Operating the S direct
A direct box, or DI box, provides the facility for the direct insertion of an audio signal
into a mixer or recorder. The S direct offers a variety of DI solutions for live sound
and recording applications. You can connect all kinds of audio signals like guitars,
keyboards, outboard signal processors and even the high-powered speaker output
from an amplifier. The S direct enables you to tap off the signal from a guitar or bass
guitar and pass the signal from the Link output to the on stage amplifier without
affecting the original sound. This can eliminate the need for micing the guitar amplifi-
er, which in many cases is preferable, especially with bass guitar. The S direct is also
very useful for connecting unbalanced signals from sources like signal DJ and sub-
mixers, effects processors and keyboards to a main PA or recording mixer. Unlike
passive direct boxes, the S direct is active (has a power supply), so you can rely on
an even frequency response on any audio signal you connect to regardless of its
output impedance. Also, the S directʼs balanced output provides a clean signal at a
low level so long runs of cable are possible. Another benefit from a balanced con-
nection is Common Mode Rejection, which provides cancellation of the bad sounds
(hums and buzzes) while leaving the original signal pure.
Direct Insertion of an Instrument into a PA System
One of the most common applications for using a DI box is getting the signal of a
bass guitar into the PA system. Simply put, the low frequencies produced by bass
are difficult to mic, so use of a DI box is almost always preferable. In addition, the
signal going to PA system can be tweaked by the FOH (front of house) engineer,
without affecting the sound the musician dials up on stage. You can use S direct to
plug a guitar directly into the PA system as well, especially acoustic guitars with pick-
ups and when using electronic guitar processors and modelers. Follow the diagram
and steps below to connect a guitar to a PA mixer.
• Connect the output of the guitar or bass to the S directʼs INPUT.
• Connect S directʼs OUTPUT/LINK to the input of the guitar or bass amplifier.
• Connect S directʼs BALANCED OUTPUT to the input of main PA mixer.
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