Vinny554
Well-Known Member
Hey all, hoping to get your input (no pun intended...har har) on the use of DI boxes for my particular recording setup. I'm aware that opinions vary all over the place as to whether or not a DI box is necessary when you have a decent Audio Interface, but it seems the consensus among reputable engineers is that DI boxes are more-often-than-not a better idea than an interface by itself.
So, here's my rig and desired goal.
I have a PRS SE SVN (also bass sometimes) that I run direct into an Audient iD22 interface (about a $500 interface).
The results are decent - better than my previous Focusrite Scarlet obviously - but still would like to upgrade this setup for the best possible DI guitar and bass recordings. Me and my band typically record all our DIs at home and send to engineers, so great DIs are crucial here.
(Also note: we create metalcore, djent, death metal, whatever subgenre that includes riffs and breakdowns ok?)
Here are my questions:
- My guitars all have passive pickups - so I assumed an active DI box would be the right option, however I've seen folks say this doesn't matter and some passive DI boxes are much better. Thoughts on this?
- If I were to grab a lower-end but promising DI box....like a Radial or Countryman....would that even produce any better results than my Audient?
- Lastly, if not, I was thinking eventually looking at some of the higher-end DIs if necessary (CAL MW1, Avalon U5, etc.) and are these THAT much better? (also have more questions regarding the setup on this should we get into it).
Fortunately but unfortunately, this is my ridiculous hobby outside of corporate America, so I'm willing to pay for solid equipment to obtain great results. Any thoughts are appreciated. Cheers!
So, here's my rig and desired goal.
I have a PRS SE SVN (also bass sometimes) that I run direct into an Audient iD22 interface (about a $500 interface).
The results are decent - better than my previous Focusrite Scarlet obviously - but still would like to upgrade this setup for the best possible DI guitar and bass recordings. Me and my band typically record all our DIs at home and send to engineers, so great DIs are crucial here.
(Also note: we create metalcore, djent, death metal, whatever subgenre that includes riffs and breakdowns ok?)
Here are my questions:
- My guitars all have passive pickups - so I assumed an active DI box would be the right option, however I've seen folks say this doesn't matter and some passive DI boxes are much better. Thoughts on this?
- If I were to grab a lower-end but promising DI box....like a Radial or Countryman....would that even produce any better results than my Audient?
- Lastly, if not, I was thinking eventually looking at some of the higher-end DIs if necessary (CAL MW1, Avalon U5, etc.) and are these THAT much better? (also have more questions regarding the setup on this should we get into it).
Fortunately but unfortunately, this is my ridiculous hobby outside of corporate America, so I'm willing to pay for solid equipment to obtain great results. Any thoughts are appreciated. Cheers!