re-amping tracks

[montage]

I'd like to attempt to re-amp guitar and bass tracks and I'd prefer to have someone review my setup before attempting anything:

1) Record track(s) to PC running Sonar via Delta1010LT soundcards.
2) Prepare track for output; through RCA out from soundcard.
Change connection from RCA to 1/4" to input of amplifier.

Now I have a couple of thoughts/questions:

A) Should I (depending on strength of pre-recorded signal) leave Sonar's fader on zero and adjust volume via the amplifier? Having the fader too hot would affect the input gain before the amp, right?

B) Should I utilize a direct box (I have DOD AC265 Direct Box) inline as part of my connection. It has a ground-lift switch and an attenuation (0,12,40 dB) pad switch. Also I was thinking of using a very short connection from the RCA-out from the soundcard to 1/4", then on the other side of the direct box I can use a sheilded guitar cable.

Anything else that I should consider before trying this?

Thanks for all replies.

 

[nate_dennis]

You probably want to use the D.I. on the way into your 1010. You are going to want to "load" your guitar signal on the way out of the 1010. I don't remember 100% how to do this and my reference material is at the house and not here with me. So, maybe one of the wiser users will enlighten us both. But yes, D.I. on the way in. I don't quite get what you were saying about the RCA cable, but with short distances RCA or other cables like that shouldn't be an issue.

 

[montage]

thanks Nate,

I'm fine with getting the recorded signal in using the D.I., I'm just more concerned with getting the signal out to the amp. I wasn't sure if having a lengthy RCA connection would be an issue (as opposed to a standard sheilded guitar cable) as far as noise goes.

 

[NL5]

You should have a reamp box on the way out. I believe there is a way to use a DI box in reverse for this though. I just don't remember how. I can recommend the Radial Xamp as an excellent reamp box.

 

[Myriad_Rocker]

The Little Labs RedEye is also great.

 

[montage]

Okay, I believe my D.I. can also work in reverse. So in other words, the soundcard out should go into the balanced connection of the D.I., then from the D.I.'s unbalanced connection to the amp. Right?

 

[Farview]

If you hook the DI in reverse (it has to be a passive DI to do this), you will run into a problem. The signal will be WAY too hot and the impedance will not be right.


The DI box takes a high impedance high(er) level signal and brings it down to a low impedance mic level signal. If you run that in reverse, you will be taking a low level and impedance signal and turning into a high impedance and level signal. Your problem is that the output of your soundcard is already high level and impedance, so running it through a DI backwards will make it higher level and higher impedance.

 

[secombs]

I would recommend something like the Radial X-amp for this. I've used it before and it works very well. I wouldn't recommend running backwards through a DI.

 

[montage]

If you hook the DI in reverse (it has to be a passive DI to do this), you will run into a problem. The signal will be WAY too hot and the impedance will not be right.

The DI box takes a high impedance high(er) level signal and brings it down to a low impedance mic level signal. If you run that in reverse, you will be taking a low level and impedance signal and turning into a high impedance and level signal. Your problem is that the output of your soundcard is already high level and impedance, so running it through a DI backwards will make it higher level and higher impedance.

OK, my D.I. is passive, so this is what I was checking on. My original idea was just to potentially utilize the D.I. for the ground loop feature and use it as a coupler for two 1/4" connections, and not necessarily "thru" the D.I. circuitry itself. Thanks for all the replies.

 

[Farview]

OK, my D.I. is passive, so this is what I was checking on. My original idea was just to potentially utilize the D.I. for the ground loop feature and use it as a coupler for two 1/4" connections, and not necessarily "thru" the D.I. circuitry itself. Thanks for all the replies.

The 1/4 connectors are just wired in parrallel. The ground lifting happens between the 1/4 jacks and the XLR. What you want to use it for, it won't do.

 

[montage]

The 1/4 connectors are just wired in parrallel. The ground lifting happens between the 1/4 jacks and the XLR. What you want to use it for, it won't do.

I see; thanks for the reply.