So, thanks to B2B, I am now in a band. We are currently just rehearsing and don’t have any gigs scheduled. But the goal is to gig. I do have the Ampero Mini which is fun to play with at home and I know @sunDOG uses it for all his Covers. I have recently seen Tube Bass DI (Sansamp being the most common) being discussed. So, my question is - do I need one of these? And if so, what is the difference between a DI and my current Ampero? Or do they work well together… in a live setting. Thanks for educating me.
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You only need a DI if you’re connecting to a mixer going to a PA system.
Do you have any amp?
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That is kinda what I was finding. I do have an amp. I guess that is why I didn’t feel I need one at home. But for a gig…I am not sure. Thx.
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I asked about the amp because it probably has a DI connection built in.
What kind of amp do you have?
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I’ll keep this very simple @macshark because I don’t know much. Just enough to be dangerous.
A DI output is a bit like the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
She wants the porridge not too hot or not too cold. That’s what a DI box is doing with your bass guitar signal. It’s setting it to the ‘just right’ Goldilocks level that a mixer or FOH needs.
Sometimes on the back of Amps you have a DI out port (Usually XLR) or sometimes on the back / side of a preamp pedal you have a DI out to achieve the same thing. The Ampero Mini doesn’t have a DI out.
If you’re not sending your signal to a mixer or FOH guy/girl none of this matters. For now, just play through your amp and have a great old time.
If you need a DI box then you can pick them up pretty cheap ($30)
Hope that clears things up.
Oh and and congratulations on joining a ******* band
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In the nutshell DI box is about your sound. So @Barney is 100% right.
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You can use a Hotone Ampero Mini as a DI, but it’s important to understand the difference between its unbalanced line-out and a true DI box. The Ampero Mini’s unbalanced line-out can be plugged directly into a mixer’s line input, but a DI box may be needed for longer cable runs or to address grounding issues (hum/buzz).
A simple solution would be to connect your Mini to something like this:
https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Behringer-DI100-Ultra-DI-Box/2BI
Job done!
Alternatively, you could trade up to the Ampero. This has two balanced XLR outs.
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I have a Rumble 40 and notice it does and a Line Out in the back.
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Super helpful and we will see if I need one WHEN we get our first gig. Thanks @Barney
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This is a very informative video @Al1885 Thanks a lot.
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It is all making sense now. Thanks @sunDOG and the BB community. It is much clearer now. For home playing and rehearsal, a DI is not really needed. But for live gigs, it could be very useful. Thanks all.
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Cool! That means you can use Rumble 40 if/when it comes up.
Congratulations on the band!
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Thanks for the congratulations. We’ve already fired one guitar player…lol Band Drama already.
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There is also a really good video on Youtube from Travis Dykes on bass DI boxes. Also maybe check out Youtube user “audio university” – they may share more on DI boxes from a technical perspective. I personally do not have one.