DI bass - Box required?

[suddentwigs]

Hi there. I'm just about to invest in a Mackie 1642 desk to solve various phantom power/balancing problems. My interface is an m-audio 1010lt. My question is simple: If I wish to DI bass into my new desk, do I need a DI box between the bass and the desk, or can I plug straight in? The bass has passive pickups. Thanks.

 

[RawDepth]

No, you don't need a DI. You can plug the bass straight into the 1/4" LINE IN jack on any channel.

However, note that channels 1 - 8 are permanently attenuated by 15dB prior to the preamp gain control. If your signal is too weak (at full gain) then switch to channels 9 - 12 which are permanently set to unity gain with no padding. In other words, the GAIN controls on channels 9 - 12 do nothing when using LINE IN.

 

[bouldersoundguy]

The line input on the board may be adequate, but I would recommend using an active direct box. The bass will sound better into the higher impedance load.

 

[buzzard bass]

Your amp may have a line out also, even my little LA10 has one, not sure if it's wet or dry though, never tried it.