Hey all - I’m thinking about giving my OTMK2 a spin as a mixer when jamming with friends instead of my usual approach of running everything into my Pioneer DJM750MK2. The space that we jam in doubles as a live venue in non-pandemic times, so we route the Pioneer into a snake, and that feeds the venue’s mixer and PA.
I’m wondering if running the OT into a direct box (and routing that into a couple of inputs on the snake) would be the way to go. Anyone with a bit more experience using an OT into a PA have any suggestions for me?
Generally, a DI box is used to convert an unbalanced signal, like that from a guitar, or certain keyboards/synths, into a balanced signal to interface with a mixer. The OT has balanced outputs, so you shouldn’t not need the DI box in the chain. If the snake is balanced cables, then you should just be able to connect your OT directly to the snake and into the mixer.
OT MKI and MKII have impedance balanced outputs, not balanced. I can’t tell if a DI is required for longer cables, but it’s good to have DIs just in case anyway.
Doesn’t seem to be much difference.
Impedance balanced means that the signal is not sent twice, so it’s less hot than a regular balanced signal: it actually preserves the instrument level.
Regular balancing:
input of wire 1 (compared to ground): + signal
input of wire 2 (compared to ground): - signal
output of wire 1: + signal + noise
output of wire 2: - signal + noise
out 1 - out 2 ⇒ 2x signal, no noise
Impedance balancing:
in 1 (compared to ground): + signal
in 2: 0V (same as ground)
out 1: + signal + noise
out 2: + noise
out 1 - out 2 ⇒ + signal
I’d say no need for a direct box. But I am no specialist.
A big part of the rationale for using a DI box is that you bring the signal down to mic level so it can be handled in the same way as mic sources (eg plugging into the snake from the stage).
Even with 30 meter cables, yes. Even with 100 meters or more. Furthermore the OT has line-level outputs so a DI shouldn’t be necessary unless it’s established that you’re picking up noise in the snake. Which would mean that your snake is of very very bad quality AND you’re in a nuclear plant or something. Most desks accept both line and mic levels on their XLR inputs. Furthermore it’s better to not use a DI at all than use a bad quality DI. If you really realy need one (two actually) get a pro-level active DI (phantom powered) from Radial or BSS. But it’s a bit of redundant with impedance balanced line outputs. I’d just use a TRS to XLR adapter: will save you at least 200 bucks.
I think the main reason to have one is when playing out at different venues. You can guarantee your connection to their cables. This helps when you have 3-4 bands going a night and the house has a limited number of DI boxes.
