DI versus Mic

[MrChedda]

Hey, I recently acquired a Stingray 4HH (Black Cherry Burst) which is absolutely fantastic. I'm currently playing through an Ampeg BA115HP which I've been very happy with during practice sessions.

I ran into a problem the first time I tried to gig with the Ampeg, the XLR out produced a pretty horried oscillating sound when running directly into the board. To get around it, we ended up micing the Ampeg and it sounded halfway decent.

My question is there any downside to micing my cab with a Beta 52A, instead of trying to run directly into the board (DI)? I don't really feel like getting rid of the amp right now, and I don't know what the manufacturer would charge to have this thing serviced (bought it second hand). Another option (I think this is an option), is to use my Boss GT-6B. It's got an XLR out on it, but I'm not sure where my Ampeg fits into the equation if I go down that path.

Sorry if this is a newbie question, I've been playing for about six months and I don't have a lot of live gig experience yet. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Aussie Mark]

I'd buy a stand alone passive DI box. That way, the great Stingray preamp would be sent to the board, which sound guys love. You shouldn't need to spend any more than $50 for a basic passive DI.

Miking a cab can be a good option, but how well that sounds will vary from gig to gig, depending on how each sound guy places and EQs the mic. A DI box will give you consistency and ease of setup for every gig.

 

[MingusBASS]

You could use both. I have a Radial JDI and a Beta52a and the results have been pretty killer.

 

[Smakbass]

I have a JDI and use it quite often with my Markbass since the DI on it is post...Its a great lil di...I dont mic, usually dont want to use up extra channels....

 

[fly]

i do both as well...mic my ampeg to the board as well as a DI........they mix together rather well too..........good luck

 

[phat5]

I'd buy a stand alone passive DI box. That way, the great Stingray preamp would be sent to the board, which sound guys love. You shouldn't need to spend any more than $50 for a basic passive DI.

Miking a cab can be a good option, but how well that sounds will vary from gig to gig, depending on how each sound guy places and EQs the mic. A DI box will give you consistency and ease of setup for every gig.

+1 on the passive di consistency.....the Radial JDI's are a great match for the Bongo pre.

 

[kylierider]

I use a Boss active direct box. It was recomended to me by a couple of sound guys that said it was the only box to buy. I have a ground lift problem on my amp and the direct box solved the problem. I think it was about 100.00. Well worth the dough.
I use it with my 92 SR every gig.

 

[fidooda]

i always send my DI out from my Eden amp (pre-EQ). I always get happy faces from the sound guys.

sending the DI this way gives me the luxury to make ajdustments on my stage sound without chaning anything for the FOH, unless i adjust the settings on the bass.

 

[Rano Bass]

I use THIS And i'm very happy with it.

There are other good options but they're more expensive.

 

[MrChedda]

Thanks a lot for the input, I really appreciate it.

Question in regards to a passive/active DI: If it has a Direct Output (XLR) and a Parallel Output (1/4), does that mean I could use the Direct Output to run directly into the board and utilize the Parallel Output to my Ampeg? The thought being that my Ampeg would essentially become a monitor, I'm typically standing right next to it.

I'm leaning towards potentially going the active DI route (although for the time being I might just acquire a passive for an immediate need. I also have a Thunderbird that I utilize, and the MXR M-80 would give me the benefit of a 3 Band EQ and Distortion.

 

[tkarter]

That is how they work from my experience. You can still mess with the sound guy a bit by changing the on bass EQ a bit too. When they are looking bored is the best time in my experience. to crank up the bass knob.


tk

 

[thunder]

I'd buy a stand alone passive DI box. That way, the great Stingray preamp would be sent to the board, which sound guys love. You shouldn't need to spend any more than $50 for a basic passive DI.

Miking a cab can be a good option, but how well that sounds will vary from gig to gig, depending on how each sound guy places and EQs the mic. A DI box will give you consistency and ease of setup for every gig.

+1. it also depends on the mic. best sound sounding mics for bass guitar are ussually the same ones they wound use to mic drums.

 

[TheAntMan]

Hey, I recently acquired a Stingray 4HH (Black Cherry Burst) which is absolutely fantastic.

GGGGAAAASSSS Attack!!!!

Sorry...

I was overcome.

 

[Rano Bass]

Question in regards to a passive/active DI: If it has a Direct Output (XLR) and a Parallel Output (1/4), does that mean I could use the Direct Output to run directly into the board and utilize the Parallel Output to my Ampeg? The thought being that my Ampeg would essentially become a monitor, I'm typically standing right next to it.

Yes, with the parallel output you can go to your amp.

 

[Rano Bass]

I'm leaning towards potentially going the active DI route (although for the time being I might just acquire a passive for an immediate need. I also have a Thunderbird that I utilize, and the MXR M-80 would give me the benefit of a 3 Band EQ and Distortion.

That's why i like active DI's, i get to be my own soundman if needed cause sometimes soundmans just don't get it