Line out versus DI question (Ampeg Pf-350 bass amp)

[dg27]

I am seriously considering the Ampeg PF-350 bass amp to use with my Mesa Boogie cabinets.

I used it at a rehearsal studio recently and loved the simplicity. I use a SansAmp Bass Driver DI and therefore like the amp to be as simple as possible. I thought the tone was great.

I read a review (link below) that had this line:

It does have an XLR Line out if required but please note it's line out, not DI; the signal is at line level so needs to be patched through the appropriate channel on the desk, otherwise you'll have way too much gain for the desk to handle.

I do not know the implications of this and whether it should be considered a dealbreaker. I will use this in non-DI situations (mostly rehearsal and recording studios).

http://www.bassplayer.co.nz/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1836

If anyone could weigh on on this I'd appreciate it.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Line out versus DI question (Ampeg Pf-350 bass amp)

I am confused. Are you using huge Ampeg into your cabs or the Bass Driver? Or both?

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Line out versus DI question (Ampeg Pf-350 bass amp)

A line out to a mixer is fine, most mixers feature 'line in' inputs.

However ... using the 'line out' from an amp is usually sending a signal from after the amps' preamp volume and tone controls. Alternatively, you can use a DI box between the instrument and the amp to send a mic-level signal to the mixer that is not affected by the amps' settings, which is probably preferable to most audio engineers.

If you accept that the stage area and the main room are actually two different acoustic environments, you will understand how the second method is preferable ... changes you make to your stage settings via the amp will not affect the front-of-house sound (unless you're playing extremely loudly and are not feasturing in the mix a great deal).

Using a 'line out' from an amp usually means any changes you make to the amps' settings will affect the FOH sound, disrupting the FOH mix. Not usually an ideal situation. I would always go with a DI box between the instrument and it's amplifier.

 

[dg27]

Re: Line out versus DI question (Ampeg Pf-350 bass amp)

I always plug my bass into the SansAmp Bass Driver and plug that into whatever amp I am using.

The SansAmp simply allows a lot of amp modeling, which is why I prefer a simple amp. I do not use the DI on SansAmp (I use the 1/4 inch).

Sorry I wasn't clear.

 

[dg27]

Re: Line out versus DI question (Ampeg Pf-350 bass amp)

A line out to a mixer is fine, most mixers feature 'line in' inputs.

However ... using the 'line out' from an amp is usually sending a signal from after the amps' preamp volume and tone controls.

I have done this in some gig situations.

Alternatively, you can use a DI box between the instrument and the amp to send a mic-level signal to the mixer that is not affected by the amps' settings, which is probably preferable to most audio engineers.

In recording studios I usually just use the bass into the SansAmp and take a DI from that.

I would always go with a DI box between the instrument and it's amplifier.

That's exactly what I do.

So I'm not sure what the line out on the amp is even for.

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Line out versus DI question (Ampeg Pf-350 bass amp)

So I'm not sure what the line out on the amp is even for.

Well, it's an inbuilt DI for those times when a separate DI box is not available, but also it would be ideal for slaving into another amp, possibly a power amp ... in the last scenario, the main amp would provide the controls for itself and any slaved power amps, obviously keeping things simple and efficient.