Hi-Z vs. DI

[ben]

Hello people - been lurking round here for a while, but this is my first post.

I wondered if I could ask a pretty basic question that net searching hasn't been able to provide a conclusive answer to. I currently record guitar/pedals direct via a hi-z ('instrument') input on a small Mackie mixer. My general approach is just to plug stuff in, and if it sounds ok then not to worry about the 'right' way of doing things, but I've noticed recently that I have to crank the gain quite high on the mixer channel to get a decent recording level from the pedal output - and this increases background noise (which is obviously worse the longer the pedal chain is).

So my question is - if I were to put the signal through a DI box before going in to the mixer would it help get a better recording level? Is this not what the hi-z input is meant to be doing though?
(I know addressing background noise in the pedal chain is probably a separate issue)

Any advice appreciated...

[taylordeupree]

wish i had an answer for you.. but, yes, i do a similar thing... on one of my preamps (an LA-610) there is a Hi-Z input for guitars and such.. and i figured, as you, that this basically covers what a DI does.

have you investigated other parts of your gain stage? perhaps a quiet level coming from your input or some pedal?

[Koda]

The instrument input on your board is balanced for what you are doing. Adding  a d/i will just boost the line level more with the same results.

If you have a d/i try using a normal input. If that doesn't do it, it's your chain and you probably have a ground issue. How are you powering the pedals? If you're using wall warts and have them plugged in all over the place, line noise will persist. One of my favorite pieces of gear: http://www.voodoolab.com/pedalpower_2.htm fixes a lot of problems.

Another little gem is the Pocket Pod: http://line6.com/pocketpod/
Another great box to boost your signal.

[ben]

Thanks for the quick replies - I guess a DI box isn't a quick fix for me.

have you investigated other parts of your gain stage? perhaps a quiet level coming from your input or some pedal?

Agreed - I need to take the time to go through and isolate each part of the chain to work out where the noise/level issues are.

Re. power supplies - I use a Diago unit http://www.diago.co.uk/pedal-power/diago-powerstation.html which I brought with me to Canada when I moved from the UK. They seem to sell the same unit in N.America so hopefully that's not an issue (though you've got me worried now...!)

Also tempted by a POD - read a lot of good things about them as inexpensive front ends for direct recording. Might have to invest... Cheers.

[Koda]

What I really really like about the Voodoo Labs power supply is that it has ground lifts.
According to the Diago specs it should work no matter your location.

If I were you, I'd unplug all of it and test each pedal and cable individually.
Also, some pedals are noisy(cheap design) and plugging other pedals into the chain can add to that. My Boss flanger and compressor are two pedals I rarely use due to their noisy natures.

[ben]

If I were you, I'd unplug all of it and test each pedal and cable individually.

Well that's my plans for the weekend sorted then...! You're right though, I need to do some detective work to determine where the issues lie. I think I know who the likely noise culprits are (I'm looking at you old-style EHX pedals) but it will help to isolate each in turn.

[Koda]

If I were you, I'd unplug all of it and test each pedal and cable individually.

Well that's my plans for the weekend sorted then...! You're right though, I need to do some detective work to determine where the issues lie. I think I know who the likely noise culprits are (I'm looking at you old-style EHX pedals) but it will help to isolate each in turn.

EHX pedals have some cheap circuitry. I also have one that likes to hum.

[Koda]

Radial Big Shot ABY pedal
Another great cure for hums in your pedal chain.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BigShotABY

Always in my rig!