I've build some pedals for guitar myself, but I was wondering if anyone has tried building an active DI box for an acoustic guitar going into a PA? Or is that one of those best-left-to-the-pros kind of things?
DIY Di box
I've seen some circuits through the years and they are not complex, so there's no reason why not.
that sounds cool! Any neat search key words?
Also keen on this idea, please post any links you find. I'll do a bit of a search some time
"DIY DI box" brings up 11 million hits in Google. Everything from boutique transformer passives to complex active designs.
I remember reading something on www.diystompboxes.com too...
I remember reading something on www.diystompboxes.com too...
Sean, it'd be cool if you share what you find. I'm Interested...
And me. Got this thread to send notifications to my email :?
I too am interested. I did a google search on "DI Box layout" and over 17 000 hits. followed a few of them and found lots of schematics and descriptions for all manne rof DI Box. My abilities do not extend to designing a PCB layout, etching and then sourcing parts with limited specs. I need either a breadboard layout or a kit with PCB and components. With all the interest here we could perhaps use numbers to get a good deal.
I am planning on drawing up a vero board map as well, so I'll keep you all posted on what I find and how things work out! Cool to see so much interest!
There has been a very good DI box design posted at groupdiy.com
http://groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=36569.0
The transformer is available locally from RS Components
http://za.rs-online.com/web/p/audio-transformers/2106425/
http://za.rs-online.com/web/p/audio-transformers/2106469/?origin=PSF_430714|acc
A Box!
http://za.rs-online.com/web/p/general-purpose-enclosures/5173822/
If anyone wants to pursue this, I will home etch PCBs for a nominal service charge (you can reach Nirvana tonite! ?) About R30, but no silkscreen or solder mask. I'll include the transistors.....
It needs 24v though, runs off phantom power.
Original page:
http://www.hansenaudio.se/techpage.htm#active%20DI-box,%20my%20work%20horse%20from%201975
http://groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=36569.0
The transformer is available locally from RS Components
http://za.rs-online.com/web/p/audio-transformers/2106425/
http://za.rs-online.com/web/p/audio-transformers/2106469/?origin=PSF_430714|acc
A Box!
http://za.rs-online.com/web/p/general-purpose-enclosures/5173822/
If anyone wants to pursue this, I will home etch PCBs for a nominal service charge (you can reach Nirvana tonite! ?) About R30, but no silkscreen or solder mask. I'll include the transistors.....
It needs 24v though, runs off phantom power.
Original page:
http://www.hansenaudio.se/techpage.htm#active%20DI-box,%20my%20work%20horse%20from%201975
Who you jivin' with that Cosmik Debris? ?petercornell wrote: for a nominal service charge (you can reach Nirvana tonite! ?)
This is sounding good though...
I wouldn't mind etching my own either. Cool to have the info here. Thanks
look, i have enough mishun just getting my guitar to play nice with my amp. how do you guys get it together enough to actually build a box? of whatever nature? is it difficult? do you need a basic (or advanced) knowledge of electronics? or does it just take practice like everything else?
help a bruvver out
dh|
help a bruvver out
dh|
Building a box of electronic goodies is pretty easy (obviously depending on the complexity) with all the info available theses days. Designing one is another thing - I'm leaving that stuff well alone. The bottledtones of the world can do that.domhatch wrote: look, i have enough mishun just getting my guitar to play nice with my amp. how do you guys get it together enough to actually build a box? of whatever nature? is it difficult? do you need a basic (or advanced) knowledge of electronics? or does it just take practice like everything else?
help a bruvver out
dh|
But if you just want to build there are plenty of online resources. I started simple with a fuzz that had about five components on the board and moved from there (haven't got much further though -- plexi style distortion has been my most complex so far.must still box the damn thing up).
Another cool place to start could be building some nifty little passive boxes like A/B switchers, bypass/mute switches, or volume trimmers. A basic knowledge of electronics and some soldering skills will get you going. Then it takes practice, like anything else. Reading too. There are some nice online resources available if you want...
EDIT: There are even step-by-step PDFs that take you right through the basics.
Stuff like this is cool if, like me, you know next to nothing when starting. http://www.seymourduncan.com/tonefiend/wp-content/uploads/DIY-Club-Project-1-Part-14-v03.pdf
yowser. there's a lot of stuffs in there. i think i have some bookmarkin' and thinkin' and loinin' to do.Psean wrote: Stuff like this is cool if, like me, you know next to nothing when starting. http://www.seymourduncan.com/tonefiend/wp-content/uploads/DIY-Club-Project-1-Part-14-v03.pdf
thanks and thanked
dh|
Cool. Happy reading ?domhatch wrote:yowser. there's a lot of stuffs in there. i think i have some bookmarkin' and thinkin' and loinin' to do.Psean wrote: Stuff like this is cool if, like me, you know next to nothing when starting. http://www.seymourduncan.com/tonefiend/wp-content/uploads/DIY-Club-Project-1-Part-14-v03.pdf
thanks and thanked
dh|
Ok! Next question: I see some circuit diagrams that use transformers and some that use op-amps. Can anyone shed some light on which would be a better option? Which would be a more versatile option? What do transformers give that op-amps don't and vice versa?
Transformers need no power and tend to limit and saturate in a more musical way (well... the good ones do). They have character. Downside is the good ones are expensive.
Solid-state generally have higher quality in the lower price ranges (but can also be expensive when done properly). Can be more accurate and "hi-fi", but - as with most solid-state devices - don't saturate nicely.
General DI rule of thumb is: use passives on active devices - which can smooth out some of the rough edges; and use actives on passive sources. There are exceptions - most notably using actives on active acoustic guitars - but really the choice is down to personal preference.
Solid-state generally have higher quality in the lower price ranges (but can also be expensive when done properly). Can be more accurate and "hi-fi", but - as with most solid-state devices - don't saturate nicely.
General DI rule of thumb is: use passives on active devices - which can smooth out some of the rough edges; and use actives on passive sources. There are exceptions - most notably using actives on active acoustic guitars - but really the choice is down to personal preference.
10 days later
Alan, I never heard that before (active on passive and vice versa thing), but looking back I have realized that the only times DI's weren't sounding very good has been the passive - passive matchup. I built a buffer/DI for my soundcard as it only has low impedance inputs and my guitar is high impedance. I just got tired of powering up a buffered bypass stompbox just to plug the guitar direct.
Anyway It isn't hifi quality product but i can't hear a discernable difference between it and anything else i have on hand.
It goes something like this (from memory, I'll break it open and check actual shematic soon if anybody is interested):
Jack input
opamp
transformer
output
I probably didn't need the transformer but i wanted to add a groundlift option the cheapest way possible. Interestingly, that transformer is not particularly good or expensive but because it has an opamp in front of it, It seems to sound completely transparent.
Ive been thinking of building a DI similar to the redbox (without cab emulation) so that i can take a DI signal after my power tubes.
Something along the lines of:
jack input from head
resister network to drop signal level (high impedance 10kohm to not interfere with source impedance from amp/cab)
transformer
opamp
XLR (phantom powered) output
obviously this way round, ill add a gain control to the opamp as i'm not aiming for 1:1 level like the other project.
A Groundlift switch is never optional.
cheers
Anyway It isn't hifi quality product but i can't hear a discernable difference between it and anything else i have on hand.
It goes something like this (from memory, I'll break it open and check actual shematic soon if anybody is interested):
Jack input
opamp
transformer
output
I probably didn't need the transformer but i wanted to add a groundlift option the cheapest way possible. Interestingly, that transformer is not particularly good or expensive but because it has an opamp in front of it, It seems to sound completely transparent.
Ive been thinking of building a DI similar to the redbox (without cab emulation) so that i can take a DI signal after my power tubes.
Something along the lines of:
jack input from head
resister network to drop signal level (high impedance 10kohm to not interfere with source impedance from amp/cab)
transformer
opamp
XLR (phantom powered) output
obviously this way round, ill add a gain control to the opamp as i'm not aiming for 1:1 level like the other project.
A Groundlift switch is never optional.
cheers
A bit of a noob question, but could one just plug in an amp's speaker out and run with it like that?ryanguit wrote: Ive been thinking of building a DI similar to the redbox (without cab emulation) so that i can take a DI signal after my power tubes.
Something along the lines of:
jack input from head
resister network to drop signal level (high impedance 10kohm to not interfere with source impedance from amp/cab)
transformer
opamp
XLR (phantom powered) output
Sorry for hijack... ?