProductions and one more question. I am new to this diy audio tech. Is the build of a mono balanced TRS is the same as a stereo TRS? Or should I build them differently?

[@GLBProductions]

Any quality name-brand cable will be effective at rejecting noise. The source of noise in a system is usually something besides the cable itself.

[@dannysitumorang6196]

@@GLBProductions thanks Bruno!

[@The_Penny_Seventeens]

Benn waiting for a video like this thank you...

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome :)

[@kenwebster5053]

Radial Engineering JDI Duplex, may be the swiss army knife of passive DIs. A bit pricy but you get some features with that, Mono Sum, +4dB in -15dB pad, Polarity inversion, GND Lift, through (TRS), In (RCA,TRS, XLR) out (XLR).

[@GLBProductions]

Yes the Duplex is awesome - only thing is that it is relatively big and heavy for a DI box. According to Radial the JDI stereo was developed for artists and production companies that needed to fly a lot and were finding the weight & size of the Duplex too much...

[@kenwebster5053]

@@GLBProductions Agreed, it looks like a brick.

[@17th_Street_Preacher]

I think the warmth & treble roll off of the JDI is a nicer sound. Is there any volume concerns when using passive pickups over short cable runs with the unit?

[@GLBProductions]

Passive pickup into a passive DI will always be potentially problematic in two areas: impedance matching and signal level. The only way to be sure is to experiment with the actual signal chain you intend to use.

[@richardbailey511]

Is it ever necessary to use a DI box on drums? Live or in the studio.

[@GLBProductions]

On electronic drums - yes for sure. On acoustic drums, probably not as long as the mics you use have balanced XLR outputs.

[@dani.papaya]

Thank you for this exelent explaination💯

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Dani :)

[@TheSokodelic]

I'm a guitarist that plays both electric and acoustic, to record and play live. I recently bought the Radial pro D2...should I have bought the AV 2 instead?

[@GLBProductions]

Um... what exactly are you concerned about?

[@TheSokodelic]

@@GLBProductions If I would be missing out on any possibilities with the latter version of the DI box.

[@GLBProductions]

The only difference between the ProD2 and ProAV2 is the connector set - they use the same transformers. So unless you need minijack or RCA connectors in your setup the ProD2 should be just fine.

[@TheSokodelic]

@@GLBProductions Thanks man!

[@RJHEllis]

Great video, as usual.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@jefteestoque4865]

Sir, when I set up a band, for example, is the base drum and base guitar the only ones that should be played on the subwoofer or main bass amplifier? and is the Vocal not supposed to sound on the Subwoofer or bass amplifier? and how should the band be properly set up so that the instruments such as the keyboard and guitar sound good because I'm confused. to mixer to crossover to equalizer what should be in the low mid high the instruments should be played in the main amplifier

[@GLBProductions]

Bass guitar and kick drum should be sent to the subwoofer. Vocals should not, if possible.

[@ronaldjennings8057]

I'm going to do with the mixers how can you hook that up to your home stereo to play your cassettes CDs and turntable and have the mic gain to where it's loud not real loud but loud and I have it work what things do I have to have for this to work I love your videos they are very educational if you could help me I would really appreciate that if you can put out a video about that I'm sure would help a lot of people cuz I am lost thank you for your time and God bless🙏🎶🎸

[@GLBProductions]

Hi Ronald I don't quite understand your question, could you give me more details please.

[@raulmartinez9444]

Thank you! This video is gold!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Raul :)

[@danielevecchi1116]

Thank you very much, Bruno! You helped me a lot with your videos. :) I just wanted to ask...you once said that combining a Left and a Right signal using a Y cable is not good, am I right? So...is a D.I. that has this possibility the only solution?

[@GLBProductions]

Yes, a Y-cable is only to be used for splitting a signal, not combining two signals into one. To do that either use a DI with that function, or better yet a mixer!

[@danielevecchi1116]

@@GLBProductions Perfect! Thank you, again

[@nuynui4083]

Confuse about this too such as DI-Box Joyo JDI-01,

[@gringochucha]

Your videos are awesome, man. Is there a good book you can recommend to start getting into practical sound engineering? Something hopefully without too much math... Thanks!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks my friend. I would recommend "Live Sound Mixing" by Duncan Fry - that's the book I started with many years ago and is still a great resource today.

[@gringochucha]

@@GLBProductions Thanks! I'll check it out!

[@jeromemckenna7102]

I've enjoyed this video.

[@sekharg3481]

Thanks for supporting Bruno sir & Glb production

[@sekharg3481]

Thanks jerome Mc kenna sir

[@sekharg3481]

pleaz subscribe and like & share

[@gustavorlore]

Thanks for the tips, great help!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome GR!

[@dipakbhalodia7155]

Thank you for informing

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome!

[@tasothdevil01]

so a Stereo Radial JDI actually is two mono Radial JDIs in a box?

[@GLBProductions]

Yup, pretty much! There are some missing features such as the speaker level input and mono merge function which are only found on the JDI.

[@grantmoffatt8501]

Good stuff, thanks man

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Grant!

[@andresvelazquez2360]

Do you have experience with guitar amp speaker simulator DIs?

[@GLBProductions]

You mean like the Palmer speaker simulators?

[@andresvelazquez2360]

@@GLBProductions Just like those ones! :)

[@GLBProductions]

I have used them but don't own any of them at the moment.

[@andresvelazquez2360]

@@GLBProductions How do they work on a live environment? There's always controversy surrounding these boxes compared to mic'ed speakers, I would really aprecciate your input!

[@GLBProductions]

In a live environment they work well - they are not always as good-sounding as a mic but the whole idea is to remove the mic (and sometimes the amp) from the setup. In live sound mics on cabs can be very problematic due to bleed, positioning, the need to have a mic stand in front of the cab etc. Two of the better ones currently are the Radial JDX 48 and JDX Direct Drive. For artists using in-ear monitors these are definitely the preferred setup today.

[@cesarjeanchristophe339]

Thank you Bruno now i understand

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome.

[@The_PlagueDoctor]

Super helpful

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@The_PlagueDoctor]

@@GLBProductions could I use a preamp instead of DI when plugging into a mixer? (Passive/active bass/guitar)

[@mohsinrazasound]

You are a great person

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@lorenzohuynh1550]

If I had Bruno for a high school teacher, I would had my phD. I would understand everything was explained to me.

[@GLBProductions]

I'm glad that the video was clear 😊

[@tasothdevil01]

Nice video!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@tusharsaini1062]

Hello sir hii how are you? Please make a video on sound craft si impact 32channel digital mixer full training/Tutorial with text/lyrics

[@sanjayrhythm]

Thankq sir

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome!

[@sekharg3481]

Good sir

[@trocvailima6159]

Awesome

[@jonathanmcgrath6144]

I feel like I'm watching Mr. Rogers for live sound.

[@GLBProductions]

I really appreciate that! 😊

[@psaint9720]

for me I prefert to use 2 mono DI !

[@GLBProductions]

That works too - I did that for many years :)

[@hminimbu]

Merci bcp

[@ts9602]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@sekharg3481]

and how are you sir

[@norcicoso]

Nice video, yes only fools would use stereo for a gig, no point having stereo for a live venue.

[@piratedprivacy9052]

not really true. live venue sees little impact of stereo reproduction. but still it is nobody's fool running stereo. if consice technique is deployed in mixing & panning, it's beneficial. it's running dual-mono that is somewhat unnecessary..