GK400RB - Best cable from DI output?

A DI is meant to inline bridge the guitar cable that goes from the bass to the amp. In this case, a guitar cable from the bass to the 1/4” input on the DI, and a second guitar cable from the 1/4” output on the DI to the input on your amp.

A second option would be the XLR direct option on the back of the amp. This output is post-preamp, therefore it has the benefit of your amp’s tonal shaping. In his case an XLR cable from the DI of your amp straight to a channel on the snake (or straight to the board, if it is nearby.
 
Sorry, I meant the 1/4" DI output jack on the back of the 400RB. Do I run a 1/4" to XLR cable from therinto the desk or a 1/4" to 1/4".:(

For those unfamiliar with the older 400s, I believe this is the output in question.

Outputs.jpg


Given that it's a 1/4 at the source, I don't think it'd make a difference, happy to be corrected there though.
 
If it's unbalanced then there's no point using a TRS to XLR cable. Best option is to run a normal guitar lead (a very short pedal board patch lead ideally) into a simple passive DI box. There are options from £10 to £1000. I like the Radial SB2.

Second best option is to do the other thing the manual says. If your mixer has a high impedance input (often the first two channels) then just use a normal guitar cable to plug it in that way.

DI box option is best. No doubt. You'll get away with the guitar cable method 9 times out of 10 but when you hit a room with dodgy electrical wiring you'll be grateful for the DI box.
 
If it's unbalanced then there's no point using a TRS to XLR cable. Best option is to run a normal guitar lead (a very short pedal board patch lead ideally) into a simple passive DI box. There are options from £10 to £1000. I like the Radial SB2.

Second best option is to do the other thing the manual says. If your mixer has a high impedance input (often the first two channels) then just use a normal guitar cable to plug it in that way.

DI box option is best. No doubt. You'll get away with the guitar cable method 9 times out of 10 but when you hit a room with dodgy electrical wiring you'll be grateful for the DI box.

This. Great answer.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jack
Oh, one more thing. If you're using the guitar cable method please be very,, very careful not to accidentally plug the 1/4" speaker outputs into the mixing desk. Electrocution, fire, death and general debauchery will ensue. Don't blow up a soundman's desk, they have pocket knives, cable ties and gaffa tape.

Situations like this are why modern amps will have speakon outputs for the speakers and xlr outputs for the DI. That way you physically can't reach behind your amp on a dark stage and accidentally plug an amp that is providing a kilowatt into a desk that is expecting a less than a milliwatt.
 
Oh, one more thing. If you're using the guitar cable method please be very,, very careful not to accidentally plug the 1/4" speaker outputs into the mixing desk. Electrocution, fire, death and general debauchery will ensue. Don't blow up a soundman's desk, they have pocket knives, cable ties and gaffa tape.

Situations like this are why modern amps will have speakon outputs for the speakers and xlr outputs for the DI. That way you physically can't reach behind your amp on a dark stage and accidentally plug an amp that is providing a kilowatt into a desk that is expecting a less than a milliwatt.

Just another reason to go with a proper DI...

OP, depending, you may not even need to acquire your own DI. In Canada it seems like every sound engineer has a bag full of beat up old DI's that they can't wait to inflict on you. I don't know the drill in New Zealand, nor if your sound engineers are aware of the proper care and feeding of a DI, but you may find it to be the case you don't strictly need to acquire a DI.

But, you'll be happier with your own DI for sure, Radial are a very good choice, but there are lots of options around.