Anyone use a DI box?

[aleclee]

Re: Anyone use a DI box?

A load box? And speaker sim? I thought it was just amp head into the red box (Radial JDX for example) and cabinet into there and then out to the PA?

Depends on the DI box and whether you're running into a guitar cab as well. Many DI boxes won't take amp-level signals. Same goes for speaker sim boxes.

Know your equipment or blow your equipment.

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: Anyone use a DI box?

Umm, doesn't this do everything for you?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/hughes-kettner-red-box-5-classic-di-and-amp-simulator

Just place it between your amp and speaker and plug a mic cable on the other end.

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Anyone use a DI box?

I used one for years while playing bass live.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Anyone use a DI box?

I just bought a used H&K Red Box Pro of eBay. I got it mostly to use for silent practice at home: Amp->Red Box-> MiniMASS (set on zero) -> speaker (with no sound coming out of it). Then, I'll hook the DI output from the Red Box into my little Yamaha PA board, mix in the MP3, plug in some phones and away we go.

The Pro is an older model which I like because it's cheaper and it's passive, so I won't have to worry about a battery, or supply 9 volts behind my amp. The newer Red Box model is active, but it has switchable settings for cabinet type, etc.

Randall Aiken sells his take on the cab-sim direct box, called the Gold Brick, that's supposed to really nail the Marshall 4x12 sound.

I didn't think I've ever read a bad review of how the Red Box sounds. I'm sure it will be good enough for practice at home. I'm also going to try it at my upcoming reunion gig. With luck we'll have spare time at sound check to A/B it against an SM57 and an e609.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Anyone use a DI box?

I received my Red Box this afternoon and so far LOVE IT. Best headphone practice rig I've ever tried. The amp responds to pedals and guitar volume changes just as it does through its usual speaker. I've never played a modeller that did that.

I'd be happy with just the headphone practice application, but I expect good results for recording and live use, too. I'll post another review after this weekend's reunion gig in Philly, when we'll have a chance to A/B it against a trusty SM57.

 

[DeadandBuried]

Re: Anyone use a DI box?

Hmm, maybe I won't need one for a good while yet, not for live use anyway, unless I can borrow one and try it out at a show one day.