Behringer BDI 21: DI mode vs preamp mode

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Papaschtroumpf

Dec 27, 2017
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#1
I've tried to read through threads here about what the difference is between using the BD21 in DI mode vs pre-amp mode, and I'm still confused, people use terms like "mic level" vs "instrument levels" that mean little to me.

First off, the only reason I am looking at the BD21 is that I want a cheap solution to plug into the PA (Board?) when jamming with some friends and still sounds decent.. I wouldn't have to drag my amp to work on my way to the friend's house after work, etc... I'm not worried about recording, etc... I can do that through my Eleven Rack, but I don't want to drag it with me either.

After the reading I did, I *think* that in DI mode the bheringer simply passes my bass signal directly to the board/PA (over XLR). I think of it as a jack to XLR converter with a ground lift if needed.
In pre-amp mode, the pedal will act similarly to the frontend of an amp and let me color the bass tone through the different knobs, on the interface, however it will still be able to be plugged into the PA/Board. That would be the prefereed mode becaue otherwise the PA may be too flat to let the bass sound good?
 
#2
The PA board usually have some gain settings themselves and can handle mic level, or line level. If you were going to run a long unbalanced line, then line level would work. Since you're running xlr balanced it won't matter. It can be adjusted at the board to take the low or high level output.
 
#3
Papaschtroumpf said:
I've tried to read through threads here about what the difference is between using the BD21 in DI mode vs pre-amp mode, and I'm still confused, people use terms like "mic level" vs "instrument levels" that mean little to me.

First off, the only reason I am looking at the BD21 is that I want a cheap solution to plug into the PA (Board?) when jamming with some friends and still sounds decent.. I wouldn't have to drag my amp to work on my way to the friend's house after work, etc... I'm not worried about recording, etc... I can do that through my Eleven Rack, but I don't want to drag it with me either.

After the reading I did, I *think* that in DI mode the bheringer simply passes my bass signal directly to the board/PA (over XLR). I think of it as a jack to XLR converter with a ground lift if needed.
In pre-amp mode, the pedal will act similarly to the frontend of an amp and let me color the bass tone through the different knobs, on the interface, however it will still be able to be plugged into the PA/Board. That would be the prefereed mode becaue otherwise the PA may be too flat to let the bass sound good?
Click to expand...
You are OVER THINKING IT !! :)
The DBI21 is just a DI box [for "bass"] with tone controls. There is no REAL difference between "DI mode" and "pre-amp mode". That's just marketing speak saying you can use the DI in both scenarios.

In EITHER situation, you BASICALLY....
  • Plug your bass into the "IN" jack and run an XLR cable to the console. You can also run a [parallel] line out to your amp from the "OUT" jack if you use the DI for gigs.

Based on my experience with other similar DI's (I own a few), the DRIVE and LEVEL controls (in combination) will control the signal level being send to the mixer.
  • Start with the mixer channel gain/trim set low. Start with BDI21 level at mid point and bring up the mixer channel gain until it's tickling the "orange" on the meters. If you can't get a good signal level on teh mixer with the channel gain kranked, back it down and increase the DRIVE on the BD121. Repeat until you get a good signal level.
  • You can now adjust DRIVE to taste. Increasing DRIVE MAY increase the signal level going to the mixer.. so you may need to back down the channel gain to compensate.
That's about it..
 
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#7
Domespeed said:
The BDI21 has a bypass switch.
When the unit is on bypass, it acts like a normal DI without any colouring.

I think that was meant with "DI mode".
Click to expand...
yeah, I could go with that and understand the confusion.
However, "most" DI's with tone controls (and/or drive/grit) have on/off [BYPASS] switches that essentially do the SAME thing.
I guess I "assumed" folks understood the distinction.
 
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#8
Domespeed said:
The BDI21 has a bypass switch.
When the unit is on bypass, it acts like a normal DI without any colouring.

I think that was meant with "DI mode".
Click to expand...

I've had one for over a decade, and yes, this is how they work. Pedal off= clean DI, pedal on engages the pre-amp circuitry. I found the out put from the 1/4" was hotter than the XLR, and since the place I was playing only had a powered head with no input gain controls, I used the 1/4" (I was overseas). It was a decent sounding little tool, and super cheap, I still have it around somewhere, but have since picked up better DIs and pres.
 
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