Implementing DI (Hi z inputs) on preamps
Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 5:09 pm
hi all,
i have been collecting a heap of parts transformers, meters, doa's etc.
it is my plan to build a pair each of about 6 diff kinds of pres (1272/1290 style, api 312 style, ssl 9k, jlm twin servo etc, and rack up an audix 35102 and 35302 channel strips calrec pq1253 strips, and yamaha pm1000 channels.
I will be mainly recording hi z instruments (acoustic, and electric guitars - passive pickups, and through old guitar pedals (usually have a high output impendance) and low line level signals (analog synths and keyboards (fender rhodes, hohner pianet, yamaha cp30 and effects)
I have convinced myself that the magic 'funk' im after is gonna be imparted by those lovely transformers ive been collecting (marinair, sowter, carnhill, lhundahl etc).
i have noticed that the usual way to implement a di input is to bypass the input transformer and connect to the first gain stage (transistor or op amp).
synths and samplers can often sound a bit too squeaky clean and 'static' when the outputs are going straight into the soundcard. I want to hopefully impart that 'iron' on to the sounds.
My question are: (sorry if i am a bit unclear)
1. Will implementing a (HI-z) di input to run through the transformer give me the 'funk' or the 'iron' sound that comes from transformers?
2. Is it desirable or even possible to do this??
3. Would i be better off racking like these 12 pres without D.i inputs and then make simple (are there simple circuits around) di boxes that i could connect between the hi z sources and mic pres when needed.
i know on a technical level it would seem stupid to go unbalanced to balanced and then back again just to get to use an input tranny but maybe it would flavour the sound the way i would like.
p.s - im into 70's disco and funk so those huge tape sounds. i want my hi hat's to go 'ssssh' instead of 'tuk'. I also love those 'shit' cardboard drum sounds that many people laugh at. Good old rock records also have the type of sound im after.
thanks guys
i have been collecting a heap of parts transformers, meters, doa's etc.
it is my plan to build a pair each of about 6 diff kinds of pres (1272/1290 style, api 312 style, ssl 9k, jlm twin servo etc, and rack up an audix 35102 and 35302 channel strips calrec pq1253 strips, and yamaha pm1000 channels.
I will be mainly recording hi z instruments (acoustic, and electric guitars - passive pickups, and through old guitar pedals (usually have a high output impendance) and low line level signals (analog synths and keyboards (fender rhodes, hohner pianet, yamaha cp30 and effects)
I have convinced myself that the magic 'funk' im after is gonna be imparted by those lovely transformers ive been collecting (marinair, sowter, carnhill, lhundahl etc).
i have noticed that the usual way to implement a di input is to bypass the input transformer and connect to the first gain stage (transistor or op amp).
synths and samplers can often sound a bit too squeaky clean and 'static' when the outputs are going straight into the soundcard. I want to hopefully impart that 'iron' on to the sounds.
My question are: (sorry if i am a bit unclear)
1. Will implementing a (HI-z) di input to run through the transformer give me the 'funk' or the 'iron' sound that comes from transformers?
2. Is it desirable or even possible to do this??
3. Would i be better off racking like these 12 pres without D.i inputs and then make simple (are there simple circuits around) di boxes that i could connect between the hi z sources and mic pres when needed.
i know on a technical level it would seem stupid to go unbalanced to balanced and then back again just to get to use an input tranny but maybe it would flavour the sound the way i would like.
p.s - im into 70's disco and funk so those huge tape sounds. i want my hi hat's to go 'ssssh' instead of 'tuk'. I also love those 'shit' cardboard drum sounds that many people laugh at. Good old rock records also have the type of sound im after.
thanks guys