Balance outputs from Nord Stage

Recoil · 8th May 2009

I own a Nord Stage EX which lacks one thing -for live playing-: balanced outputs...
The only thing i want to do is make the outputs balanced. I can't use a DI since the outputs aren't high impedance.. Right?
Using the search, i found nothing about this subject. Only topics about DI'ing bass and guitars while i think i don't need a DI.

What do i need, of reasonable live/semi-studio quality?

Enginearing · 9th May 2009

use a guitar lead into a DI and you'll be fine. (2 for stereo) Nord's output will give you an instrument level output.

Recoil · 9th May 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enginearing

use a guitar lead into a DI and you'll be fine. (2 for stereo) Nord's output will give you an instrument level output.

But i thought that a DI only works with a high impedance input?

Is it best to use a active or a passive DI? And which one, for stage use(allthough sometimes there is live recording for a live album? I need four of them.

And, can i connect the output from the DI's to a line-level mixer?

Recoil · 11th May 2009

After some research i've found that a line level output can easily be to high for an active DI. So that's a no go, right?

Then there still is the line level question. The only thing i need is a balanced line level output. So, can the DI'ed signal go directly in a line level mixer?

Also, what is a good 4 channel DI?

Enginearing · 11th May 2009

A DI is an impedance matching device. it will supply a balanced mic signal for your sound engineer to put through his console via the console's mic pres.

without knowing your budget, here are three options across the spectrum of both quality and price.

most reputable brands will have a rackmount multi-DI unit that will be suitable for what you need. i can't think of any decent DI that doesn't have a PAD so i can't imagine your keyboard being too hot... (the nord does have a volume control right?)

API 3124+ Discrete 4 Channel Mic/Line Pre, plus DI

BBE Sound: DI Solutions: DI-400

SM Pro Audio: DI4V - 4 Channel DI Box / Line Mixer

spend some time to read the specs and features, and go to your local gearshop and you'll be able to discuss your requirements more efficiently than an online forum, and they'll also be able to show you that you're buying what you need because they can plug it in in front of you before you lay down your cash.

Something similar to the SM with the built in mixer would be great so you can then give the soundguy 2 lines and set your own balance.

rcb4t2 · 11th May 2009

Okay, this is just my impression, not necessarily a technical answer but.... I have a Nord Electro and I've found that on short cable runs it runs fine into a line-level mixer input. I've also used it live with a passive DI (can't remember the brand, but it was nothing fancy) with no issues. I've also used it into my HI-Z input on a 610B (UA reissue) preamp, and it had a nice tone like that - not sure if it was the tube or the impedance "mismatch", but it sounded nice. Basically I've found the Nord Electro's (I know you have a Stage, but I think they're extremely similar) outputs to be really versatile.

Snatchman · 12th May 2009

I have never had a problem running synths into DI inputs..I run my synths, drum machines, etc. into my DIs ( Ditto, U-5, Hotbox, etc.) all the time..If you don't need to amplify ( which you may if you go into a DI without gain controls, because you are dropping the line signal back to mic level) you may try the Ebtech Stereo Line-Level Shifter that balances an unbalanced signal and still remain at line-level...Good luck

8th May 2009	#1
Recoil Gear interested Joined: May 2009 Posts: 3 Thread Starter	Balance outputs from Nord Stage I own a Nord Stage EX which lacks one thing -for live playing-: balanced outputs... The only thing i want to do is make the outputs balanced. I can't use a DI since the outputs aren't high impedance.. Right? Using the search, i found nothing about this subject. Only topics about DI'ing bass and guitars while i think i don't need a DI. What do i need, of reasonable live/semi-studio quality?

12th May 2009	#7
Snatchman Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 3,327	I have never had a problem running synths into DI inputs..I run my synths, drum machines, etc. into my DIs ( Ditto, U-5, Hotbox, etc.) all the time..If you don't need to amplify ( which you may if you go into a DI without gain controls, because you are dropping the line signal back to mic level) you may try the Ebtech Stereo Line-Level Shifter that balances an unbalanced signal and still remain at line-level...Good luck __________________ Thanks for your time and ears!

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11th May 2009	#4
Recoil Gear interested Joined: May 2009 Posts: 3 Thread Starter	After some research i've found that a line level output can easily be to high for an active DI. So that's a no go, right? Then there still is the line level question. The only thing i need is a balanced line level output. So, can the DI'ed signal go directly in a line level mixer? Also, what is a good 4 channel DI?

11th May 2009	#5
Enginearing Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2009 Location: Left of the southern cross Posts: 621	A DI is an impedance matching device. it will supply a balanced mic signal for your sound engineer to put through his console via the console's mic pres. without knowing your budget, here are three options across the spectrum of both quality and price. most reputable brands will have a rackmount multi-DI unit that will be suitable for what you need. i can't think of any decent DI that doesn't have a PAD so i can't imagine your keyboard being too hot... (the nord does have a volume control right?) API 3124+ Discrete 4 Channel Mic/Line Pre, plus DI BBE Sound: DI Solutions: DI-400 SM Pro Audio: DI4V - 4 Channel DI Box / Line Mixer spend some time to read the specs and features, and go to your local gearshop and you'll be able to discuss your requirements more efficiently than an online forum, and they'll also be able to show you that you're buying what you need because they can plug it in in front of you before you lay down your cash. Something similar to the SM with the built in mixer would be great so you can then give the soundguy 2 lines and set your own balance.

11th May 2009	#6
rcb4t2 Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2006 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 2,798	Okay, this is just my impression, not necessarily a technical answer but.... I have a Nord Electro and I've found that on short cable runs it runs fine into a line-level mixer input. I've also used it live with a passive DI (can't remember the brand, but it was nothing fancy) with no issues. I've also used it into my HI-Z input on a 610B (UA reissue) preamp, and it had a nice tone like that - not sure if it was the tube or the impedance "mismatch", but it sounded nice. Basically I've found the Nord Electro's (I know you have a Stage, but I think they're extremely similar) outputs to be really versatile.