Are DI Boxes REALLY Necessary for Amp Sims? The Surprising Answer
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- čas přidán 27. 06. 2024
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Do you REALLY need a DI box for recording high-quality guitar tracks through your amp sim plugins?
In this simple video, I reveal when you do and don't need to be using a DI box with your audio interface for guitar recording.
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2 more reasons you might want a Di box: you’re using a side chain noise gate that gates from the di track, you flip the ground switch to remove interference/noise from your signal.
Thanks for all the valuable work and the free stuff that you're putting out there 👍🏼
Thanks so much for this, a lot of guitar nerds on CZcams almost push me to buy a DI Box for the wrong reasons. Your videos are so straight forward and greatly usefull, I really like the way you explain it all. Greetings!! lml
I've owned two scarlettes 2nd and 3rd gens and they both have hi-z and pad inputs. All that a DI box is doing is adjusting the signal level, it's not the magic that a lot of youtubers claim it is. You'd get more dramatic results from changing your strings than buying the most expensive DI box you can find. cheers
Exactly...you're a smart man!
The transformers do make a difference in passive versions. Most high end are going to use quality transformers that are shielded in NuMetal like the Jensen JT-DB series. As opposed to the el cheapo transformers on cheap DI's that have nothing and were probably made for switching power supplies anyway... Active, I will agree.. I have 5 of them, some el cheapo and some expensive... I routinely use my $40 Samson active, it gets the cleanest signal, with no notice of tone loss, compared to my $300 redeye. The redeye has re-amp out though, and that's all it gets used for now, since it does that job great.
Technically speaking the DI is changing the impedance of the signal and transforming the unbalanced signal into a balanced one. There are definitely differences in sound of DI boxes. Sometimes you would even want the box to color your tone (for example a tube DI).
In general I would argue that an impedance missmatch can be OK, if the signal is buffered by guitar pedals. This will change the impedance anyways. Maybe you should have showed how plugging the guitar straight into a line input of a mixing desk would sound like. With a buffered pedal in between you won't run into the same issues.
For me the most important argument for going DI would be long cable runs. You definitely don't want to lose all your high end through long cables and replacing it with random noise those cables could pick up.
BTW. If you experience interference, before reaching for a DI try if switching off the light or your computer monitor will fix the problem. Light sources can be quite annoying.
If I want to split off a part of my signal I usually use my stereo chorus or the fx loop (before any effects) of my Multi FX. Works just fine.
Exactly right explanation ! It's not just a level adjustment ! @@johanneschristopherstahle3395
Which models?
Another amazing, well explained video. Many thanks.
Thanks for this. I've watched probably 20+ videos and read a couple dozen "articles" on this topic and you're the first to give me a yes or no answer. So thank you, thank you, thank you. I wish I had seen this first.
I use a passive Radial for the 3rd reason... splitting the signal to record the clean signal and the cab with a mic at the same time. I use the DI for blending with Amp sims, or re-amping on different cabs/speakers.
this is the best introduction to newbies I think. I had to watch many YT videos to come to the same conclusions. I was wondering as well if I needed one and decided to invest in a new pedal instead.
I bought a DI box to split the signal to record my Mesa Triple Rec, and then moved to a place where that was no longer a viable option due to the noise so now I record through the DI box into my Zoom L-12 mixer/interface simply because I just never unplugged it. I didn’t even know about the whole pedal thing, because my signal chain is guitar-wah pedal-live wire passive DI box-L12 mixer/interface- computer. Haven’t had any issues and everything runs like a champ. The thing I like the best about the L-12 is that when recording bass guitar I can compress the signal externally and I don’t have to do any crazy amounts of compression in the box to get that solid DI signal bass needs in a mix.
Thank you for all the content you have given me. This subject may have been quite helpful to me as i have been struggling with pops and crackles on everything i record.even though i never clip it sounds as if i am. Thank you.
sounds like a buffer/cpu issue. The lower the buffer size, the more strain on your cpu but the lower the latency. If you put the buffer size so low that the cpu can't keep up it results in the noises you describe
@@dubiousdaydream1695 I agree, definitely sounds like a buffering issue.
amazing info! thanks
I am the king of over-thinking and did tons of research, took the time to shoot out Passive DI vs Active vs direct to interface vs tube pre using both passive and active guitars and had negligible results. Barely a difference. Wish this vid had been around a few years ago when I did all that. Would have saved me many hours having to conduct my own tests cuz none of the "experts" could agree.
oh man common i was seen Glenn Fricker video and i was thinking this exactly questions(video title) 30 minutes ago, and now 20 minutes ago you uploaded the video. crazy.
Thanks for clarifying.
I’m enjoying your videos. I recently upgraded my interface and I’ve been noticing that all of my amp sims feel off with the new interface, I originally had a Behringer USB like the video for my apartment overdubs and I agree it was fine without a DI, but my new interface I noticed my POD 2.0 guitars sounded better than my amp sims, that can’t be correct so I’m currently trying the DI option
4:00 Actually if you want to use pad on DI, be sure to check the impedance. Lot's of DI's pad are for keyboards, etc and they have very low input impedance. My countryman DI has 10M at 0, but only 10k or something at -15db.
The other way is to use a RC filter and opamp circuit inside your guitar to directily convert your guitar's output to low-impedance, thus everything is solved. I did this and the treble I gained is huge, also I can plug into mic preamp with line level now. I still use a DI, because I need to pad on XLR input (as it doesn't matter because low-impedance) and use about 35db gain, while using DI I can get 12db gain, that's much less noise.
Great topic Bobby.
"I am also somewhat of a scientist myself"🤓
I've also been down that whole analog pedals + digital amps rabbit hole. Especially within recent years.
Although, besides the obvious hurdles like input impedance issues, and the munchkin headroom clipping debacle that seemed to plague most earlier starter interfaces?
My biggest hurdle, that I'm still experimenting with mind you, is input dynamics.
Like the tangible type you'd ideally want from an analog rig.
For example like an OD boosting a Classic Brit Crunch amp into oversaturated chuggy bliss.
You can't really do that to most interface preamps aside from a few with good JFet instrument jacks, and I'm not sure if a DI box is going to maintain that in translation and not just balance it all out? Absolutely correct me if I'm wrong on that. Unlike many online I'm genuinely thick skinned and appreciate being educated. Ha!
Anyway, one thing I've been experimenting with into my Focusrite Gen2 18i8 + Amp sims has been trying out different preamps and Fet boosts set anywhere from clean to maybe just barely clipping at the end of my typical front of amp analog pedal chain, and then running slightly below unity gain that into an amp sim.
My philosophy behind this is that the preamp/boost should be better suited for taking the full brunt of getting slapped in the face with an OD than the interface's Hi-Z instrument jack on it's
own?
Does that make any sense?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Perhaps I'm overthinking it?
I tend to do that, I mean just look at this freakin' novel of a comment!
Bwahaha!
I'm glad I stumbled on your channel tho Bob.
Consider me Subscribed my dude.
🖖
I've been trying to figure out the answer to this forever lol thank you
Thanks Dude. You've Simplified my Life
Glad I could help!
Great video! I have a question about the first scenario, if I'm recording the DI and the pedals should I use 2 DI boxes? I mean the first one to split de signal and the second one to record de output of the pedals, is that correct? Thank you Bobby.
The pad function for Scarlett interfaces is in the interface software settings for anyone who needs to know.
the 2i2 doesnt have a pad. not even the software
@@JG52Gutted I wouldn’t know. I use a 6i6.
thank you!
I have M-Audio 192-4 which has a guitar input but I use a Samson MDA1 active DI box and have noticed a clearer signal, its brighter, fuller and just over all better sound than the guitar input alone. Ive even recorded both and have seen a difference in a spectrum analyzer. For a 40 DI box I'm pretty happy with the tones I'm getting through amp sims. Better source, better output.
had to get one for my audiobox usb96. it would redline plugged straight in at all times. needed to calm it down.
The scarletts 1st generation actually do have that problem, on the hi-z input, even with gain at minimum, you clip the interface’s input… which is why you have to use a DI. My question is, a DI box transforms a Hi-z signal to a Low-a signal, therefore you should be able to use the “line” (low-z) input on you audio interface, and just turn up the gain a bit, right?
My pedalboard runs out from DI to my UA Volt 476P and then at the end of my pedal chain I have 3 lines running out with my effects. One line goes to my Volt, one line goes to my amp, and the third line goes to my other amp
my situation is odd... bass guitar into pedals( compress/octave/chorus/SPEAKER sim with PWR Amp sim) my speaker sim only have a 1.4 inch out but I need it to be XLR so I can give soundman DIR OUT. Do I just need a cable with the right ends on it? or do I need a DIR BOX?
Hi, if I connect guitar with passive humbackers into audio interface with hi om input, do i necessary need active Di box or not? I need di box as splitter, to recording distorted and Di signal same time.
at 2:57, coming out of your pedals, would this signal (post pedals, unbalanced, instrument level, probably low-Z) need a special/different interface input, or maybe even another DI box, or a line isolator?
4:21 What is it about tube amps that you should use a DI box? Is it because of noise? My Marshall tube amp sounds noisy in the bedroom.
Im gonna run a passuve di box ,i have active pickups and passive. What will happen if i run guitars with passive pups? The Di box has 0,20,40db attenuator.
A DI box’s primary purpose is to turn an unbalanced signal into a balanced one. It’s not specifically for high impedance because that’s specifically a guitar thing and there’s plenty of other unbalanced sources that are not high impedance, such as keyboards.
For home recording, a buffer or any pedal with buffered bypass will serve the same function as a DI box because it will solve the impedance mismatch. There’s little point in converting to a balanced signal as long as the cable length is fairly short after the buffer.
Any Boss pedals works perfectly in this role and I’ve even found them to be problem solvers when re-amping as well. Any pedal with a proper stereo output will also allow you to split the signal.
On stage it’s essential because the cable lengths can be very long and the inputs on stage are entirely XLR. So conversion has to take place.
The 1st gen Presonus cheaper interfaces had a bad problem with clipping (like 13 years ago), there was no pad. I'm sure the issue has been resolved. The gen 3 Scarlett 18i20 I had was great, def no clipping issues.
yep. i have a Presonus Studio 26c. a lot of headroom, never ran into clipping, even with high output pickups
Yeah I had the presonus that clipped all the time haha. It was cool when I was young and wanted more gain. As I got more experience Yeahh not so cool
Question: I have a guitar with an active Sustainiac pickup. If I plug the guitar directly into my interface (AXE I/O Solo) the sustain / feedback function will not work. If I plug the guitar through an amp head then use the amp output line going into the interface it does works, HOWEVER there is a ton of interference - does anyone know if an active DI box will solve this issue and allow me to record a clean signal using the pickup's functionality?
Love the Julie shirt :)
Great eye!
Question for anyone. Can't really get a straight answer anywhere. I have a nux mighty plug pro headphone amp. You can set the signal to dry when going into your daw and get the sound from other plugins. What I was wondering though is that good enough to use as an interface or do I need a dedicated interface like the scarlett for example. Just curious if I'm giving myself a worse signal or colouring going through the mighty plug
I just bought the art z-direct for my cello, and maybe I dont need it but I already bought it 🤷🏻♂️
The UMC204HD also has clipping issues, but the pad works great.
Huh, I've been using UMC204HD for almost two years now and I have not had any clipping issues. The high noise floor, however... I'm at the point of either buying a DI box with a ground loop switch, or just a different interface
I own the Gen 1 Scarlett 6i6 which clips the input horribly. The output on the Scarlett though is very good and clean and I still use it just for a headphone interface on a work computer as it wasn't worth anything to trade. Next up I bought the UMC404HD but I found the preamps of the Behringer lacking in high end (no clipping though) and the output level to my monitors was WAY lower that the Scarlett (known issue apparently). Strike 2 on interfaces. I also own a Soundcraft Signature 12 mixer which is a tank and sounds great for live. Eventually I realized the Soundcraft Notepad series are not just small mixers but very capable audio interfaces with mic/line/Hi-Z inputs as well so I got a Soundcraft Notepad-12FX which works great as a 4 channel audio interface. Since it's a mixer it has blow your face off mains/headphone output levels if needed and good mic input gain and tons of headroom. And of course you can pull it out, hook up to a PA system and play live with it too for smaller gigs if that's your thing - and record that performance as well...something else to consider if you're looking for a new interface.
To be honest, I thought you NEEDED one to plug your guitar in the interface.
Then I saw someone plugging the cable directly in the interface and my mind was blown.
I bought it for €5 used, so didn't break the bank.
Talking about amp sims,
what software would you recommend between bias fx, guitarrig and amplitube?
I've used bias fx before but I can't decide.
I want to get back into playing, haven't played for a couple of year, but I'm not too serious, it's all for fun.
So I'm not looking to spend massive amounts of money, or need the best of the best.
You described my Scarlett Solo perfectly. The dang thing bas my DAW clipping like crazy gain knob won't lower below -7db and the signal still too hot. I ordered a di box hoping to fix that because just my luck the solo doesn't have a way to pad the signal. Now im just gonna return the di box and get a different interface instead. Wish i saw this video a couple days ago beforehand but oh well.
You don't have to return it. Just buy a DI box that has a pad switch and you'll be good.
@FrightboxRecording fair point👍 just figured if an interface has the features built in and takes up less real estate on my desk then I'd swap for that instead.
great explanation! I finally understand I Do Not Need this!
Nice shirt. Haven't watched RotLD 3 since the late 90s :\
Hi, I looked at that amp SIM you mentioned......all shred tones tho. How about a video about how to use these things? Every one I tried were awful, complicated and noisy. I don't shred.
That's true for pre-3rd gen Scarlett interfaces. I have both the 2i2 and 18i20 3rd gen interfaces and neither has the clipping issue
Oh and why is it 1990 in your living room? lol An NES and cathode tube TV?
About Scarletts clipping on the way in, heres my story about that:
I have two guitars. Yes, I know. I'm poor, okay? XD
Anyway, one of these works just fine. The other clips, turns into a sausage waveform even with the gain all the way down. I spent quite a while finding a fix for this, only to find it was oh so simple: A DI box, much like stated in the video. However, I did not have to use the pad switch at all. Just having the DI box in the chain did the trick!
Hi Bobby, nice video.
As you recommend the Shure SM7B, what do you think about the low-output issue? Does the Steinberg UR22 or the Behringer XR18 has enough gain for recording singing vocals and podcasts with it?
More than enough gain. I use the SM7b with both of those interfaces regularly.
Thanks!
So I think it's time for me to get one of this.
Okay, I'm using amp sims, and I'm not recording pedals, not clipping, and I'm not using tube amps...I just want it to look at the clearest transients for reviewing and editing. I can't seem to get this even when I create a separate track without any FX, so its just the raw guitar signal next to my amp sim track. The transients are exactly the same as my amp sim track. I want to get a DI box just for this reason. Do I have another option? I'm going through a Focusrite 2i2 in Reaper. If there's another way, someone please tell me, my free trial prime account is about to expire. Cheers
I think the important takeaway here is to always record the DI, even live, so that editing is possible/ easier. As in example 1 and 3
Live? you mean a lIve performance? why would you edit a live performance?
@@jacksmith4460 I do all of the time in post production.
@@FrightboxRecording What is the main difference between live post production and a normal studio production? How do you fit the guitar in the mix as you have no double-tracks?
Exactly , some people struggle to get the vibe without their favourite pedals, you will almost always have delay/echo timing issues if used. This means they play with the vibe and you can add the effects in box
wish i watched this video before i dropped £140 on a Pro48 lol i got one in the hope it would clean up my kemper going direct into my clarett 4pre interface.
Don't worry, I've spent thousands on mic preamps before realizing they make almost no difference as well 😂
@@FrightboxRecording 👊😆
I got a Radial JDI and haven't noticed any difference. I haven't A/B compared tho. I was told that going into the 1/4" input bypasses the focusrite preamp, if I use a DI with XLR then it goes thru the focusrite preamp. I think this is true, but doesn't make much of a difference to my guitar tone. I will have to A/B it to know for myself.
I'm happy just micing a cab with an sm57 and e906 straight into a Scarlett interface... I don't see any need for anything else 👍
No clean DI??!!!
Epic shirt! I have one from the first... YOu mean the movie lied ?
😂 one of the best parts of the first one!
Thanks for the tutorial!! My only question would be, ok we have the dry signal "as a safety net" "as a backup", as you said.... but what do we do with it? What's it puropse? Thanks as always Sir!
I use it as a guide for editing. It's much easier to see transients on a clean DI than on a distorted track. It's also useful for changing the tone and for production FX. I'm so serious about it that if a client sends me a session without clean DI's, I won't take the project.
@@FrightboxRecording Cool!!! I'll definitely try it next time! Thanks!
DI box can also reduce noise if you need to run very long cables.
Very true!
Good to know that DI boxes don't offer a better of cleaner signal. I am still wondering though.. I have an Audient iD4, which I'm happy with (I don't need more channels for now). But there are so many other (more expensive) interfaces out there, will buying a more expensive one actually make my guitars (or mix) sound better or cleaner?
Nope, it's all BS. More expensive interfaces usually have more features and better build quality. I've done entire albums with Behringer interfaces and they sound just as good as high-end ones. Check out this video to learn more: czcams.com/video/BYTlN6wjcvQ/video.html
@@FrightboxRecording 100% facts.. Noise floor is is all you will really get with higher end interfaces, and even then compared to other interfaces, you see maybe a 3-4db difference, with them all being at -130 already.. Classic albums that still kick ass today were done on analog tapes that had a 1/4 of the headroom, and they still sound great.. Composition is the number one thing when it comes to recording....
@@FateGathersStudios EXACTLY! It's so refreshing when someone understands the actual science behind this stuff.
People are saying you need an active di if you record passive bass? what is your finding? Thanks
Technically an active DI is more transparent, but the difference is so slight that it really doesn't matter in my experience.
So I’m using a solid state amp head and it has an emulated output that I plug into my interface, would this be where I need a di box or no?
Yes, you need a DI to split your signal and to steal a clean DI for recordings. You'll end up with two tracks at once to work with.
Ok thanks man! This channel is so helpful!
What if you are only using a digitech drop pedal to change the tuning?
It's the only pedal I use before my apollo and it seems not to interfere with my di signal. It only changes the tuning. Should I use a di box for this? Or am I ok cause it's only to give me a di in different tuning
I was gonna ask the same 👍🏻
Long time drummer and new producer here. Is there a way to track guitars with amp sims and zero latency? I understand that it takes a few ms to process the simulation and get the processed signal back to your monitors/headphones?
Have you tried using a really low buffer setting? I've found that 64 is definitely workable.
A huge stumbling block for me when I first started was I didn't realize I needed to download ASIO drivers for my interface, and the lag made it impossible to use amp sims in real time because of how late the playback was. Once I downloaded the drivers it made a world of difference and now I don't have any notable lag while playing. If you haven't done so yet, make sure to get your ASIO drivers set up.
The issue is with using a passive di to split before the pedalboard is that you lose half of the signal strength
I've never found that to be true and I use both passive and active DIs on a weekly basis. Maybe you have a bad cable somewhere?
Friend told me that they can help with ground loops so in a way it makes the sound better (when its shitty from ground noise) or not?
best regards
Yeah, I got a DI box in hopes of cleaning up my signal but it literally didn't do anything when I finally just got my gain right on my scarlett. Anybody need a DI box?
Sure I’ll take it haha
Can I use a DI box underwater or during a tornado?
😂
The best reason to get a clean DI signal is that a little bit of DI sounds good blended in with heavy tones.
Why I can’t download ur FEGG pdf??? Got too many tries!!!
email me here and I'll see why you're not getting it: bobby@frightboxrecordingacademy.com
for splitters u r better off with a DS2
When i directly plug into interface , my vst (Amplitube 5) picks up a lot of ground noise as m using unbalanced TS cable ... Will using DI box help in removing that grounding noise (continuous hiss) ?? I can clearly say its loud grounding hiss because it reduces as soon i press my volume knob or touch tone knob .... please help ...
I had a similar problem. It was because I had phantom power on. Turned it off and the hissing went away completely.
@@richardembery but phantom power is NEEDED fr mics n di boxes
@@07dhiraj That was going direct into an instrument level input on my interface. No 48 volts needed there. Turning it off immediately stopped the noise on my neural dsp plug ins. It was doing my head in. Obviously you need 48 volts it if you re using condenser mics or to power a Di box.
@@richardembery hmm u lucky tht u werent using condenser mics ... no doubt they sound fantastic 💐💐👌👍
@@07dhiraj I do use condenser mics. That’s why I’d accidentally left the phantom power on which caused my guitar issue on that input. My phantom power button covers my first 4 inputs and another PP button covers my other 4.
Anyway, turning it off solved my issue. Good luck with your problem. Have a good one.
I suppose you don't NEED one, but it really turns that flat horrible sound from most interfaces into something decent
That's a myth. Almost all interfaces (even cheap ones) are 100% transparent. Watch this video: czcams.com/video/BYTlN6wjcvQ/video.html
@@FrightboxRecording Hey, I was wondering what you thought of this video "Which DI BOX for your GUITAR or BASS? All the info you need!" by Kohle Audio Kult. you dont have to watch it but in it he compares the sound of 3 Di boxes and the way they color the guitar and bass he recorded through them. there is a huge difference between them all, and ive heard that cheaper pre amps in interfaces like the scarlet focusrite ones can be made better with a DI box before it. Your video seems contradictory, and so I was wondering if I am misinformed or I misunderstood something, thanks.
Thank you, "If your input is not clipping you don't need DI".... That's all I want to know.
Nobody shows how to connect to interface......wow!
I can't stand these idiots buying $300 DI boxes and swearing it revolutionized their tone
😂
No, a good DI box does sound better.
It's funny guitarists are so ignorant of DIs. Bassists have been using DIs for a LONG time. In fact, many sound guys won't even take a preamp out to a sound board and shove DIs at us. Try getting a sound guy to mic a bass amp.
So, yeah bassist know about DIs and guitar players don't. It's funny and sad at the same time.
Return of the living dead 3.
Great eye!
Oh. another clickbait spam video.
Why?
How is it clickbait/spam dude
more on geting downloads to work with a daw