live sound: outboard DI or instrument-in

[Jimbo]

For most generic, portable (mackie, etc) PA's out there do you think it's better to:
1. plug an active instrument's output directly into the instrument input on the PA, or
2. plug an active instrument's output into a Radial JDI/J48, then go into the PA's mic-amp?

I'm not talking about long cable runs to FOH, just connecting to a small PA near the stage.

Thanks!

[trompetfreak]

DI's have qualities aswell. Radials are pretty good, but what's the rest of your system like?
I don't think its of any use to put a good DI in, when you probably won't be able to hear the difference due to a crappy PA... On the other hand, it would be another thing to enhance the signalchain...

Well... what does carrying an extra di matter... just check the difference and report! e

[Jimbo]

Hi Freak!

Well...I'm afraid you're begging the question. As a performer (banjo with piezo pickup, and preamp), I won't be able to hear what it sounds like out front -- or in the monitors either, if history prevails. I don't own any of the PA's that I play through.

All I have is a banjo, a preamp, a Radial DI, and the options I have put forth.

Thanks.

[mixedupsteve]

I think I'd go with the DI especially if allows you to use a shorter instrument cable. Besides the J series DIs have Jensen transformers in them.

[GZsound]

If it's indeed an "active" instrument output, you can run direct into the mixer and be fine. A DI adds nothing. Cable runs of up to 25 feet shouldn't create any problem.

However, if it's a passive pickup like a piezo, I much prefer a preamp DI like an LR Baggs Para DI. Standard passive and even most active DI's don't do much for the sound of a piezo pickup.

[Jimbo]

I've been eye-balling the LR Baggs unit for some time now.

I use a piezo pick-up and preamp from Pick-UpTheWorld.com.

The piezo/preamp combo sounds really good, clips onto my belt, and allows me to adjust gain from the hip. I usually roll-off some highs on the PA, but would much rather use an in-line EQ like the Para DI (so I can control it myself). Of course, since I already have a preamp, the Para DI has more features than I need.

Are there other in-line, instrument level, EQ-only units that you can recommend?
[edit: I just saw the Baggs GigPro unit, and it looks like a winner for my purposes]

Thanks.

[GZsound]

Originally Posted by Jimbo

I've been eye-balling the LR Baggs unit for some time now.

I use a piezo pick-up and preamp from Pick-UpTheWorld.com.

The piezo/preamp combo sounds really good, clips onto my belt, and allows me to adjust gain from the hip. I usually roll-off some highs on the PA, but would much rather use an in-line EQ like the Para DI (so I can control it myself). Of course, since I already have a preamp, the Para DI has more features than I need.

Are there other in-line, instrument level, EQ-only units that you can recommend?
[edit: I just saw the Baggs GigPro unit, and it looks like a winner for my purposes]

Thanks.

With the LR Baggs unit, you don't need your preamp since that's what the Baggs unit is. And the tone controls are pretty extensive in the unit.

Plus, you can run it off phantom power from the mixer, which saves on batteries.

They are showing up more and more frequently at bluegrass events around here.