DI-boxes suitable to create Direct Amplifier Profiles

Quote from malleus

Oh sorry, I haven't read the whole thread.

No problem, Malleus, and thanks for the reply. But I actually think the DI400 is attenuating too little and overdriving the return input on the KPA. In this context, "volume too low" is a bogus error message basically indicating that the KPA can't make sense of the returning signal. From the DI400 owner's manual:

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Level Change: -20db

And from the DI600P owner's manual:

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Level Change: -20db
...
Inst/Amp Switch: 30db pad

Annoyingly, you won't this information anywhere else - not on Amazon's product page, not in the product brochures on Behringer's website etc. These all just call out that both are good for speaker signals up to 3000W.

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I would try to turn the amp louder...

I suppose I could try turning the amp way down, but this raises an interesting point: what is the optimal volume at which to create a direct profile? I'm guessing it would depend on the amp, and whether you want to capture power amp sag/ distortion. Are most of you profiling your amps at stage volume? That's an eviction notice (or divorce papers) waiting to happen LOL.

Quote from mbenigni

No problem, Malleus, and thanks for the reply. But I actually think the DI400 is attenuating too little and overdriving the return input on the KPA. In this context, "volume too low" is a bogus error message basically indicating that the KPA can't make sense of the returning signal. From the DI400 owner's manual

Of course you can be right that the DI400 is attenuating too little, but I would go and check it Otherwise this thread will include some wild guesses. If you're right and get a really hot signal into your DAW, then try turning your amp down.

Quote from Burkhard

As far as I can see in the manual, there is always a speaker simulation involved. The attenuator can be deactivated. The internal speaker simulation has various positions, but the filters cannot be switched off completely.

Hi Burkhard, I don't know which manual are you checking, in the PDI-03 manual available on Palmer's site, page 8, paragraph 2 (explaining the four rear Line Out connectors) it says: " The outputs 1, 2, 3 and 4 provide an unfiltered line level signal, i.e. without speaker simulation, for using the amplifier as a dedicated preamp to feed effect units separately. The ooutput can also be tracked for re-amping"
So don't worry, the speaker simulation is not involved in those outputs, and i can confirm that by my direct experience!

I have been using a BSS AR133 with great success. It has both a 20db or 40db pad available!

[Blocked Image: http://adn.harmanpro.com/product_attachments/product_attachments/1848_1425315887/AR-133_vert_medium.jpg]

Quote from Burkhard

Perhaps we are talking about two different devices!?

I have been referring to PDI 03 JB, which doesn't offer 4 line level outputs. Are you referring to rackmount PDI 03L 4/8/16?

Ah ok! Sure, i'm referring to the rack mount Palmer PDI-03, not the Joe Bonamassa signature!

I just bought a DI box to profile my Mark V. Can someone explain how to hoop the proper cables ?

Quote from theway

I just bought a DI box to profile my Mark V. Can someone explain how to hoop the proper cables ?

Theway,

No offense, mate...but you just spent $2,000 (or more) on your KPA. You owe it to yourself to put in a little effort and actually read the KPA User Manuals.

In answer to your question:

http://www.kemper-amps.com/pag…mplifier___Downloads.html

Check out pages 20 - 24.

Cheers,
John

I didn't see any mention of it, but has anyone successfully used the Radial JDI passive direct box? Seems like it should work as it has a speaker through and a 15dB pad.

http://www.radialeng.com/jdi.php

Quote from Webb

I didn't see any mention of it, but has anyone successfully used the Radial JDI passive direct box? Seems like it should work as it has a speaker through and a 15dB pad.

I'm not certain, but I don't think 15dB is adequate attenuation. See my post at the top of this page concerning the Behringer DI400. Best as I could tell, profiling with that direct box failed because it only had 20dB attenuation. I think at least 30dB is recommended.

Quote from ECma7

I've been using the Live Wire Solutions SPDI Passive Direct Box.
It has a 40db pad.
Picked it up at Guitar Center $29.99
Works fine for me and I'm very picky.

EC

Im trying to do a DI profile of my Mesa Mark V. I bougt Live Wire DI box from Guitar Center, it has 0DB -20BD and -40DB. What is the recommened setting thanks.

At least -20db...should be enough

I use a countryman type 10

I picked up a Hosa in line attenuater for around $18...... has a 30 and 40 db setting if your signal is too hot...... definitely had some issues with my Komet!

I see someone already asked, but I want to be sure because I have opportunity to buy Radial JDI passive di box. Will I be able to make direct amp profiles?

Quote from JohnDoe

I see someone already asked, but I want to be sure because I have opportunity to buy Radial JDI passive di box. Will I be able to make direct amp profiles?

Well, the answer hasn't changed. The Radial JDI may have too hot a signal, with too small a level of attentuation control (-15 dBA), and will probably either not work well, if at all.

Just go with one of the recommended Di boxes listed in the first post.

Recommend you go with something like the Behringer's ULTRA-DI model DI600P,

well okay I just wanted to buy some DI which is good for recording and profiling... anyway thanks for help!

If the lowest prize is main demand - the ART Z Direct should do the job!:
http://www.amazon.com/ART-Dire…cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

Johndoe

Quote from flcmcya

I picked up a Hosa in line attenuater for around $18...... has a 30 and 40 db setting if your signal is too hot...... definitely had some issues with my Komet!

This is a cheap solution if your signal is still too hot but like the Radial functions.

Hi! I read the whole thread and didn't see anyone mentioning Countryman 85 DI box for making direct profil. It has pickup and speaker switch. Anyone tried this one?

Thanks!