Direct Box

[ibanezrocks]

I'm hoping to hook the line out of my amp in to the soundcard of my computer and was wondering what kind of direct box you guys suggest?

Also is it easier to use a USB interface rather than upgrading the soundcard?

Thanks.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Direct Box

Behringer Ultra-G. It has a 4x12 speaker sim on it, XLR output, works from 9V or phantom power, two -20db pads in addition to the automatic -8db pad making it really easy to set the level on the board. I run speaker out of my amp to it and then direct link out (separate output from the padded output) of it to my speaker during live use. My amp can handle no speaker load (Vox Valvetronix) when on so it's no problem at home either when I want to practice quietly with the amp and headphones.

 

[ibanezrocks]

Re: Direct Box

Am I right in thinking I can just use the output from that DI straight in to the soundcard? I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything here, assume I'm totally new to this and have no idea about anything.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Direct Box

Yes, you can, as long as you adjust the incoming signal on the computer. Keep in mind, you'll need a XLR to 1/8" connection to go directly to the sound card from the Ultra-G output. That's why it's better to have an outboard mixer in the middle of them. Even a 4-track will work. That's what I use as my mixer.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Direct Box

umm, i don't think you need a direct box to hook a line out to a sound card's line in ... just the correct adapter for the plug .. you only need a DI box to convert an unbalanced line signal (e.g. hi-z 1/4") to to a balanced (e.g. lo-z XLR) signal

 

[ibanezrocks]

Re: Direct Box

Well I didn't trust the crappy soundcard, I went ahead and got this

 

[ErikH]

Re: Direct Box

umm, i don't think you need a direct box to hook a line out to a sound card's line in ... just the correct adapter for the plug .. you only need a DI box to convert an unbalanced line signal (e.g. hi-z 1/4") to to a balanced (e.g. lo-z XLR) signal

He doesn't technically. But, most line outs from amps sound horrid without some sort of speaker simulation on them. Even line outs with speaker sim on them can use the additional help.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Direct Box

Well I didn't trust the crappy soundcard, I went ahead and got this

That looks cool.

 

[ibanezrocks]

Re: Direct Box

Well I really have to learn how to use Cubase now (included with the Tascam), I just played around with it a bit and I have no idea...

Wish me luck, should be fun.

BTW my amp does have a speaker sim on the line out, but in the future if I decide to upgrade I still may consider the DI box. Thanks for your input everyone.