Great video as always Alex! THANK YOU! While there are many solutions to the problem of interfacing HX Stomp to a professional PA, the DISO+ is made to be the very BEST solution and to address the needs of pedalboard applications. We designed the DISO+ specifically for the HX Stomp. It works equally as well with the Strymon Iridium, Boss GT1000Core, and some other modelers coming to market soon. As with all our DI-type products it uses top-quality transformers from Jensen that are chosen specifically for the application (not just by spec, but by listening!) and made to be pedalboard-friendly. We have two versions of the DISO+ (one with a summing switch on the 1/4 inch outs only, one with summing on the 1/4 inch AND XLR outs) as well as the mono MISO. Please let us know if you have any product specific questions! pinstripepedals@gmail.com
Thanks for this crystal clear explanation, Alex. It's exactly that line isolation/groundlift issue, that makes the difference. Like you said: It's not necessary until you run into those problems in live situations. If you can spend the money on an isolation box, there's one less thing to worry about. Simple as that.
Hi Alex, nice explanation. It's never a problem - until it is. Different scenario than a ground issue I know, but that's one reason why I always have a backup for everything on every gig.
Thanks Mark! I totally agree with that. In my mind, if anything ever fails on this massive pedalboard, I can always pull off the HX Stomp and use any of the all-in-one presets I built. It's great having the HX Stomp on the board for that reason. If the HX Stomp fails, I can patch stuff through and run straight into a backline amp
Hi ... you've made lots of valid points, but I'm pretty sure a couple of them aren't right. First, is what you refer to as differential output - balanced signals must have that characteristic so either L6 has mislabeled and oversold their product, or it does in fact send that differential output ... because that is what a balanced signal is, by definition. I'd assume the latter. BTW, transformers aren't required to provide inverted signals - other mechanism can be used. Also, a line isolator, as I understand it, is not about the whether it takes a low or high impedance signal. As I understand it, a standard DI will drop the output volume sent down the XLR by having a coil with fewer turns on one side of the transformer compared to the other. A line isolator will have the same number of coil turns on both sides, resulting in an output signal down the XLRs at the same volume as what went into it. So a line isolator will have a hotter signal than a DI for a given input level. Some sound guys prefer the XLR signal to the snake to be at lower (i.e. mic) level to avoid cross talk affecting mic level signals, like mics, from adjacent cables ... that point is up for debate, I reckon but let's assume we want to keep the sound guy happy. With that in mind, a standard stereo DI should do the job just fine; keyboardists have been using the Radial ProD2 forever to great effect and the variables here should be largely the same, though I admit the ISO box in your vid is a tasty bit of kit with some great features like the Jensens and that sum to mono. I'm happy to be corrected.
Have the SM2+2 ans use the DISO+ side for Iridium, excellent result, very happy, the owner Charlie Fox is also a great guy. He sent it to Istanbul and checked everything was alright. Great video!👏🏻👏🏻👋🏼
I've started using an HX stomp, I always try to use an amp and not rely on the simulator sounds because I never know what I'm gonna get at the venue. But with all the touring we're doing I feel like I should have something like this as insurance. The advice is all over the place but you explained it really well. Thank you
Cool! I always thought loading down line signals to mic level and then reboosting was utterly stupid... I mainly use phantomblockers for my Helix, but I see a thousand uses for this box ;-)
This is the first time coming across your channel. It popped up in my feed. Let me tell you, this is an amazing explanation of a variety of topics. I am working on a new HXstomp based rig for grab and go gigs. You know... for all my gigs coming up. But seriously great video man!
Thank you Brian! I’m glad it was helpful. I’ve gigged maybe 10 times since March, and they were all pretty odd. I’m hoping 2021 brings some more work for us all
Maybe someone else already made this comment, but if you run a balanced cable and lose the hot lead, only the out-of-phase signal gets through, and you’ve got yourself an unbalanced out-of-phase cable. In a stereo setup with one faulty cable you can get the situation mentioned in the video.
I bought Phantom blockers for my Helix floor, but realized you have to wait a little before connecting them to the Helix after being connected to the mixer. So now I use XLR to TRS adapters going to the mixer and I run in on line in jacks, set the the Helix XLR outs to line level, so there is enough signal to run line in and no chance of receiving phantom power. It needs to work fool proof in a live situation with no ifs and maybes ;-) Great video!
Great comment Christian - thanks for sharing. One thing I was not aware of at the time is that you can also get a such thing as an in-line ground lift. If you're set on going the TRS to XLR route with a phantom power blocker, might also be wise to invest in that inline ground lift for the inevitable day that you'll need it. A bit bulky as opposed to a simple DI box, but it should work well.
@@AlexPriceMusician In the case of the Helix floor it has a built in ground lift, but I don't even think that applies when you go TRS into the mixer, I could be wrong though. I'll have to read up on that ;-)
I just sold off my Kemper rig to build a medium board with the ACS1 as my direct option. I run my reverbs/delays afterwards, and running direct from the Walrus R1 I do have good tone, but have noticed in a couple different applications needing to crank the gain on the preamp and having that add a bit of unneeded noise. I originally was looking at more of the goodwood interfacer as more of a stereo to mono summing, but thinking the xlr outputs and protection from phantom power with the added bonus of a ground loop if need be. I wasn't really sure exactly what this does and why it was needed, so thank you so much for being so informative and well spoken on what this does and why it might be needed. Definitely plan on grabbing one when I can!
Glad it was helpful Michael - I will say to double check if the ACS1 is outputting a low or high impedance signal. Low impedance = you’re gonna want the DISO or a similar line isolator (I have yet to find a similar product from any other company). High impedance = you’ll want a standard direct box.
Great video Alex, lot of mixed info out there. Di for the ground noise is a must. You should do a tracking video also. I never track the stomp with the USB as the sound is not great. There are guys who say my tone videos don't match when they track and the reason is that the usb line out does some impedance or other mismatch...
I may be wrong but I believe you can change the output from line level to Hi Z and vise versa. So in saying that running the Stomp into a DI box will further lower the signal isn't true if you change the output from line level to Hi Z in the settings. I know for sure I can do it in my full size Helix. But I'm not sure about the Stomp because I leave it at one of the churches I play bass at.
Kind of correct - you can switch between line and instrument level output on the Stomp but the impedance doesn’t change. It’s always a low impedance output. A standard DI box will pad down the signal where this one will not. The transformer is a 1:1 winding for that exact reason. TLDR: a normal DI box will work fine if you want to send a line level signal and boost it up again at the console, but if you’re buying a DI Box specifically for this purpose, my opinion is that you might as well get the one designed exactly for it.
@@AlexPriceMusician I see. Yes I agree buying the one designed for it is a wise choice. Also. Why doesn't the impedance change when changing the signal from line to Hi Z? What's the point of having the option then?
Thanks for the info. I keep running into ground issues when I try to run my hx stomp direct to interface and into my tube amp at the same time (trying to match tones in my daw thru the same IR/chain). Also happens when I run Boss MS-3 into HX into real amp. Line isolater seems like what I need.
fantastic video. I'm not sure if a line isolator would work in my scenario because I want to run stereo effects after the hx stomp then send to front of house. Do you know if I have to use an active or passive di, if im using active and passive pickup guitars with the stomp. Thank you :)
Even though you explained everything very clearly I'm still struggling to understand this stuff haha. On the whole "reducing line level outputs down to mic level and then boosting them back up" thing, isn't that what keyboard players have been doing for decades, going through DI's? Is there something about guitars/amp modellers that make doing this more problematic than with keyboards? Cheers
Hi Alex, I have a question about D.I.s for the stomp. I've watched a video where you were introducing accessories for the stomp. I have 2 stomps and an XL. I bought 1 DISO+ and found another used. So, 2 of the stomps are covered. But, I have this old whirlwind hotbox that is an active DI. It uses 2 9V batteries which is really expensive if I used it a lot. Or, you can power it with phantom power. You mentioned in the same video that it could damage the stomp to run phantom power to it. And, I think you were saying that running trs cables directly to the outputs of the stomp could do the damage. But, I read specs on this DI from whirlwind that it IS an iso box. Could you clarify this for me? Thanks, Butch
Hey Butch - your Whirlwind DI should take very minimal current. I’d think a 9v would last at least a year. The main difference between a DI and a line isolator is that the DI will pad down your signal. It may say iso since the terms are interchangeable to most, but if I had to guess it’s probably a DI. A line isolator will have the same level leaving the unit that had entered it. About TRS cables - a TRS to XLR cable is fine in most circumstances. It lacks a ground lift and protection from phantom compared to a DI or line isolator, but if you’re only playing at the same couple venues and have never needed a ground lift, you’re fine using those cables. And lastly about the phantom power statement - Line 6’s official word is that phantom power should not damage the Stomp. If it’s working correctly, it should short that 48v current to the chassis. I’ve followed HX Stomp forums long enough to notice a pattern of posts related to phantom power adding noise or damaging the Stomp so I thought I should mention it here.
@@AlexPriceMusician Yes, it is a DI. But you can power the DI with phantom power instead of a battery. Are you saying it's just safer to run a battery?
i always a very cheap Behringer HD400 Hum Destroyer (dual mono/stereo) it costs just 24 bucks (in euro) N does wonders on your signal (improve clarity/dynamic)
SO, I bought a MISO version, because I use my hx stomp in only Mono, with my bass. So should I set my output from the stomp to line, then instead of Instrument when using the MISO? Our sound guy says my signal is extremely hot, coming through to the board.
Thank you for this video! Could you perhaps advise if a DI is needed/could help in the studio if a fx pedal like the Helix is in the loop. E.g I currently use my Helix with 2 signal channel outputs, (XLR for both) FX and Dry. Then in Cubase when I record... I track both the dry and fx at the same time. I do feel the dry signal is not as loud as it can be, but at the same time, the signal from the Helix seems to be quite hot going into the audio interface, could adding a DI or line Isolator in the middle of the DRY out and the Audio interface help to resolve this? 🤔
Hey dude! thanks for the video! But ,wouldn't other Radial options (besides a DI) be the Radial Twin Iso (also with Jensen Transformer), as well as the Pro- Iso and the Stagebug SB-6? These all seem to do same thing right? Line isolators?
The Radial Twin has an XLR input, but otherwise yeah it’s a similar product. The Pro-ISO actually does the complete opposite of what you’d want - it takes a balanced, line level signal and converts it to mic level unbalanced. The Stagebug SB-6 is a line isolator, but is TRS to TRS.
Yeah, that’d work fine I imagine. Some stage boxes even have a few TRS connections. Your call! The DISO as mentioned has a few extra features that make it flexible like summing and thru outputs. I also like the idea of just sticking with standard XLR cables - venues will have hundreds of these. You don’t have to worry about bringing your own or what will happen if one of your TRS to XLR male cables goes bad. I think the stage bug and converter cables will work fine though
@@AlexPriceMusician - Cheers for the reply, I greatly appreciate it! I've just sent you an email, with a few other questions, which I hope you will reply to 😊 Cheers, I'm pleased to hear that. I've been using a Stereo DI, Radial ProD2, until now, and found your video, and it got me thinking.. Well, all those questions are in my mail.
I had a question that isn’t quite related, but maybe you might be able to answer it. I’m using a pedalboard rig into a Headrush FRFR112 with some Tech 21 Character type pedals onto a Two Notes Cab M. My question is would I need an interface or some other device to replace the Headrush FRFR112 with some studio monitor speakers (such as KRK Rokit or Yahama HS5)? Thanks.
As I understand if Im going from the stomp into two passive DI boxes with 1/4 inch TS cables I should set the output to line level to avoid having too much noise? Ive had a noise issue at a gig recently but have had no issue in other venues with the same set up.
Yeah, that’ll be best. It just ensures that you don’t have to boost the signal later. If it’s a crappy preamp, boosting a very quiet signal could introduce a bunch of white noise. Sending an instrument level signal into a standard DI box will lower the lever even more than usual and can create this problem. Sending a line level signal will help.
Hi Alex. Thanks for the video. So if my Stomp connects via TRS to XLR to the Hi Z input of a digital mixer, my Stomp will not get damaged if the 48v phantom power is turned on unintentionally?
You should use a low impedance input, but that’s not a huge deal. According to Line 6, the Stomp should just force the 48v to ground and not damage the unit, though it might affect the sound. I’ve heard other stories though. I enjoy the peace of mind of using a DI box in between the mixer and my Stomp.
Hi Alex, great video as always. I’m trying to work out the best way for me to put together a rig for a gig this weekend and have a couple of questions (sorry in advance, kinda long but should be easy answers!). You mention that differential outputs are not included in the HX Stomp. I can certainly believe this, but surely then when the signal arrives at the FOH board (which doesn't know whether it is flipped or not) it flips the phase of one of the signals and we would end up with no signal? Secondly, you say that the normal impedance conversion in the DI box reduces the signal level (and therefore increases signal to noise ratio), but this could be mitigated by running a line signal from the Stomp. Does changing the signal level sent from the stomp actually change the output impedance? Or just the level at which the signal is sent? If the latter, then surely it makes no difference regarding signal to noise ratio (unless you’re talking about because of the gain applied at the FOH mixer)? Maybe I’m misunderstanding here. Finally, I didn’t fully understand the bit about the phase cancellation in the monitors. Understand the principle, but why would having a DI (or Line Isolator) box fix that? Surely the same signals get sent to FOH (just with proper phase flipped outputs), and the same signals are returned to the monitors? So the issue would have still existed?
I'm worried about running my hx into a homebuilt power amp- I cant find any actual info on the output impedance of the hx stomps balanced outputs. my power amp input is 8k minimum impedance. i don't think they have to be balanced inputs- but i'm wondering if I should run my hx stomp instrument out straight into a higher quality dual transformer isolated preamp
Good Evening Alex, I really enjoyed the video, I'm now looking at getting one to go with my HX Stomp. With regards to the bal/ unbal connection from stomp to DISO+, which is the recommended method to achieve best performance?
Hi Nathan - if you’re not using a DI box, you’re going to want to go with a TRS to XLR cable to send to FOH. For a lot of people, this works fine. At some point, you might find you need a ground lift so that’d be the biggest selling point to getting a DI box of your own. If you’re using a DI box with the Stomp, just go with a TS (unbalanced) cable. A DI box is meant to see an unbalanced connection anyway.
@@AlexPriceMusician Thank you for the reply. I have been using a mono DI box, however I now want the option of stereo or Wet/Dry without the volume drop of a DI box, hence the desire for a line isolator with a ground lift. To clarify, I'm wondering whether or not the Diso+ accepts balanced 1/4 inch as well as unbalanced. If it does, is it better to go HX Stomp (balanced output) > Diso+ (balanced input ) to achieve a better signal to noise ratio or is it the same either way?
Please tell me how I can run the stomp XL to my headrush cab and still use the volume but also run to front of house. I do have a deep eye box but I'm not exactly sure on the best way to do this
I would feed your personal monitor with the headphone output and use the main L/R to send to front of house. In global settings, make sure you have the volume control set to headphones only and not Main + H/P. For your headphone to monitor connection, you could just use a normal TS cable and you'll be hearing the left side of your patch, which is fine if your presets are mono. If you use a TRS or TRS to XLR cable to connect to the Headrush, you'll hear nothing as your signal will be out of phase, especially on mono presets. If you want to use the headphone jack in stereo and connect to a mono speaker like the Headrush, I would use a long TRS-Y cable and use each side to connect to the Headrush's two inputs.
Hi Alex, Would you recommend a walrus acs1 use a pinstripe diso+? Im playing in a big stage where the FOH is far from the stage. Is there any alternative for the diso+? I find it very expensive at the moment.
Definitely. You'll want a balanced signal and the ACS1 doesn't do that. You could check out the MISO (mono version of the DISO+) at almost half the cost.
How do you know when you run into a ground loop issue? Like what does it do? I’m switching to the digital world, and I’m working on my board right now, but I had no idea I needed this box. I play a lot of venues almost every weekend.
You'll hear it for sure. A ground hum can be caused by a number of different things and can sound different depending on what the cause is. It'll be as loud or louder than your signal.
Great video! thank you. I'm doubting if I will benefit from e.g. the walrus canvas: my last in chain pedal is the UAFX dream 65 and I mainly play at home connecting to my audio interface (which I believe doesnt have balanced inputs)
If you’re just recording, I’d say save your money. Your interface probably does have balanced inputs if there is a line in but if you’re running a short cable, an unbalanced, line level signal running to a high impedance input (on your interface, you probably have a switch that says “instrument”) is just fine.
Nice video and informative. You raise up a great point most people won’t buy shit until something really really really messed up happens to them. That’s why they buy a $200 pedal and cheap ass cables on Amazon. Just like yourself you didn’t have a direct box prior till something really bad happening to you I think you’re trying to warn people but they are thick and cheap LOL
It took me a while to realize that good audio equipment is worth the money, but I'm here now. You're right - if I weren't so stubborn I wouldn't have had to learn it for myself.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think it’s also great for using two instruments (in my case bass guitar and double bass) with HX Stomp. Both instruments could have their own balanced output and a sum could be sent to the amp, right?
Correct! Honestly though I think you'd be fine with the mono version for that application. Just set up a couple different presets for each instrument and make sure they're at the same level. If your sound guy wants different feeds though, that's a different story.
@@AlexPriceMusician That’s the story - acoustic IRs (for upright) are much quieter than signal from active bass guitar, so it’s hard to set the same level for them. And i think it’s also making life easier for sound guys (and therefore for me) if they can have different feeds. Could you explain yet what is the purpose and application of XLR summing mod? Thanks for the answer and for your videos - I’ve learned a lot from your channel!
@@romanchraniuk2330 Of course! The reason for a summing switch on the XLR outputs might be to run mono if needed. Maybe the sound guy doesn't like that the guitarist is taking up two channels for whatever reason or maybe the in ear monitor rig only has room for one guitar input. If you've built a stereo rig, now you might have the issue that you're missing half of it (in older stereo chorus pedals, they were usually made up of the left side being vibrato and the right side being a dry-thru tone for example). Another way to make this work without getting a summing mod would just be (as long as the HX Stomp is the last pedal before the DISO) to unplug the right output before starting it up. If there's only one jack plugged in upon startup, the Helix will automatically sum everything to mono to fit on that one cable. A pretty nice feature to have!
First off - you might notice that the inputs are XLR. When I read into the product description a bit, it's actually made to take a line level balanced signal and convert it to mic level unbalanced. Radial has SO many different DI box-type products it gets really confusing. This doesn't really have a place on a pedalboard, unless you've got a properly balanced, line level signal already and are looking to plug it in into a guitar amp.
Agustin, the Radial Pro D2 is best choice in this case, or the Radial JDI Stereo (Jensen) if you have alot of money to spend. And for those on a tight budget who play only mono I recommend the Behringer DI400P Ultra-DI Passive Direct Injection Box. Anyway, the DISO Plus seems a great choice too, but harder to get here in Europe that the Radial stuff. www.radialeng.com/product/prod2
I have a gig to play two days from now.. This is really frustraing 😞 I will be using two outputs from the stomp Go out with two normal guitar cables ( TS cable ) Go In to two DI boxes the venue provides Go out from DI with xlr to foh Since the stomp alreday has a low impedance output, using di boxes (which has high impedance input and drops it again to lower impedance) , will drop volume about 15db..?? Should I boost all my presets to compensate for this..?? Is this going to be a problem? Thank you very much
Using a normal DI box won’t be an issue! The sound dude/sheila will just have to boost you a bit. This video isn’t meant to convince anyone that the DISO is the only solution. There are a lot of ways to achieve great isolation. A DI box will work fine if that’s what you or the venue already has. If you don’t have your own DI box and the time comes that you’re looking to purchase, the DISO is the best thing out there and I highly recommend it for any professional.
It'll balance the signal and give you a ground lift if you need it, so yeah. The Behringer DIs are pretty bad though. A/B it against a quality one if you can some time.
Why is playing in a Jazz group make it weird for playing in stereo? You might be too young to know about the early days of pick-up splits and parallel pick up routing. While not quite "stereo" there are 60's tube amps that run two signals, one in each speaker (for each pick up). The Magnitone reissues explored this and I own a 60's Ampeg that does this. While the initial idea was for jazz players to address each pick-up, the Roland JC-120 was the amp that tought us how to utilize stereo effects with a combo amp with a single input, but a stereo effect return (you'd bypass the mono pre AND just plug in to the stereo return). Then there is the idea of dual mono amps (phase issues...etc). Long and short....playing with two channels is nothing new. If its "stereo" or parallel processing or "wet/dry/wet" or dual mono...it just takes a matrix router and you have all of those options. Your vid about "mod pre or post time" (I'm paraphrasing) should be sorted out via a matrix. If you are unsure of what a matrix router is, the Sound Scuplture Switchblade system is "academically" where to start. Since you own a Morningstar Engineering device, perhaps the ML-10X is where you want to start. If parallel amps vs amp pedal as distortion/preamp pedals might be your cup of tea, the ML-10 is your bag. Or maybe you own a H9? Half of the effects are "pre" effects/amp and half are "post" effects/amp, vs owning two of those pedals, just rearrange where it exists, per patch Just my 2 cents. I don't play at churches. I've just made ambient guitar noise since the 90's. .
This is old but will the diso+ benefit you in a recording environment only if using a dsp rig like amp sim pedal rigs? Getting a clean signal is what i am trying to achieve here for recording purposes.
Great video as always Alex! THANK YOU!
While there are many solutions to the problem of interfacing HX Stomp to a professional PA, the DISO+ is made to be the very BEST solution and to address the needs of pedalboard applications.
We designed the DISO+ specifically for the HX Stomp. It works equally as well with the Strymon Iridium, Boss GT1000Core, and some other modelers coming to market soon. As with all our DI-type products it uses top-quality transformers from Jensen that are chosen specifically for the application (not just by spec, but by listening!) and made to be pedalboard-friendly. We have two versions of the DISO+ (one with a summing switch on the 1/4 inch outs only, one with summing on the 1/4 inch AND XLR outs) as well as the mono MISO. Please let us know if you have any product specific questions! pinstripepedals@gmail.com
Thanks for this crystal clear explanation, Alex. It's exactly that line isolation/groundlift issue, that makes the difference. Like you said: It's not necessary until you run into those problems in live situations. If you can spend the money on an isolation box, there's one less thing to worry about. Simple as that.
Hi Alex, nice explanation. It's never a problem - until it is. Different scenario than a ground issue I know, but that's one reason why I always have a backup for everything on every gig.
Thanks Mark! I totally agree with that.
In my mind, if anything ever fails on this massive pedalboard, I can always pull off the HX Stomp and use any of the all-in-one presets I built. It's great having the HX Stomp on the board for that reason.
If the HX Stomp fails, I can patch stuff through and run straight into a backline amp
Hi ... you've made lots of valid points, but I'm pretty sure a couple of them aren't right. First, is what you refer to as differential output - balanced signals must have that characteristic so either L6 has mislabeled and oversold their product, or it does in fact send that differential output ... because that is what a balanced signal is, by definition. I'd assume the latter. BTW, transformers aren't required to provide inverted signals - other mechanism can be used. Also, a line isolator, as I understand it, is not about the whether it takes a low or high impedance signal. As I understand it, a standard DI will drop the output volume sent down the XLR by having a coil with fewer turns on one side of the transformer compared to the other. A line isolator will have the same number of coil turns on both sides, resulting in an output signal down the XLRs at the same volume as what went into it. So a line isolator will have a hotter signal than a DI for a given input level. Some sound guys prefer the XLR signal to the snake to be at lower (i.e. mic) level to avoid cross talk affecting mic level signals, like mics, from adjacent cables ... that point is up for debate, I reckon but let's assume we want to keep the sound guy happy. With that in mind, a standard stereo DI should do the job just fine; keyboardists have been using the Radial ProD2 forever to great effect and the variables here should be largely the same, though I admit the ISO box in your vid is a tasty bit of kit with some great features like the Jensens and that sum to mono. I'm happy to be corrected.
Have the SM2+2 ans use the DISO+ side for Iridium, excellent result, very happy, the owner Charlie Fox is also a great guy. He sent it to Istanbul and checked everything was alright. Great video!👏🏻👏🏻👋🏼
Yeah I’ve heard this is a great partner for the Iridium! I’ve been very happy with it
I've started using an HX stomp, I always try to use an amp and not rely on the simulator sounds because I never know what I'm gonna get at the venue. But with all the touring we're doing I feel like I should have something like this as insurance. The advice is all over the place but you explained it really well. Thank you
It really shines through a FOH with a keen sound tech.
Depending on where people are in the world, the german made Palmer PLI 02 might be a “budget” alternative, missing linkout and stereo sum though.
Good call! I'd never heard of that brand
I’ve been wanting a Diso+ for a while. Hopefully I’ll be getting one next month when they ship the new batch.
Cool! I always thought loading down line signals to mic level and then reboosting was utterly stupid... I mainly use phantomblockers for my Helix, but I see a thousand uses for this box ;-)
Thanks, really well presented and covered a lot of info that wasn't quick to find elsewhere. subscribed
This is the first time coming across your channel. It popped up in my feed.
Let me tell you, this is an amazing explanation of a variety of topics. I am working on a new HXstomp based rig for grab and go gigs.
You know... for all my gigs coming up.
But seriously great video man!
Thank you Brian! I’m glad it was helpful. I’ve gigged maybe 10 times since March, and they were all pretty odd. I’m hoping 2021 brings some more work for us all
@@AlexPriceMusician cheers to that bud!
Maybe someone else already made this comment, but if you run a balanced cable and lose the hot lead, only the out-of-phase signal gets through, and you’ve got yourself an unbalanced out-of-phase cable. In a stereo setup with one faulty cable you can get the situation mentioned in the video.
Running stereo is nice but the sound guy really has to be on the same team for it to make a big difference
Best comment. The struggle real.
I bought Phantom blockers for my Helix floor, but realized you have to wait a little before connecting them to the Helix after being connected to the mixer. So now I use XLR to TRS adapters going to the mixer and I run in on line in jacks, set the the Helix XLR outs to line level, so there is enough signal to run line in and no chance of receiving phantom power. It needs to work fool proof in a live situation with no ifs and maybes ;-) Great video!
Great comment Christian - thanks for sharing. One thing I was not aware of at the time is that you can also get a such thing as an in-line ground lift. If you're set on going the TRS to XLR route with a phantom power blocker, might also be wise to invest in that inline ground lift for the inevitable day that you'll need it. A bit bulky as opposed to a simple DI box, but it should work well.
@@AlexPriceMusician In the case of the Helix floor it has a built in ground lift, but I don't even think that applies when you go TRS into the mixer, I could be wrong though. I'll have to read up on that ;-)
Ahh - Helix Floor. My reading comprehension is lacking haha
Just ordered one for my hx pedal board!
I just sold off my Kemper rig to build a medium board with the ACS1 as my direct option. I run my reverbs/delays afterwards, and running direct from the Walrus R1 I do have good tone, but have noticed in a couple different applications needing to crank the gain on the preamp and having that add a bit of unneeded noise. I originally was looking at more of the goodwood interfacer as more of a stereo to mono summing, but thinking the xlr outputs and protection from phantom power with the added bonus of a ground loop if need be.
I wasn't really sure exactly what this does and why it was needed, so thank you so much for being so informative and well spoken on what this does and why it might be needed. Definitely plan on grabbing one when I can!
Glad it was helpful Michael - I will say to double check if the ACS1 is outputting a low or high impedance signal. Low impedance = you’re gonna want the DISO or a similar line isolator (I have yet to find a similar product from any other company). High impedance = you’ll want a standard direct box.
Walrus Audio Canvas Stereo would be the alternative. Great video man I learned alot!
Yeah that only came out recently. Walrus copied Pinstripe's design.
Some alternatives are: radial twin-iso, radial pro-iso, radial stagebug sb-6 and palmer pli-02
Great Video! Quick question - did you run TS(unbalanced) cables or TRS (balanced) cables from the HX Stomp to the DISO+?
Unbalanced. The DISO is only expecting to see a TS connection
Great video Alex, lot of mixed info out there. Di for the ground noise is a must. You should do a tracking video also. I never track the stomp with the USB as the sound is not great. There are guys who say my tone videos don't match when they track and the reason is that the usb line out does some impedance or other mismatch...
I may be wrong but I believe you can change the output from line level to Hi Z and vise versa. So in saying that running the Stomp into a DI box will further lower the signal isn't true if you change the output from line level to Hi Z in the settings. I know for sure I can do it in my full size Helix. But I'm not sure about the Stomp because I leave it at one of the churches I play bass at.
Kind of correct - you can switch between line and instrument level output on the Stomp but the impedance doesn’t change. It’s always a low impedance output. A standard DI box will pad down the signal where this one will not. The transformer is a 1:1 winding for that exact reason.
TLDR: a normal DI box will work fine if you want to send a line level signal and boost it up again at the console, but if you’re buying a DI Box specifically for this purpose, my opinion is that you might as well get the one designed exactly for it.
@@AlexPriceMusician I see. Yes I agree buying the one designed for it is a wise choice. Also. Why doesn't the impedance change when changing the signal from line to Hi Z? What's the point of having the option then?
That must be a separate option only on the larger Helix devices. My Stomp and Stomp XL only show the option for mic/line
@@AlexPriceMusician oh ok I see. Thanks
Thanks for the info. I keep running into ground issues when I try to run my hx stomp direct to interface and into my tube amp at the same time (trying to match tones in my daw thru the same IR/chain). Also happens when I run Boss MS-3 into HX into real amp. Line isolater seems like what I need.
Thanks for the video. Wanted to know who made your pedal board?
fantastic video. I'm not sure if a line isolator would work in my scenario because I want to run stereo effects after the hx stomp then send to front of house. Do you know if I have to use an active or passive di, if im using active and passive pickup guitars with the stomp. Thank you :)
Even though you explained everything very clearly I'm still struggling to understand this stuff haha. On the whole "reducing line level outputs down to mic level and then boosting them back up" thing, isn't that what keyboard players have been doing for decades, going through DI's? Is there something about guitars/amp modellers that make doing this more problematic than with keyboards? Cheers
Hi Alex,
I have a question about D.I.s for the stomp.
I've watched a video where you were introducing accessories for the stomp. I have 2 stomps and an XL. I bought 1 DISO+ and found another used. So, 2 of the stomps are covered. But, I have this old whirlwind hotbox that is an active DI. It uses 2 9V batteries which is really expensive if I used it a lot. Or, you can power it with phantom power. You mentioned in the same video that it could damage the stomp to run phantom power to it. And, I think you were saying that running trs cables directly to the outputs of the stomp could do the damage. But, I read specs on this DI from whirlwind that it IS an iso box. Could you clarify this for me?
Thanks,
Butch
Hey Butch - your Whirlwind DI should take very minimal current. I’d think a 9v would last at least a year. The main difference between a DI and a line isolator is that the DI will pad down your signal. It may say iso since the terms are interchangeable to most, but if I had to guess it’s probably a DI. A line isolator will have the same level leaving the unit that had entered it.
About TRS cables - a TRS to XLR cable is fine in most circumstances. It lacks a ground lift and protection from phantom compared to a DI or line isolator, but if you’re only playing at the same couple venues and have never needed a ground lift, you’re fine using those cables.
And lastly about the phantom power statement - Line 6’s official word is that phantom power should not damage the Stomp. If it’s working correctly, it should short that 48v current to the chassis. I’ve followed HX Stomp forums long enough to notice a pattern of posts related to phantom power adding noise or damaging the Stomp so I thought I should mention it here.
@@AlexPriceMusician
Yes, it is a DI. But you can power the DI with phantom power instead of a battery. Are you saying it's just safer to run a battery?
i always a very cheap Behringer HD400 Hum Destroyer (dual mono/stereo)
it costs just 24 bucks (in euro) N does wonders on your signal (improve clarity/dynamic)
SO, I bought a MISO version, because I use my hx stomp in only Mono, with my bass. So should I set my output from the stomp to line, then instead of Instrument when using the MISO? Our sound guy says my signal is extremely hot, coming through to the board.
Interesting video. How about the Palmer PLI 02 line isolator?
Seems like a similar product, though the input is XLR and it doesn’t have summing to mono
The input on the Palmer PLI 02 is actually a Neutrik combination socket input (XLR & jack socket). Great video btw! You saved me from forum hell.
Hola Luis, has probado la Palmer finalmente? Gracias!!
@@ramongarcia5370 no nada...
what’s ur global output settings in the stomp for live gig ? and do you use Line isolator or DI for the DISO ?
I have an issue where my signal is too hot when running TRS to XLR, do you have any idea why this could be happening?
Is your output set to line level in global settings? Check that and try changing it to instrument.
Thank you for this video! Could you perhaps advise if a DI is needed/could help in the studio if a fx pedal like the Helix is in the loop. E.g I currently use my Helix with 2 signal channel outputs, (XLR for both) FX and Dry. Then in Cubase when I record... I track both the dry and fx at the same time.
I do feel the dry signal is not as loud as it can be, but at the same time, the signal from the Helix seems to be quite hot going into the audio interface, could adding a DI or line Isolator in the middle of the DRY out and the Audio interface help to resolve this? 🤔
Hey dude! thanks for the video! But ,wouldn't other Radial options (besides a DI) be the Radial Twin Iso (also with Jensen Transformer), as well as the Pro- Iso and the Stagebug SB-6? These all seem to do same thing right? Line isolators?
The Radial Twin has an XLR input, but otherwise yeah it’s a similar product. The Pro-ISO actually does the complete opposite of what you’d want - it takes a balanced, line level signal and converts it to mic level unbalanced. The Stagebug SB-6 is a line isolator, but is TRS to TRS.
@@AlexPriceMusician - With the Stagebug SB-6 couldn't you then just use two TRS jack to XLR cables, for connection to the stage snake or PA?
Yeah, that’d work fine I imagine. Some stage boxes even have a few TRS connections. Your call!
The DISO as mentioned has a few extra features that make it flexible like summing and thru outputs. I also like the idea of just sticking with standard XLR cables - venues will have hundreds of these. You don’t have to worry about bringing your own or what will happen if one of your TRS to XLR male cables goes bad.
I think the stage bug and converter cables will work fine though
@@AlexPriceMusician - Cheers for the reply, I greatly appreciate it!
I've just sent you an email, with a few other questions, which I hope you will reply to 😊
Cheers, I'm pleased to hear that.
I've been using a Stereo DI, Radial ProD2, until now, and found your video, and it got me thinking..
Well, all those questions are in my mail.
@@AlexPriceMusician thank you!
I had a question that isn’t quite related, but maybe you might be able to answer it. I’m using a pedalboard rig into a Headrush FRFR112 with some Tech 21 Character type pedals onto a Two Notes Cab M. My question is would I need an interface or some other device to replace the Headrush FRFR112 with some studio monitor speakers (such as KRK Rokit or Yahama HS5)? Thanks.
As I understand if Im going from the stomp into two passive DI boxes with 1/4 inch TS cables I should set the output to line level to avoid having too much noise? Ive had a noise issue at a gig recently but have had no issue in other venues with the same set up.
Yeah, that’ll be best. It just ensures that you don’t have to boost the signal later. If it’s a crappy preamp, boosting a very quiet signal could introduce a bunch of white noise.
Sending an instrument level signal into a standard DI box will lower the lever even more than usual and can create this problem. Sending a line level signal will help.
Hi Alex. Thanks for the video. So if my Stomp connects via TRS to XLR to the Hi Z input of a digital mixer, my Stomp will not get damaged if the 48v phantom power is turned on unintentionally?
You should use a low impedance input, but that’s not a huge deal. According to Line 6, the Stomp should just force the 48v to ground and not damage the unit, though it might affect the sound. I’ve heard other stories though. I enjoy the peace of mind of using a DI box in between the mixer and my Stomp.
Hi Alex, great video as always. I’m trying to work out the best way for me to put together a rig for a gig this weekend and have a couple of questions (sorry in advance, kinda long but should be easy answers!).
You mention that differential outputs are not included in the HX Stomp. I can certainly believe this, but surely then when the signal arrives at the FOH board (which doesn't know whether it is flipped or not) it flips the phase of one of the signals and we would end up with no signal?
Secondly, you say that the normal impedance conversion in the DI box reduces the signal level (and therefore increases signal to noise ratio), but this could be mitigated by running a line signal from the Stomp. Does changing the signal level sent from the stomp actually change the output impedance? Or just the level at which the signal is sent? If the latter, then surely it makes no difference regarding signal to noise ratio (unless you’re talking about because of the gain applied at the FOH mixer)? Maybe I’m misunderstanding here.
Finally, I didn’t fully understand the bit about the phase cancellation in the monitors. Understand the principle, but why would having a DI (or Line Isolator) box fix that? Surely the same signals get sent to FOH (just with proper phase flipped outputs), and the same signals are returned to the monitors? So the issue would have still existed?
great video! Is that issue with 48V possibly damaging your device solved with a regular DI box?
Yep - the DI box will short it to ground.
I'm worried about running my hx into a homebuilt power amp- I cant find any actual info on the output impedance of the hx stomps balanced outputs. my power amp input is 8k minimum impedance. i don't think they have to be balanced inputs- but i'm wondering if I should run my hx stomp instrument out straight into a higher quality dual transformer isolated preamp
Clear explanation, thx.
Good Evening Alex, I really enjoyed the video, I'm now looking at getting one to go with my HX Stomp.
With regards to the bal/ unbal connection from stomp to DISO+, which is the recommended method to achieve best performance?
Hi Nathan - if you’re not using a DI box, you’re going to want to go with a TRS to XLR cable to send to FOH. For a lot of people, this works fine. At some point, you might find you need a ground lift so that’d be the biggest selling point to getting a DI box of your own.
If you’re using a DI box with the Stomp, just go with a TS (unbalanced) cable. A DI box is meant to see an unbalanced connection anyway.
@@AlexPriceMusician Thank you for the reply. I have been using a mono DI box, however I now want the option of stereo or Wet/Dry without the volume drop of a DI box, hence the desire for a line isolator with a ground lift.
To clarify, I'm wondering whether or not the Diso+ accepts balanced 1/4 inch as well as unbalanced.
If it does, is it better to go HX Stomp (balanced output) > Diso+ (balanced input ) to achieve a better signal to noise ratio or is it the same either way?
Please tell me how I can run the stomp XL to my headrush cab and still use the volume but also run to front of house. I do have a deep eye box but I'm not exactly sure on the best way to do this
I would feed your personal monitor with the headphone output and use the main L/R to send to front of house. In global settings, make sure you have the volume control set to headphones only and not Main + H/P.
For your headphone to monitor connection, you could just use a normal TS cable and you'll be hearing the left side of your patch, which is fine if your presets are mono. If you use a TRS or TRS to XLR cable to connect to the Headrush, you'll hear nothing as your signal will be out of phase, especially on mono presets. If you want to use the headphone jack in stereo and connect to a mono speaker like the Headrush, I would use a long TRS-Y cable and use each side to connect to the Headrush's two inputs.
Hi Alex,
Would you recommend a walrus acs1 use a pinstripe diso+?
Im playing in a big stage where the FOH is far from the stage.
Is there any alternative for the diso+? I find it very expensive at the moment.
Definitely. You'll want a balanced signal and the ACS1 doesn't do that. You could check out the MISO (mono version of the DISO+) at almost half the cost.
I use pod go direct to mixer on live gig,but the sound become fizzy,,too much treble ,will this solve my problem? Thanks in advance for reply
How do you know when you run into a ground loop issue? Like what does it do? I’m switching to the digital world, and I’m working on my board right now, but I had no idea I needed this box. I play a lot of venues almost every weekend.
You'll hear it for sure. A ground hum can be caused by a number of different things and can sound different depending on what the cause is. It'll be as loud or louder than your signal.
Great video! thank you. I'm doubting if I will benefit from e.g. the walrus canvas: my last in chain pedal is the UAFX dream 65 and I mainly play at home connecting to my audio interface (which I believe doesnt have balanced inputs)
If you’re just recording, I’d say save your money. Your interface probably does have balanced inputs if there is a line in but if you’re running a short cable, an unbalanced, line level signal running to a high impedance input (on your interface, you probably have a switch that says “instrument”) is just fine.
Hi. Is it okay to use Radial StageBug as DI Box for HX Stomp?
Nice video and informative. You raise up a great point most people won’t buy shit until something really really really messed up happens to them. That’s why they buy a $200 pedal and cheap ass cables on Amazon. Just like yourself you didn’t have a direct box prior till something really bad happening to you I think you’re trying to warn people but they are thick and cheap LOL
It took me a while to realize that good audio equipment is worth the money, but I'm here now. You're right - if I weren't so stubborn I wouldn't have had to learn it for myself.
Radial has IC-1 Ice Cube Line isolator
Those are XLR-input
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think it’s also great for using two instruments (in my case bass guitar and double bass) with HX Stomp. Both instruments could have their own balanced output and a sum could be sent to the amp, right?
Correct! Honestly though I think you'd be fine with the mono version for that application. Just set up a couple different presets for each instrument and make sure they're at the same level. If your sound guy wants different feeds though, that's a different story.
@@AlexPriceMusician That’s the story - acoustic IRs (for upright) are much quieter than signal from active bass guitar, so it’s hard to set the same level for them. And i think it’s also making life easier for sound guys (and therefore for me) if they can have different feeds. Could you explain yet what is the purpose and application of XLR summing mod? Thanks for the answer and for your videos - I’ve learned a lot from your channel!
@@romanchraniuk2330 Of course! The reason for a summing switch on the XLR outputs might be to run mono if needed. Maybe the sound guy doesn't like that the guitarist is taking up two channels for whatever reason or maybe the in ear monitor rig only has room for one guitar input. If you've built a stereo rig, now you might have the issue that you're missing half of it (in older stereo chorus pedals, they were usually made up of the left side being vibrato and the right side being a dry-thru tone for example).
Another way to make this work without getting a summing mod would just be (as long as the HX Stomp is the last pedal before the DISO) to unplug the right output before starting it up. If there's only one jack plugged in upon startup, the Helix will automatically sum everything to mono to fit on that one cable. A pretty nice feature to have!
Hi, great video! What are your thoughts on this:
Radial Engineering PRO ISO Stereo Line Isolator +4dB to -10dB with Radial Transformer
First off - you might notice that the inputs are XLR. When I read into the product description a bit, it's actually made to take a line level balanced signal and convert it to mic level unbalanced. Radial has SO many different DI box-type products it gets really confusing. This doesn't really have a place on a pedalboard, unless you've got a properly balanced, line level signal already and are looking to plug it in into a guitar amp.
@@AlexPriceMusician I understand, thanks for your help!
Agustin, the Radial Pro D2 is best choice in this case, or the Radial JDI Stereo (Jensen) if you have alot of money to spend. And for those on a tight budget who play only mono I recommend the Behringer DI400P Ultra-DI Passive Direct Injection Box. Anyway, the DISO Plus seems a great choice too, but harder to get here in Europe that the Radial stuff.
www.radialeng.com/product/prod2
I have a gig to play two days from now..
This is really frustraing 😞
I will be using two outputs from the stomp
Go out with two normal guitar cables ( TS cable )
Go In to two DI boxes the venue provides
Go out from DI with xlr to foh
Since the stomp alreday has a low impedance output, using di boxes (which has high impedance input and drops it again to lower impedance) , will drop volume about 15db..??
Should I boost all my presets to compensate for this..??
Is this going to be a problem?
Thank you very much
Using a normal DI box won’t be an issue! The sound dude/sheila will just have to boost you a bit.
This video isn’t meant to convince anyone that the DISO is the only solution. There are a lot of ways to achieve great isolation. A DI box will work fine if that’s what you or the venue already has. If you don’t have your own DI box and the time comes that you’re looking to purchase, the DISO is the best thing out there and I highly recommend it for any professional.
What about a Behringer Ultra DI20, would this suffice?
It'll balance the signal and give you a ground lift if you need it, so yeah. The Behringer DIs are pretty bad though. A/B it against a quality one if you can some time.
I don't know if this has already been commented on, but "chassis" is pronounced without the "s" sound on the end. Like "chasee"
Why is playing in a Jazz group make it weird for playing in stereo? You might be too young to know about the early days of pick-up splits and parallel pick up routing. While not quite "stereo" there are 60's tube amps that run two signals, one in each speaker (for each pick up). The Magnitone reissues explored this and I own a 60's Ampeg that does this. While the initial idea was for jazz players to address each pick-up, the Roland JC-120 was the amp that tought us how to utilize stereo effects with a combo amp with a single input, but a stereo effect return (you'd bypass the mono pre AND just plug in to the stereo return). Then there is the idea of dual mono amps (phase issues...etc). Long and short....playing with two channels is nothing new. If its "stereo" or parallel processing or "wet/dry/wet" or dual mono...it just takes a matrix router and you have all of those options.
Your vid about "mod pre or post time" (I'm paraphrasing) should be sorted out via a matrix.
If you are unsure of what a matrix router is, the Sound Scuplture Switchblade system is "academically" where to start. Since you own a Morningstar Engineering device, perhaps the ML-10X is where you want to start.
If parallel amps vs amp pedal as distortion/preamp pedals might be your cup of tea, the ML-10 is your bag. Or maybe you own a H9? Half of the effects are "pre" effects/amp and half are "post" effects/amp, vs owning two of those pedals, just rearrange where it exists, per patch Just my 2 cents. I don't play at churches. I've just made ambient guitar noise since the 90's. .
at 4:21 did you mean to say instrument level?
No, line level. Ordinary DI boxes are built to take a line level signal and pad it down to mic / instrument level.
lol at that pronunciation of chassis.
🙏🙏👍
To me this matter is hard to understand
No then..
ChaSIS? Ha. Guy, it's pronounced chass-ee.
This is old but will the diso+ benefit you in a recording environment only if using a dsp rig like amp sim pedal rigs? Getting a clean signal is what i am trying to achieve here for recording purposes.