DI Boxes with MBOX or Digi002
 

Anyone using a DI box with pro Tools for either electric guitar or electric bass to achieve the best signal input when using an RTAS plugin such as Amplitube or NI Guitar Rig? I realze there would be an impedance problem if you plug an electric git directly into an MBOX.. Just looking/curious about what solutions are being used out there... Would it be worth it to by The Brick?-

Thanks in advance.....

Re: DI Boxes with MBOX or Digi002
 

I would look at the Ditto (sounds better than the Brick), the TD-100, J48 and of course the U5.
They all have distinct sounds so you should try to listen to them.
If you really want to get a good angle for future needs go ahaed and get a nice pre and use the DI on that and then you will be covered for when you start micing things.

Re: DI Boxes with MBOX or Digi002
 

The mbox is designed to accept an instrument input. That's why it has 3 settings; mic/line/inst.

The 002/002r are designed that way too, they just work differently (though I'm not exactly clear on the impedance issue here...digi?).

From the 002/002r getting started guide: A DI box is not necessary, but most engineers would recommend it, and depending on which DI, you will probably like the tones you get with a DI better than plugging directly into the mbox or 002/002r.

I plug straight into my 002r currently, but plan on doing just as A2D D2A suggested when I get a decent pre.

Re: DI Boxes with MBOX or Digi002
 

I just assumed (I know never do that ) by the mention of the Brick that he was looking to add some character to his recordings.

Re: DI Boxes with MBOX or Digi002
 

Thanks for the responses... I should have been more explicit in my original thread.. I guess I was just trying to ascertain what others use for tracking electric bass/guitars, etc.. Im in the market for a DI box and .. Like everything else.. The price range ( between 75$-600$) leaves a lot of options.. I realize the Mbox has multiple inputs ( mic/line/phatom) but what I was curious about was whether something like the Avalon U5 or the Grace Designs 101 would add a little color and boost the signal even better than what comes out of the box... I made a refernce to Amplitube and NI Guitar Rig.. Ultimately, if boosting the impedance via a higher end DI box, would it enhance the sound. I realize trial and error is the best gauge.. But thought Id throw it out there anyway.

Thx-

Re: DI Boxes with MBOX or Digi002
 

I think this is where people get confused.
The units like the U5/TD100 etc are not impedance boxes, yes they have that capability but that's not their purpose.
They are basically pre amps, just not mic pres.
They enhance, capture, deliver a truer sound, more textured sound etc just as selecting a certain mic pre would.
They all have a distinct character and some form of sound enhancement/variablity/shaping or however you would choose to word it.
examples;
the U-5 has signal boost to provide some headroom or overdrive and 6 EQ curves
the TD-100 has a tube stage for the input and impedance matching to drive the front various ways
the Manley has a tube input and 5 EQ settings
the Ditto has a tube stage with output gain

The are about a lot more than impedance, thus the reason like on the U% you can come in and go out the same way if you just wanted to shape your sound but didn't need to change impedance of balance your line.

Re: DI Boxes with MBOX or Digi002
 

I agree with A2D. The quality jump I got when I bought the TD-100 was huge. It's the difference between plugging a guitar into a power amp and plugging it into a preamp and then powering it. The TD-100 is cool because the variable impedance acts like a tone knob bringing out the shimmer on guitar tracks or the low growl of bass tracks. I just bought the Millenia TD-1 ($1500 glorified DI box) so I'm selling my TD-100. Holla at me if you want it.


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Re: DI Boxes with MBOX or Digi002
 

I actually didn't notice much of a difference when going out of the guitar, into a DI, into the 002.

If your recording guitar.. I would either:
a. mic the amplifier
b. go pre-out of the amplifier into the 002
c. line 6 pod into the 002

but not...
d. direct out of your guitar into the 002
e. direct out of your guitar into DI into 002

"A" will get you the sound of your amplifier colored by the sound of your mic
"B" gets you the sound of your amplifier
"C" gets you the sound of whatever amplifier model you select from the pod
"D" gets you this thin, lame signal
"E" gets you this thin, lame signal with a brick.

At least thats what it seems like whenever I've recorded guitars which is admittedly not alot.

Re: DI Boxes with MBOX or Digi002
 

One benefit if you are using a program like amplitube or guitar rig and you plug directly into the 002R : your guitars tone knob doesn't respond exactly the same it does normally. When you roll it off it leaves a high end crunchy sound which is actually usefull in alot of applications.

Try it out sometime. I know it is taboo but for creating fresh sounds the 2 cent D.I. inside the digi002 has a use =)

Re: DI Boxes with MBOX or Digi002
 

I'm rather intrigued by the two new UA DI boxes.

http://www.uaudio.com/products/analo...110/index.html

http://www.uaudio.com/products/analo...610/index.html

Gonna try 'em out as soon as Ukelele Center gets them