Walrus Audio Canvas D.I / Line Isolator Deep Dive

Jason and Colt take a few minutes to talk about what exactly our Canvas Series D.I. & Line Isolator is intended for, what it does and why you'd want to use one in your rig.
Learn more and & shop the Canvas here:
Mono - www.walrusaudio.com/products/canvas-line-isolator-d-i
Stereo - www.walrusaudio.com/products/canvas-stereo-dual-line-isolator-d-i

[@lewiswingrove71]

I'm enjoying my walrus reverb, delay, chorus pedals, keep making great products 👍

[@lucasvillaquiroz]

I never thought I could be this excited about a DI box

[@walrusaudioeffects]

☺

[@shanerose5348]

I think this is going to make it to my board. Super happy with Walrus quality. Colt is super enthusiastic and inquisitive, you guys should hang on to him!!

[@beachcomber4141]

I just received mine. My Ruby, along with a string of mind altering pedals are going to hit the stereo Canvas with XLR's to my Tascam model 16. Thank you Walrus!

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Thanks! Have fun!

[@jbmaggs]

Why I’m getting this: I go out stereo from an ACS-1 into a DI to FOH. Line Iso mode will get me there without the tone suck of a traditional DI. Then, I can use the through, summed to mono, to go to a stage monitor if needed (like my headrush), but not loose my stereo chorus (due to sum/phasing issues…I don’t mean that it’s still stereo) or ping pong delays (due to loosing one side of the stereo image). So, I can stay in stereo in house with no signal loss, but monitor through an amp mono if needed.

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Yes!

[@LeoRubensMusic]

@@walrusaudioeffects Just to clarify - I can send L & R to FoH via 2x XLR and simultaneously send a mono Sum TS to my Amp? in total 3 different signals? or - to ask differently - does the mono summing apply only to the TS outs or to the xlr outs as well?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

@@LeoRubensMusic correct. Summing only applies to the 1/4 in out.

[@deluxet5864]

Can you plug headphones into the Thru without the use of a separate headphone amp?

[@patrickcarroll1754]

You guys are such a cool duo.

[@Gele_Rodrigo]

thanks for the video. I have a question, I'm going to use this DI with an active source going through the iridium pedal, but sometimes the pedal will be in "off" mode... in that case, I have to change the DI option " line isolator" to option "DI"?... or it is not necessary and I can leave it in "line isolator" mode? ...

[@walrusaudioeffects]

You should be able to leave it in L.I mode!

[@jaredashy]

i want it to be known, i liked this video ~specifically~ for jason's real time reactions to things. perfection

[@carminelombardi9575]

Can you reamp with the Canvas Stereo Dual Line?

[@jarrbones]

Thanks for this. I'm still trying to assess if I should get this. I don't play live; bedroom studio setup with hopes of making music. I got a couple of pedals going into the UA Dream 65 and into a Focusrite. Would I still need the Canvas. I wanna get one cause it seems like something that would help (and it also looks aesthetically pleasing lol), but I don't know if shelling out the extra cash on this will make a significant difference. Any advice would really help. Thanks much! You guys kick ass!

[@prtlndtheband]

I'm still not sure what it does but I'm pretty sure I need (and want) one!

[@ROKZLEON]

I have to admit. If it wasn't for Colt asking questions... I'd be slightly confused. Not taking anything away from Jason who seriously knows his stuff.

[@andresperezgarcia_]

Geniuses and they keep saving the tone!

[@kevie3]

I love the awkward but super informative videos that leave me confused and happy inside 🤔 #ImSoFulfilled 🤘

[@DaveBode]

Cool products! I have one on order and I'm going to test the THD and frequency response to see if it lives up to the hype! Nice design either way. Jason - your mic is clipping.

[@orryfishburne5326]

Thanks for explaining that line isolators are for low impedance and DI is high impedance. I was curious about that. I really want to put the stereo version at the end of my chain as a line isolator and the mono at the beginning of my chain as a di out for the possibility for reamping if needed.

[@tendingtropic7778]

Thanks! I have a (noob) question. If i mainly record at home, from my pedalboard (last in chain = UAFX dream 65), directly to an audio interface (RME) and DAW. Does I also benefit from a Walrus Canvas (using short cables)?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Not necessary, but recommended to go through the XLR into your DAW to help with impedance and line isolation to help keep noise down.

[@tendingtropic7778]

@@walrusaudioeffects thank you. is this also true if i have an Hi-Z input on my audio interface?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

@@tendingtropic7778 in that scenario, if you're running short cables the only benefit you may see from using a DI is if you run into ground issues.

[@holmanconde]

I'm leaving more confused than I was before I came.

[@walrusaudioeffects]

lol. How can we help?!

[@jbmaggs]

Nobes Music also has a vid on this that’s helpful.

[@benjaminblake164]

most people can get by without the Canvas, but it's good if you have signal loss when playing live or you want to properly record from an amp simulator and don't have a dedicated audio interface. This is not to say that the Canvas is a bad product, but it has a niche audience. Absolute overkill for most people to get this (sorry Walrus)

[@holmanconde]

@@walrusaudioeffects I've watched this about 4 times now. The last time I watched in 0.75 speed and I think I might understand it.. kinda.. still bought it though.

[@walrusaudioeffects]

@@holmanconde haha, well, let us know if you need help. Bottom line is, you now have what you need to connect your instrument to front of house.

[@tendingtropic7778]

second question: are TRS outputs on the canvas also balanced? Or only the XLR outs?

[@Gutch220]

just the XLR outs. All of the 1/4-inch inputs/thru are standard mono & unbalanced

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

I got mine from Sweetwater ... and I can dig it!

[@mikesharpsongs]

Hey @walrusaudio, when I push the DI/LI button in(down), which transformer is being used?

[@luke.costa92]

Yooo, I’m going Goodwood audio to dream and Ruby to canvas to Tascam model 12 and I’m getting a ton of buzz. Am I doing something wrong?

[@YousefKekhia]

So the noise i am having connecting my Strymon Iridium directly to my sound card is because i don't have this? Regardless of the noise, was it wrong to connect my Iridium with unbalanced cable to my sound card? Thanks in advance !

[@jrlee243]

Can i connect two mics in and go out to my audio interface? And is this kinda like the 29 pedal? The one that you use after all your psdals.

[@AB-lx8cf]

Using this with my quilter US block, I would just use the DI out into this then into the house mixer?

[@cameraramblings4107]

Just a small request regarding future versions. How about a headphones out if you ever make a new version, No idea if that’s even possible lol. Also I’ve been DI’ng my guitars live since the early nineties and really like the idea of your amp pedal, however, for me, I felt it didn’t have the headroom i needed as a pedal platform and felt that even after the update the sag and compression was too much. Ultimately i ended up back on the strymon (I realise you don’t want to hear this ) This is not a put down I’m a fan and really like the form factor and size of the pedals, just some notes in the hope improvements can be made. In the interest of balance I own and use the D1, R1 and M1! 👊🏼

[@gerardvirgo5755]

Hi! I’m planning to buy the stereo canvas but just want to ask how will I connect the 2 xlr out to the mixer in a church setting? Pls and thank you.

[@ronlyster5667]

This is a great product!!! ... but appears to be a little confusing to some of the users. Maybe more of a break-down is required?

[@IncompleteStrangers]

Can I use this as a clean Bass D.I.? What else would I need? Not usually a bassist and don’t have much gear for that rig. For recording I want the best sounding and quickest solution, and this is a lot cheaper than an Ampeg PF50T.

[@jhubsley]

Can someone tell me what the benefits of a line isolater in an ampless rig are over an active DI? I need a stereo option regardless, but I'm kind of skeptical of how this would be a better option over an active two-channel DI.

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Yeah! You may have more noise in your signal with an active D.I. vs a passive one. The Canvas isolates your signal from the rest of the gear downstream, and many active DI's do not do that.

[@MsEsphorizon]

Hi... Output impedance value for the DI output? Output impedance value for the LI output? I can't find info on the specs

[@walrusaudioeffects]

DI: Input-10k, output-600R LI: Input-600R, output 600R

[@pedroloera9045]

This is working for bass too? Any experience? I’m looking for some DI that doesn’t change the tone of my bass. Im running through my Tlc comp-Tone hammer(AGS)-hx stomp (2outputs)-FOH.

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Yes! Would be great for bass or any instrument you’re needing to connect to FOH, console, mixer, interface!

[@jafethuerta]

Question: if this unit is passive, it’s not going to give me the volume an active DI does right ? Or is there something I’m missing ?

[@chloeacoustic9273]

Ive got one, but I also get confused with all the knobs, this video gives me clarity rso thanks for that, the pedal definitely helps to avoid added and unwanted noises, and definitely gives your signal a boost, and overall I feel it sounds better. My guitarist and I both use the Dream Amp Cab Simulators for live shows where the stage is somewhat not huge. he doesn't have a canvas and I have the canvas mono, (secretly I feel my sound is better than his) :-) Canvas is the way to go!

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Great! Thanks!!

[@Rokku16]

Can you connect it directly to a studio monitor speaker?

[@davidkeller9345]

what are some of the pedals with walrus that either option would go with? like i don't know how to find the impedance. last pedal in my chain is an R1, but sometimes i toss the fathom last curious if i want/need this cause i feel like my behringer di is fine, but i am recording more actively lately.

[@XFattMonsterX]

Can I run two guitars through the stereo version for live/recording performances or would two mono boxes be better?

[@omrialvayero]

What about keyboards and digital/analog synths? It's belongs to the family?

[@kevindabramo1944]

Wow, six transformers! That's more than meets the eye.

[@bossesg1]

this might be dumb but why would I want stereo vs. mono? I'm assuming stereo would be better for stereo delays and mods... Any disadvantage to stereo?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Not a dumb question at all! If you run a stereo rig or think you might at some point, you’d definitely want the stereo version.

[@nitipoom6300]

Can I use LI mode for passive bass instead of active DI box.

[@iamtheelvy]

Can’t quite tell from the information I’ve found on this - does the Sum button affect the DI outputs as well as the thru outputs? I run bass and synth on stage and want separate DI outs for each but would like to run both to the same amp for monitoring. Would the Canvas do this effectively?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

The sum only affects the 1/4in thru outputs!

[@iamtheelvy]

@@walrusaudioeffects Great, thanks! Would there be any issue with summing from two different instrument sources?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

@@iamtheelvy not really other than running two instruments simultaneously could sound a little garbled.

[@waynegram8907]

WARLUS AUDIO, can the line isolator transformer take a fender strats output impedance and go through the line isolator transformer and the output of the line isolator transformers will be the SAME impedance or DIFFERENT impedance compared to the fender strats output impedance? The Line isolator should not change the guitars output impedance but it should isolate the grounds. Have you tried this and does this eliminate all the hum 60hz, light noises, line noises, etc from single coil pickups?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Are you using it without a modeler going into it? If so then No, it will load the guitar and cut high frequency information. If you want to run your guitar straight into the Canvas, you will need to use the DI setting.

[@joshyang59]

Some of your demo video has taken with Pinstripes Pedal DISO+, which one is better matching with ACS-1?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Either will work well!

[@TheSpartan_G]

Although it's not required to entertain when recording an educational video on a product like this, I appreciated it as it was actually more engaging! I was definitely entertained lmao. If I need to sit through a video to learn something about a product I will, but I'd rather it be done like this as there's only so much time in a day and getting a laugh or two out of something like this feels like a more effective/efficient use of time for whatever reason. Anyways I have a question: Does the stereo version work as dual mono? I have an Apollo 8P Blackface and do a ton of remote guitar session work in my studio, and although the HI-Z inputs on my Apollo are obviously good enough and not 'holding me back' or anything like that, I do feel like there's better sounding options to deliver a DI signal to an amp sim in Pro Tools. I typically reserve the first 2 channels of my interface for Electric Guitar and Bass respectively and just leave instrument cables in the Hi-Z inputs on the front of the unit for quick and easy access. I'm wondering if for example the Stereo version of this device could take the guitar in the left channel, and the bass in the right channel, and both go to the respective channel 1 and 2 inputs on the back of my interface and remain isolated from each other, essentially replacing the Apollo's Hi-Z inputs, and whether or not there'd be any benefit to that in the first place or if ultimately the Apollo converters would just eat the benefits so to speak. I'm aware this setup would lose the functionality of the automatic impedance switching with Unison Amp plugins but the option to use that by switching a cable back would still be there if I needed it so I'm not worried about that. Thoughts?

[@guille_toledo76]

I still don't understand one thing. The Canvas has XLR line outputs.... BUT, when you connect that cable to a mic mixer preamp..it will be expecting mic level signal and the signal will be toi hot and preamped by the mixer.

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Most mixers can handle line level. Some have a button to change from line/mic level and if not, then you just turn the pre-amp gain down.

[@sk8rn8thegr8]

question! as a non-audio guy, would it be possible to run in-ears via the through ports on the canvas? maybe using an adapter of some kind?

[@rngrzulu1275]

You would need a headphone amp…right?

[@christianboddum8783]

A 3 input must be in the future for wet-dry-wet rigs ;-)

[@justin_gosselin]

Can I go ACS1 -> Canvas, outputs into my mixer and the thru’s to further pedals for a dry/wet situation?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Yup!

[@j.reynoldsmusic6323]

My goal is to use this to go from my last pedal to FOH for church gigs, then elsewhere use the thru to go to my amp. Does that make sense, and would I use the latter in LI mode?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Yeah! That would work. Do you have some kind of amp/cab sim to go from your board to the FOH?

[@marcoguitarjournal]

Might be a stupid question here but: Are DI boxes replaceable with a 1/4" male - XLR female cable? Do those typically convert the signal from unbalanced to balanced?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Thats actually a great question. You can do a cable like that, but your signal would not be balanced that way nor would it be electronically isolated.

[@marcoguitarjournal]

@@walrusaudioeffects thank you! That’s helpful. Basically a DI box is needed to convert a signal from unbalanced to balanced!

[@countstoneula]

@@marcoguitarjournal yup. And the transformers in the DI will protect your pedals from any accidental phantom power being turned on from a sound board.

[@thaddeusfields4360]

I’m using this to go from an Iridium to front of house. Should I have the DI/LI button pushed in or out?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Pressed in will give you the line isolator!

[@musiccreation1198]

@@thaddeusfields4360 Please detail your signal chain. Iridium -> wet fx -> Canvas LI -> FOH ?

[@justokotoeh]

Itˋs a bummer that for its pricepoint, it doesńt have a phase correction option ☹️

[@georgetwydell6166]

Okay sooo… I run a valve amp into an attenuator (Fryette PS-2A) and I take an effects loop send which goes into a delay, then a cab sim which I want to send to FOH using this. Which setting would I use for that?

[@TeleCathster]

Line isolator

[@Tylerjamesalford]

So what’s better if you’re using a Line 6 Helix, Stomp, or Iridium for amp modeling to a FOH mixer, line isolator mode or DI mode?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Line Isolator will be better. A typical DI will remove about 20dB of your signal. Line Isolator mode helps bring that back.

[@Tylerjamesalford]

@@walrusaudioeffects sweeeeeet thank you!

[@musiccreation1198]

@@walrusaudioeffects Using a UAFX Dream....is the chain Dream -> wet fx -> Canvas LI -> FOH ?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

@@musiccreation1198 yup! You can toy with where you want your wet effects to go, but the canvas would be the last in chain before front of house!

[@musiccreation1198]

@@walrusaudioeffects Ty!

[@teddyvarin5534]

If I buy the stereo model, and play at a venue that can only supply me mono from the board, can the stereo be used with just the one XLR? Or would I also need the mono Canvas as well? This might be a dumb question lol

[@adamwatson1459]

the stereo model can always simply function as a single channel (mono). Just don't plug anything into the other channel.

[@countstoneula]

There is a summing switch on the stereo version. So you can sum to mono and leave your pedalboard wired up in stereo.

[@d77sauce]

Don’t most amp simulators give you the ability to select line or instrument level output? Therefore eliminating the need for this ?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

No, which is why we made one. ☺️ It’s also a D.I. Which can be used for any instrument that needs to be connected to FOH, interface, mixer, etc…

[@d77sauce]

@@walrusaudioeffects Thanks for the reply!

[@damnfreakingsien]

I tried the LI for the first time today at a band practice. Holy shit the LI is extremely loud compared to DI!

[@eteline_music]

So, does this enable me to convert an xlr connection into an additional 1/4 inch hi-z port on my multitrack recorder (Zoom R20)? (I want to connect an unamped guitar.) And if so, would the mono version suffice?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Yup, that would work for D.I. mode. Just adjust the preamp gain to bring it up to the proper level.

[@eteline_music]

@@walrusaudioeffects Thanks very much! 🙂

[@matthewtabbytosavit4805]

So why do I need this?

[@middle_pickup]

How do you know when to use DI or LI mode though? Will this make my UA ox box sound even better?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

You’d simply press the DI / LI button in to put it in Line isolator mode!

[@quiksilver78]

I can't figure this out: If I use two UAFX pedals (stereo out per pedal) how do I hook them up?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

If you’re using both channels from each, you’ll need four channels (two DI boxes). If you’re using one out from each then you just use one in the left input and the other in the right!

[@quiksilver78]

@@walrusaudioeffects two Canvas Stereo pedals? how many paycheques do you think I get a month!? 🤣🤣 - Is there any performance degradation on the UAFX pedals if used in Mono rather than stereo? guess not (kinda like using the ACS-1 in Mono instead of stereo out)

[@walrusaudioeffects]

@@quiksilver78 haha! Well, you asked how to hook up two modeling pedals with stereo outs on each one, and that's the answer! Assuming that's not really how you want to run them though. Plus you'd get an enormous eye roll from your sound guy if you tell him you need four channels from a stereo guitar rig. If you're just wanting one amp in your left ear and one in your right ear, you'd just need one D.I. And no, there's no degradation.

[@skylarmobis4681]

is this the same as the BUFFER?

[@christianboddum8783]

No.

[@tannerbott2168]

Is the button pushed D.I.?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

DI out, LI pushed in!

[@Packett1364]

Does summing sum XLR output as well or just the thru?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

sums the thru only. Summing XLR would defeat the purpose of a balanced signal.

[@Packett1364]

@@walrusaudioeffects Thank you! For educational purposes, may I ask why that is the case?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

@@Packett1364 the main reason is it just doesn't sound good summing an XLR and we'd also need more PCB real-estate which would also need a larger pedal size.

[@Packett1364]

@@walrusaudioeffects Thanks so much!

[@felixayala05]

This is the one to get.

[@BAR32Shoey]

I'm still confused on when to use the Thru input . I would be going from pedal board and acs1 to mixer for pa system . We also use monitors on the stage

[@walrusaudioeffects]

You can use the thru to go to a live amp or powered speaker!

[@drewroze4168]

Hey, Greg! So the thru is an output, not an input. As walrus said, You can use it to go to an actual amp or an FRFR speaker (something like the Line6 Powercab designed for modelers like the ACS1) In your case, it sounds like your using stage monitors rather than in-Ear monitors so your best bet would be to keep the Canvas in line isolator mode and use the XLR out, running to the house mixing board. Then you’ll have your full and beautiful signal coming right back at you through your stage monitors. Hope that helps!

[@jackjackdaw5065]

Is the thru output still balanced? I want to put one of these between my laptop audio out and powered speakers to eliminate ground noise. Would I use the thru or the line isolated out?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

@@jackjackdaw5065 For the line isolation, you have to go through the XLR out. The thru is just that, a pass thru and your signal doesn't pass through the transformers.

[@richardmorris363]

If I buy one, maybe Walrus will have enough money to buy a mic for Colt. :)

[@brunovidana7837]

Does anyone have any experience using the canvas with an HX Stomp? Would anyone recommend pairing it? Not Pairing it? Etc

[@walrusaudioeffects]

With the stomp it's not necessary, but The transformer will isolate your pedal board from the interface/front of house. Which can help reduce any hum or noise that may be present. It will not change any overall sound quality with already balanced signals, just isolate it.

[@brunovidana7837]

@@walrusaudioeffects I appreciate the reply! The biggest thing I’m noticing is the volume drop through a normal DI box. It’s not a huge deal with IRs because I can bring the decibel level up. But I’m mainly looking for a solution on the early clipping

[@countstoneula]

Hey Bruno. You can change the HX Stomp to line level out in the global settings. Then you don’t need to use a DI box at all. Just get a 1/4” TRS to XLR cable, just be careful to not turn on any phantom power. I’ve ran mine that way for a long time now.

[@brunovidana7837]

@@countstoneula thank you for the reply! I ended just using the TRS-XLR option a while back

[@Jakethefartist]

Bring Dr.Steve Brule on for an episode

[@benjaminblake164]

You somehow made a funny infomercial wiithout being cringey

[@jmtab]

You sure about that?

[@cryn]

Curious. Why wouldn't amp simulator pedals come with a line isolator circuit in the first place?

[@shawnhicks5501]

Lads, best leave this explain' to the JHS guys. Just keep making fantastic pedals. 🤘

[@sethheider2841]

So is the button pushed in the DI mode?

[@walrusaudioeffects]

pressed in would put it in LI mode.

[@zyxyuv1650]

There's no way to know if this is worth buying or not because they won't tell what kind of transformer it has. When companies won't tell you can usually assume the worst. So it's probably a cheap OEM transformer. What is a "custom wound transformer" exactly? If that's not just another way to describe a budget OEM transformer and you were actually proud about it then you would have put some features, images, and love about it on your videos and website.

[@walrusaudioeffects]

Sounds like you've never spent a full year researching and developing your own transformer.

[@zyxyuv1650]

@@walrusaudioeffects I'm sorry but the story doesn't add up because you reduced the transformer to *3 words* of total coverage on your product pages and retailer listings. If it was actually a custom transformer you worked hard on for a year and you were proud of it, you would definitely be featuring that, talking about it, and showing pictures of it. The 3 word coverage makes it look like an OEM transformer. There would be no logical reason to give potential customers the wrong impression after you spent a year working on a custom transformer. If you developed something awesome and you had a valuable marketing asset you would not keep it hidden.

[@jmtab]

Great product but cut the ‘cuteness’ and show audio samples to demonstrate the difference between DI and line isolation. Sales will triple.

[@michaelfogarty7962]

I don’t get it

[@thisbridgehascables]

What boggles my mind about this video and every youtube musician influencer that reviews pedals… is For anyone to understand what the hell is going on.. you need to explain with a real signal chain snd cables.. not look at this box and listen to the tech explanation or sounds.. which are irrelevant to the normal person. I’d rather see a video of how to physically rig it up.. i find it very frustrating how reviewers and the manufacturer just create these highly produced dribble content.

[@1966Graham]

Way to confusing to buy …

[@TotalEvo7]

It's actually simple than you think, it restores signal loss, and isolates the signal, of any amp/cab modeler you might be using, be an HX Stomp, Iridium, ACS1, modelers that don't typically carry XLR jacks to go to Front of House

[@benchambers1173]

I know that you think you are making sense. But you really, REALLY, aren't.

[@boimesa8190]

annoying...