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

Do you need a Direct Box for live or in the studio? That's what we are going to answer in this video with a simple explanation and audio examples. We are also going to go over different types of Direct Boxes.
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0:00 - Intro
1:20 - Main Reasons
2:28 - Bonus Reasons
3:19 - When You Don’t Need One
3:50 - Keyboard Tones
4:30 - SPDSX Tones
5:00 - Tone Philosophy
6:00 - Backing Tracks Tones
6:45 - Louder Doesn’t Mean Better
7:03 - Hi Z vs Direct Box
8:15 - Guitar Into Line Level
9:03 - HX Stomp Tones
10:00 - Cheap vs Expensive
11:52 - Passive vs Active
12:26 - Final Thoughts
🔥🔥🔥 DIRECT BOXES 🔥🔥🔥
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Pyle (Cheapest):
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Behringer:
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🌍 Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/193193?offid=...
LiveWire:
📦 Amazon: amzn.to/48HYlWY
Whirwind (Best Bang-For-The-Buck):
🔵 Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/4PjRXZ
📦 Amazon: amzn.to/4b6Td0d
Radial (High-End):
🔵 Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/Jzy4qE
📦 Amazon: amzn.to/4b6kvnx
🌍 Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/213689?offid=...
Art (Dual):
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Radial (Dual):
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Radial (Active):
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📦 Amazon: amzn.to/3SvRlqw
🌍 Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/199359?offid=...
💥 OTHER GEAR MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO 💥
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◆ UNIVERSAL AUDIO Apollo Twin X Duo:
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📦 Amazon: amzn.to/2RpGMWf
🌍 Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/508045?offid=...
🎥 OTHER VIDEOS TO WATCH 🎥
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◆ Mic/Line/Instrument Explained: • MIC vs LINE vs INST: M...
◆ Bluetooth Audio Vs Wireless Audio: • Is WIRELESS AUDIO The ...
◆ 10 Tips When Using Backing Tracks: • 10 TIPS/TRICKS If You ...
◆ Choosing The Right Wireless: • Choosing the Right WIR...
◆ Wireless Studio Headphones: • TRUE WIRELESS Studio H...
◆ Ethernet Adapter For Digital Mixers: • ADAPTER For Your DIGIT...
◆ Backing Tracks - Complete Guide: • BACKING TRACKS for LIV...
◆ My Compact IEM Rack Setup: • My COMPACT In-Ear Moni...
◆ Guitar with Multi-Fx Processor Built In: • Multi-FX Processor wit...
◆ Passive vs Active Direct Boxes: • DI Box 101: Active vs ...
🎵 TONE RESULTS 🎵
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Keyboard:
1 - Direct Box
2 - Line
3 - Line
4 - Direct Box
SPDSX:
1 - Line
2 - Direct Box
3 - Line
4 - Line
Backing Tracks:
(KZbin confuses the time chapter time stamps, so I have to write it out this way)
6m 24s - Cheap DI
6m 26s - Radial DI
6m 29s - Cheap DI
6m 32s - Line Level
6m 35s - Radial DI
6m 38.5s - Cheap DI
HX Stomp:
1 - Unbalanced Out
2 - Balanced Out
3 - Unbalanced Out
4 - Direct Box
Guitar Direct:
1 - Radial DI
2 - Cheap DI
3 - Cheap DI
4 - Hi Z
5 - Cheap DI
6 - Cheap DI
7 - Hi Z
8 - Radial DI
9 - Hi Z
📷 VIDEO SETUP: 📷
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◆ BACK RGB LIGHTS: amzn.to/3I2Yc5S
◆ TRIPOD: amzn.to/3dv2RvB
◆ DESK MOUNT: amzn.to/3WJvCuB
◆ MONITOR: amzn.to/3viKeWg
Edited with Gling AI: bit.ly/46bGeYv
*Links are affiliate links. It doesn't cost you anything extra to use those links, and is a free way to support the channel 😊

[@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!

[@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 🤷

[@pbenson56fran]

Simple direct explanation of a direct box. Thank you

[@TheCrimsonGhosts]

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

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@udaychavan2783]

Brilliant-thanks!

[@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.

[@markdonbd]

perfectly summed up! got all my answers

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@theresaronningallen8520]

Thanks!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you! I 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!

[@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 🤘

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@AnomieDomine]

Love the methodology you used here.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you!

[@ChaosDP]

Great info!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching

[@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.

[@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 🤘

[@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 👍

[@claytonoliveirah]

thanks for this video

[@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 🤘🤘

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@duffybishop]

Good job Scott. Thanks!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@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

[@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

[@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)

[@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?

[@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

[@user-ki7nq3bi3k]

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.

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@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 🤘

[@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 👍

[@georgecanady5143]

Could you review the new EverSync IEM system?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

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

[@mrfomiatti5515]

Question, twould you do a video on bass driver di box. Eg. The Wine Cellar $40 cheeper one? Thanks Scott. Ps. I value your opinion bud.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! I haven’t heard of that one, and I don’t actually own a bass to try it out, so probably not on my channel. I always liked the SansAmp direct for bass 🤘

[@mrfomiatti5515]

@@ScottUhlMusic Sweet as bro, I'm thinking about using it in front of the iPad to boost my backing tracks.🎸💣🤟

[@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

[@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

[@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 😅

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@GearAGoGo]

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!

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@BosqueBrothers]

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

[@ScottUhlMusic]

That’s also definitely a plus!

[@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!

[@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!

[@-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 👍

[@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

[@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

[@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..."👍👍

[@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🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@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.

[@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

[@brownpunk1794]

Short answer no right if i have scarlett solo interface?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Always use your ears 👍

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@darrylday30]

algorithm gods

[@ScottUhlMusic]

😂 haha thank you!

[@pantone369c]

Scott's up in here trying to make the internet mad again. Just share another Metallica meme, bruh.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Hahahahaha I was surprised at that reaction to that meme lol I thought it was funny

[@rombsix]

Bride and Groom - "Hey man - what was up with the guitar? Some of the high-end was rolled off. Did you go into the line input instead of the Hi-Z input on your mixer?" :P

[@ScottUhlMusic]

😊😊😊

[@gerimayawhyte154]

People getting upset on the internet. Who would have thought! 😭😭😭

[@ScottUhlMusic]

😅😅😅

[@gerimayawhyte154]

@@ScottUhlMusic The deadpan delivery made it that much better.

[@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]

😂😂😂

[@weidoop5327]

Direct box? Waht the hell is taht

[@dooshmasta]

Wow this is irresponsible and I’ve lost all respect for your channel. Why would you have to turn a balanced signal around to unbal to patch an unbal sound card if unbal is the noisy one? The point of balancing your signal is to go over 20’ because the signal mitigates interference. But if you’re connecting to an unbalanced input you can’t simply adapt it because that defeats the balanced connection. You need to terminate at a transformer (DI box) to change the signal back so you’re not sending an unbalanced signal down a balanced cable. I made a comment about the blind leading the blind in the last video. Please stop. Or at least stop simplifying it, it’s not rocket science. Everyone has the capacity to learn this stuff.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Dude, you need to relax. If you hate “simply explained” stuff then that’s fine. These are basic reasons to use a direct box, not all the reasons. Again, it’s a “simply explained” video. The info in this video is correct. I’m not sending an unbalanced signal… I don’t even understand where you got that

[@dooshmasta]

Okay I’m watching more than your intro and it looks like you’re covering more than unbal is noisy. Sorry knee jerk reaction. Here’s an example: If you have a sound card let’s say with high-z being the only open channel 100’ from the stage and you want to record your guitar; you would first need to DI from your guitar, send 100’ through xlr then turn the signal around with a female coupler into a second DI box and patch with an instrument cable into the interface. Your explanation here would not help someone figure this out. I’ll watch the rest of your video.

[@dooshmasta]

@5:00 that’s me!

[@dooshmasta]

Again, that’s all fine and dandy when you record at home 3’ from your interface, but you try to bring that mindset into a live environment and you’re going to run into trouble.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

lol, dude…. You’ve followed my channel for a long time, and for that I’m grateful. But don’t be the “doosh” who comments based on the thumbnail or intro without watching the video 🙄 You apologized, so apology accepted… but Christ man, don’t be that guy. If I got something wrong in the video, I truly want to hear it. But not if you didn’t even watch the damn thing. And I do say in the video for long cable runs it makes the most sense to use an XLR. I repeated it throughout. And you use a TS cable to go out of a guitar…. So I don’t know who is planning on running a 100 ft cable into a Hi Z input. That seems like it’s not necessary to argue because I cannot see anyone doing that. However, You are correct, don’t do that…. But again, I say for over 20 ft you should use a DI. And the guy at 5 minutes isn’t you hahaha you got angry for another reason, but not because I have you look in the description for the tone answers haha. So it’s half you 😅