suggestions on buying a DI

  • Thread starter Thread starter maryslittlesecret
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maryslittlesecret

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Howdy, all. I know this isn't the most glamourous thread, but I could use some help picking out a decent, clean, inexpensive DI. My only real criterium is that I would like it to have 2 ins/outs so I can record stereo keyboards, etc.

Right now, I'm eyeing the Audio Buddy DI found here
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/love.music?p=p.THKMIMAB0&z=1409568085688

Anyone have this or have any thoughts on it (or any other DIs I shoud check out/avoid)? I'm completely lost when it comes to all this line level, balanced outputs, Hi-Z, etc. I've just had a number of people suggest that I pick up a DI for all the direct stuff I record (drum machine, keyboard, guitar, etc.)

Any input on which DI (as well as info on why I really need one :confused: ) is welcome. Thanks in advance.

J
http://www.mp3.com/30SoS
 
DI's are only neccessary if you want to convert instrument level from guitar and bass to line level to input into a mixer, recorder or effects unit that is not designed for guitar input. It also helps if you want to run an unbalanced line over 25ft you can use the DI to convert it to balanced for the run.

You do not need a DI for keyboards or drum machines because they already put out a line level signal and the DI would be doing nothing unless you have a really long cable run.

DI'd guitars usually sound like crap. Bass is the only real practical use but often you can get away without the DI and just plug into the board.
 
Okay, that makes sense to a degree. However, I'm wondering about my keyboard -- to get a decent recording level out of it, I need to have the volume on the keyboard maxed out and the input volume on my soundcard three-quarters of the way up, which introduces a fair amount of hiss -- would a DI help to alleviate this problem? My drum machine has similar (but not as drastic) volume issues..

Also, I was thinking about using my POD as an effect send (per the suggestion in the manual), which means plugging my guitar directly into my soundcard and eventually routing that signal back through the POD so I could adjust my tone after recording... Again, would a DI be necessary or helpful for that scenario (the manual suggests I use one)?

Any other thought or suggestions on if I need one and if the one I linked to above would be a good call (and if not, other DI suggestions)? Thanks!

J
http://www.mp3.com/30SoS
 
I can't imagine why you'd have to crank keyboard or drum machine to get a decent line signal out of it. I used to run an Alesis QS6.1 and a Zoom 234 straight into the card, and have to keep everything at 1/4 to keep it from clipping.

I thought maybe there was something wrong with your sound card, but listening to your stuff, I'd doubt that - it sounds pretty damn good. Look into getting a mixer. That way you've got more control than with a D/I, and more room to boost if you need it.
 
I've had problems in the past getting a good strong signal out of keyboards. The input setting on your sound card just affects the monitor level and not the input gain. The gain is set from the output of your keyboard and even maxed they can use a little extra bump sometimes.

You need a mixer or instrument preamp to give you some clean gain.

The DI would not be neccessary in the scenerios you asked about. The POD can handle line level in and out so that is not a problem. A DI converts the impedance it doesn't really add gain so it would not help your keyboards either unless you want to run the cables more than 25ft or so.
 
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